Temporary contract | 48 months (first initial contract of 14 months) | Hautcharage

Are you passionate about research? So are we! Come and join us

The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) is a Research and Technology Organization (RTO) active in the fields of materials, environment and IT. By transforming scientific knowledge into technologies, smart data and tools, LIST empowers citizens in their choices, public authorities in their decisions and businesses in their strategies.

In 2024, LIST and GOODYEAR signed the second phase of their partnership, 2024-2029, building on the outcomes of their previous collaboration and entering new technological areas as well. GOODYEAR-LIST partnership 2.0 embraces Luxembourg's National priorities, such as Sustainability, Digital transformation and Circular economy, through the execution of six Strategic Research Programs: Data Science for Tires, Tire as a Sensor, End-of-Life Tire Valorization, Sustainable Materials for Non-Pneumatic Tires, Sustainable Materials for Next Generation of Pneumatic Tires, Structure-Process-Properties Relationships.

The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) in partnership with Goodyear and with the support of an Industrial Partnership Block Grant (IPBG) from the Luxembourg National Research Fund (FNR) will drive significant research and development focused on next-generation sustainable tire materials including new types of polymers and rubbers.

As part of it, we are currently looking for a PhD student in development of novel sealant formulations for tyre applications.

How will you contribute?

The primary objective of the IPBG “Future tire technologies for sustainable mobility” is to improve the understanding, performance and sustainability of materials and processes used in future tire technologies. A future tire, as a highly complex composite material, needs to fulfil a wide range of performance criteria that cannot be achieved without expertise in chemistry and physics.

Do you have proven skills in chemistry, polymer chemistry and chemical/mechanical characterization?

This PhD position will give you the opportunity to develop, synthesize and characterize innovative solutions for efficient sealant formulations in the context of a collaborative project with Goodyear Luxembourg.

A post-cure sealant is an important constituent of a pneumatic tire. The sealant consists of a self-sealing polymer layer on the inner surface of the tire that prevents a loss of tire pressure in the case of a puncture by an external object.

The present project is devoted to understanding in depth the current curing mechanism of post cure sealants and to develop innovative and alternative sealant formulations compatible with the performance and manufacturing process requirements of Goodyear.

Your specific activities will include (but are not limited to):

• Understanding the current state-of-the-art and identify main challenges and solutions.
• Developing and synthesizing novel curing systems and novel sealant formulations.
• Characterizing sealant formulations (NMR, HPLC-HRMS, IR, GPC, rheology, DMA, TGA…)
• Characterizing curing mechanism and kinetics.
• Communicating and working closely with researchers in other work packages of the partnership to support the development of analytical methods relevant to novel sealant technologies.
• Disseminating project results through project reports and deliverables, scientific publications in journals and conferences and presentations at industry events, participate in regular meetings, effectively communicating findings in a professional fashion in both oral and written form, interacting constructively and in a positive with a diverse group of colleagues and contributing to the success of the project.

Is Your profile described below? Are you our future colleague? Apply now!

You hold a Master’s degree in Chemistry / Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science or a related field, and wish to carry out impactful, high quality experimental research in collaboration with a diverse group of colleagues. You enjoy learning new things, using your creativity to solve problems, and taking advantage of opportunities to build your skills. You’re used to communicating effectively in English, both in writing and orally, and documenting your work. You are careful, conscientious, and well organized in the lab, happy to work with others and motivated to make a difference in what you do.

Your LIST benefits

• An organization with a passion for impact and strong RDI partnerships in Luxembourg and Europe that works on responsible and independent research projects
• Sustainable by design, empowering our belief that we play an essential role in paving the way to a green society
• Innovative infrastructures and exceptional labs occupying more than 5,000 square metres, including innovations in all that we do
• An environment encouraging curiosity, innovation and entrepreneurship in all areas
• Personalized learning programme to foster our staff’s soft and technical skills
•  Multicultural and international work environment with more than 50 nationalities represented in our workforce
• Diverse and inclusive work environment empowering our people to fulfil their personal and professional ambitions
• Gender-friendly environment with multiple actions to attract, develop and retain women in science
• 32 days paid annual leave, 11 public holidays, 13-month salary, statutory health insurance
•  Flexible working hours, home working policy and access to lunch vouchers

Apply online

Your application must include:

• A motivation letter oriented towards the position and detailing your experience
• A scientific CV with contact details
• List of publications (and patents, if applicable)
• Contact details of 2 references

Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by email will not be considered.

Do you want to know more about LIST? Check our website: https://www.list.lu/

Discover our Materials activities: https://www.list.lu/en/materials/

Application procedure and conditions

We kindly request applicants to provide their nationality for statistical purposes only, as part of our commitment to promoting diversity and ensuring equal opportunities in our workforce. This information will be kept confidential and will not be used for any discriminatory purposes.

LIST is dedicated to maintaining an inclusive work environment and is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to attracting, hiring, and retaining a diverse workforce. All applicants will be considered for employment without discrimination based on national origin, race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, religion, age, or disability.

Applications will be continuously reviewed until the position is filled. An assessment committee will thoroughly evaluate applications, adhering to guidelines designed to ensure equal opportunities. The primary criteria for selection will be the alignment of the applicant's existing skills and expertise with the requirements mentioned above.

Please note that by applying you consent to share your application with Dr. Marcel WIRTZ (R&D Grant and Partnership Manager), Dr. Carolin WELTER (R&D Associate) and Dr. Arnaud WOLF (Staff Engineer) from GOODYEAR.

PhD additional conditions:

• Supervisor at LIST: Dr. Pierre VERGE (LIST),
• Co-supervision: Dr. Laura PUCHOT (LIST),
• Work location: Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), Belvaux, Luxembourg
• PhD enrolment: University of Luxembourg, Belval, Luxembourg

Candidates shall be available for starting their position in autumn 2024. Please note that university enrolment fees (currently 200 EUR per semester) must be covered by the successful applicant.

Your master diploma must be recognized in Luxembourg. Please refer to:

https://www.uni.lu/en/admissions/diploma-recognition/

https://guichet.public.lu/fr/citoyens/enseignement-formation/etudes-superieures/reconnaissance-diplomes.html