JOB TITLE/NAZWA STANOWISKA: Post-doc
PLACE/PODMIOT: Zachodniopomorski Uniwersytet Technologiczny w Szczecinie
REQUIREMENTS/WYMAGANIA:
- PhD degree in chemical or technical sciences.
- Background and practical experience in polymer technology, preferably processing and characterization of biodegradable polymers, composites or nanocomposites.
- Experience working within the research group and managing research projects.
- Scientific achievements in the field of polymers, confirmed by at least 15 JCR publications and participation in at least 2 scientific projects.
- Scientific experience confirmed by at least one internship abroad.
- Practical experience with mechanical and thermal analysis of polymers.
- Ability to perform critical bibliographic studies.
- Ability to analyze obtained data sets and make substantive conclusions.
- Upper-intermediate knowledge of English, orally and in writing.
AIM OF THE PROJECT/CEL PROJEKTU:
The siliCOMP project aims to develop novel, effective compatibilization methods for biobased and biodegradable polyester immiscible blends by dedicated tailor-made functional nanoadditives based on silsesquioxanes (SQs) and processing procedures. A comprehensive approach to increase compatibilization effectiveness will include (i) synthesis of new functional SQs with diverse structures acting as coupling agents; (ii) analysis of functionalization and grafting of poly(ethylene furanoate) (PEF) using SQs in the in-situ synthesis process; (iii) optimization of shear conditions during melt mixing of polylactide(PLA)-PEF blends, including ultra-high shear conditions; (iv) an iterative procedure for adapting the multi-step procedure of introducing SQs into PLA-PEF, while addressing phase separation and supramolecular interactions. There is a need for a paradigm shift in producing new polymer blends with engineered properties. This involves simultaneously considering all interactions between blend components, examining the path from synthesis through modification and processing to the evaluation of final products' end-of-life strategies.
RESPONSIBILITES/ZAKRES OBOWIĄZKÓW:
- Research work within the scope described in the project within WP1.
- Participation in establishing parameters for the syntheses of PEF and PEF/SSQ.
- Participation in PEF synthesis processes.
- Participation in analyzing FTIR data from the in-line monitoring system (launched to polycondensation reactor, scheduled to be purchased in the following project)
- Preparation of samples for testing in melt processing processes.
- Thermal and spectroscopic analysis of PEF grades.
- Support in analysis and interpretation of the results. Except for the research mentioned above tasks.
Except for the research mentioned above tasks, Post-doc will be responsible for the support in the promotion of the project through manuscripts, presentations, conference speeches, and posters presenting data obtained during research works.
We offer the candidate/Kandydatowi oferujemy:
- work in a dynamically developing research team,
- opportunity for scientific development.
Employment Conditions/Warunki zatrudnienia:
- Commencement of works: July 2025
- Duration: 12 months
- Employment form: employment contract
- Funding amount: salary of PLN 11 660 per month (total employer cost)
- Planned competition results: June 1, 2025, 4:00 p.m.
Additional information/Dodatkowe informacje:
- Candidates are requested to submit an application consisting of:
- CV with a cover letter.
- Ph.D. diploma (or equivalent document) and a description of the defended doctoral dissertation.
- List of publications and copies of up to 3 of the best ones.
- Selected candidates may be invited to an interview. Candidates will be informed about the interview date by e-mail.
Deadline and form of submitting documents/Termin i forma składania dokumentów:
- May 30, 2025, 23:59 by email to: spaszkiewicz@zut.edu.pl
- For more information, please contact the project manager: dr hab. inż. Sandra Paszkiewicz, prof. ZUT, email: spaszkiewicz@zut.edu.pl