Two PhD positions in the Department of Molecules and Materials on the Development of Degradable Polymers with In-situ Optical Sensing (Part of the GroenvermogenNL HyFINE initiative)
Join a cutting-edge research project at the University of Twente and help revolutionize sustainable polymers for fine chemicals, materials, surface technologies, solutions for nutrition, care, and agriculture!
HyFINE is a national project uniting a consortium of knowledge institutes and businesses to make chemicals greener and affordable. We are shifting from fossil feedstocks like oils and gas to sustainable sources like waste, using clean energy like green hydrogen and renewable electricity. The goal is to create climate-neutral, circular production of ingredients for applications such as adhesives, paints, plastics and cosmetics. Beyond technology development, HyFINE focuses on training new experts and sharing knowledge to establish the Netherlands as a leader in green chemistry.(www.nwo.nl/en/news/193-million-euro-for-consortium-that-makes-special-and-fine-chemicals-more-sustainable)
As a PhD student within the HyFINE consortium, you'll be at the forefront of developing degradable polymers that may be used in a variety of consumer and industrial application. You'll leverage your expertise in organic chemistry to modify polymers using green chemistry and hydrogen/electrons/photons, enabling biodegradability. You’ll systematically study the impact of molecular structural parameters on material properties and biodegradability (‘structure-degradation correlation’). You’ll also optimize light source for the degradation, and develop in-situ optical sensing platform (e.g., UV-VIS and Raman spectroscopies) to monitor the degradation rate. You will work closely with industrial partners to source the starting polymers, have access to their biodegradation platform for testing modified polymers, and gain advice on targeting material properties of the polymers.
What sets this opportunity apart:
Real-world impact: Collaborate closely with academic and industrial partners, upscaling your synthesized materials, and building your sensing platform for real-world testing and fine-tuning your work based on industry feedback.
World-class facilities: Conduct your research at the University of Twente, a vibrant campus in the east of the Netherlands equipped with state-of-the-art facilities.
Expert guidance: Work alongside renowned experts Prof. Frederik Wurm and Dr. Ivana Qianqi Lin in the Sustainable Polymer Chemistry and Hybrid Materials for Opto-electronics group within the Department of Molecules and Materials, as well as industrial researchers in BASF and SULIS Polymers.
This is your chance to contribute to a more sustainable future while advancing your research career at a leading European university.
Join us in shaping the future of sustainable materials and technologies!
Information and application
Are you interested? Send your application before March 31, 2026 via the provide button and should include:
- Personal motivation letter, emphasizing your specific interest and motivation.
- A detailed CV.
- One reference from your former supervisor (written recommendation) with contact details.
- Academic transcript of BSc. and MSc. education.
Applicants submit one application and will be considered for both positions, with final selection based on expertise and project fit.
An interview and a scientific presentation will be a part of the selection procedure. Applications submitted by means other than the indicated here will not be considered. We reserve the right to speak only to selected candidates.
For more information or questions about the position, please contact Prof.dr. Frederik Wurm or dr. Ivana Qianqi Lin via: (www.utwente.nl/en/tnw/mm)
Screening is part of the selection process.
About the organisation
The Faculty of Science & Technology (Technische Natuurwetenschappen, TNW) engages some 700 staff members and 2000 students in education and research on the cutting edge of chemical technology, applied physics and biomedical technology. Our fields of application include sustainable energy, process technology and materials science, nanotechnology and technical medicine. As part of a people-first tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally and is strengthened by the many young researchers working on innovative projects with as doctoral candidates and post-docs. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.
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