post-doctoral position “Fabrication of durable nanostructured water-repellent fabrics”

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post-doctoral position “Fabrication of durable nanostructured water-repellent fabrics”

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Job description

Offer DescriptionA postdoctoral position is available to develop PFAs-free water-repellent fabrics by combining surface nanostructuration and bio-based coatings. The position, which comprises experimental work and modeling of the links between surface texture and water repellence, is open for 22 months in the Institute of Condensed Matter and Nanosciences of the University of Louvain (UCLouvain, Belgium) in the frame of a multi-partner project.Perfluoroalkyl-based textile coatings provide excellent water repellence to fabrics (garments, outdoor equipment, etc.). However, they are also eternal pollutants that create substantial environmental damage owing to their toxicity and bioaccumulation. It is therefore needed to get rid of them, while finding non-regrettable substituents offering durability, environmental benignness and efficiency. In the project, we aim to study how biobased formulations spread over fabrics of different natural roughness can be embossed by nanostructured soft molds to amplify roughness and thereby provide enhanced water repellence. Our previous work (Materials & Design 2020, 187, 108389; ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 2018, 10, 15346-15351; Surfaces and Interfaces2023, 36, 102524) showed that the natural roughness of fabrics (at the ten micrometer scale) favors water repellence; here, we want to increase further roughness at the sub micrometer scale, in order to amplify water repellence while avoiding the use of toxic chemical products.The successful candidate will design and conduct research experiments to develop such nanostructured coatings and to test their properties in collaboration with a research center specialized in textiles (Centexbel), which will provide the required fabrics and coating formulations. The job requires the ability to assist the principal investigators in establishing priorities to ensure efficient work progression, ensure liaison with other collaborators to guarantee success of the project, write high-quality reports, present results in an attractive way, and contribute to the daily management of the lab.Where to apply E-mail[email protected]RequirementsResearch Field Physics » Chemical physics Education Level PhD or equivalentResearch Field Chemistry » Physical chemistry Education Level PhD or equivalentSkills/QualificationsThe candidate must hold a PhD in polymer or soft matter science or surface science or a closely related field and has to demonstrate a record of personal achievements. In addition, he/she has to have a good command (writing and speaking) of English.Specific Requirements– Knowledge and prior experience in the physical chemistry of surfaces and wetting– Competences in nanostructuration of surfaces (nanoimprint, nanoembossing) or soft lithography is a plus.– Autonomous, team spirit, excellent interpersonal skills– The candidate should be highly motivated, determinate and result oriented.– Strong organizational and project management skills– Skills in supervising the work of others– The ability to work effectively with people of technically diverse backgrounds– Strong written and oral communication skillsLanguages ENGLISH Level ExcellentAdditional InformationBenefitsThis position is a full-time position funded for 22 months. The monthly salary after tax deduction is in the range of 2800 € (depending on the candidate’s professional experience).Eligibility criteriaThe applicant should submit a curriculum vitae including at least two references, a statement of his/her research activities and interests and a list of his/her publications.Additional commentsThe research will be led in the Bio and Soft Matter (BSMA) division of the Institute of Condensed Matter and Nanosciences (IMCN) under the supervision of Prof. Karine Glinel and Prof. Alain M. Jonas. A large part of the activities developed in BSMA covers scientific topics as diverse as biointerfaces and biosensing, biofunctional surfaces and biomaterials for applications in medicine. These lines of research are supported by a strong expertise in polymer synthesis, nano/microfabrication and processing (layer-by-layer deposition, surface grafting, 3D bioprinting, nanoimprint lithography, microcontact printing, micromolding, etc.) as well as in the characterization of surfaces, materials and devices. The IMCN/BSMA lab provides direct access to a large range of techniques such as TEM, SEM, fluorescence and confocal microscopies, XPS, XRR, FTIR, raman and UV spectroscopies, in-situ ellipsometry, profilometry, AFM, ToF-SIMS, contact angle goniometry, rheology, thermal analysis, 3D printing and 3D bioprinting and cell culture facilities.Work Location(s)Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute UCLouvain Country Belgium City Louvain-la-Neuve Postal Code 1348 Street Croix du Sud 1 GeofieldContact CityLouvain-la-Neuve WebsiteStreetCroix du Sud 1, box L7.04.02 Postal CodeB-1348STATUS: EXPIREDShare this page

Expected salary

€2800 per month

Location

Louvain-la-Neuve, Brabant Wallon

Job date

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 06:20:35 GMT

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