This PhD position at the University of Twente offers an exciting opportunity to work at the intersection of academia and industry, in collaboration with global leaders Apollo Tyres and LANXESS. The project focuses on the development of sustainable, smart additive delivery systems designed to enhance the durability and functionality of next-generation rubber composites. The successful candidate will be jointly supervised by the Elastomer Technology and Engineering (ETE) group and the Sustainable Polymer Chemistry (SPC) group, providing a multidisciplinary research environment with access to state-of-the-art facilities. The core research activities include the formulation and design of novel protective systems using sustainable materials, precise control over carrier morphology, and the development of mechanisms for functional additive delivery. The candidate will integrate these systems into elastomer formulations, test their performance under industrially relevant conditions, and conduct comprehensive mechanical, chemical, and aging analyses to demonstrate improvements in product lifetime and durability. Applicants should possess a Master’s degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Polymer Engineering, or Chemical Engineering, with strong practical experience in elastomer/rubber technology, polymer chemistry, and/or colloidal formulations. The ability to manage projects from laboratory synthesis to industrial-scale testing is essential, as is proficiency in English and effective communication skills in a diverse research environment. The position is fully funded for four years, with a competitive salary ranging from €3,059 to €3,881 per month, plus holiday and year-end bonuses, a solid pension scheme, and support for relocation and immigration. The University of Twente provides a dynamic and supportive setting, with regular meetings with industrial partners and access to advanced research infrastructure. To apply, candidates should submit a single PDF containing a motivation letter, CV, academic transcripts, and contact details or letters for at least two academic references via the University of Twente careers portal by January 18, 2026. Interviews are scheduled for early February 2026. For further information, prospective applicants may contact Prof. Anke Blume or Prof. Frederik Wurm through their departmental pages. This position is ideal for motivated researchers eager to contribute to the advancement of sustainable, high-performance rubber materials in a collaborative, international environment.

The University of Twente is offering a fully funded four-year PhD position focused on the development of sustainable additive systems for enhanced rubber durability. This high-profile project is a collaboration between the ETE (Elastomer Technology and Engineering) group and the SPC (Sustainable Polymer Chemistry) group at UT, in partnership with Apollo Tyres Ltd and LANXESS. The research aims to design smart carrier systems that protect functional additives during high-shear processing, integrate these systems into rubber matrices using advanced polymer chemistry, and evaluate the mechanical, chemical, and aging performance of the resulting materials. Applicants should have a Master’s degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Polymer Engineering, or Chemical Engineering, with practical experience in elastomer/rubber technology, polymer chemistry, or colloidal formulations. The position requires independent project management skills, from laboratory synthesis to industrial-scale testing, and excellent English communication abilities. The successful candidate will benefit from joint academic-industrial supervision, access to state-of-the-art research facilities, and the opportunity to contribute directly to sustainability in the elastomer and tire industry. The funding package includes a competitive salary starting at €3,059 per month and rising to €3,881, holiday and year-end bonuses, pension scheme, and support for re-housing and immigration. The application deadline is January 18, 2026, and candidates should submit a single PDF containing a motivation letter, CV, academic transcripts, and references via the UT careers page. Supervisors for this position are Prof. Anke Blume and Prof. Frederik Wurm, both based at the University of Twente. For more information, candidates can refer to the department pages or contact the HR advisor listed in the vacancy. This opportunity is ideal for motivated researchers passionate about advanced materials, green chemistry, and making a real impact in sustainable technology. The project offers a multidisciplinary environment and regular interaction with industrial partners, ensuring relevance and high impact in the field of rubber science and polymer engineering.

The University of Twente invites applications for two PhD positions in the Department of Molecules and Materials, focusing on the development of degradable polymers with in-situ optical sensing as part of the national GroenvermogenNL HyFINE initiative. HyFINE is a collaborative project uniting academic and industrial partners to advance green chemistry, aiming to shift from fossil feedstocks to sustainable sources and achieve climate-neutral, circular production of chemicals for adhesives, paints, plastics, and cosmetics. As a PhD student, you will be at the forefront of research on degradable polymers, leveraging organic chemistry to modify polymers using green hydrogen, electrons, and photons. Your work will involve systematic studies of molecular structure-degradation correlations, optimization of light sources for polymer degradation, and the development of in-situ optical sensing platforms (including UV-VIS and Raman spectroscopies) to monitor degradation rates. You will collaborate closely with industrial partners to source starting polymers, access biodegradation testing platforms, and receive guidance on targeting material properties for real-world applications. These positions offer the opportunity to make a real-world impact by upscaling synthesized materials and building sensing platforms for industry-relevant testing. You will benefit from world-class facilities at the University of Twente, a vibrant campus equipped with state-of-the-art research infrastructure. The research will be conducted under the guidance of Prof. Frederik Wurm and Dr. Ivana Qianqi Lin in the Sustainable Polymer Chemistry and Hybrid Materials for Opto-electronics group, alongside industrial researchers from BASF and SULIS Polymers. The Faculty of Science & Technology (Technische Natuurwetenschappen, TNW) at the University of Twente is renowned for its research in chemical technology, applied physics, and biomedical technology, with a strong emphasis on sustainable energy, process technology, materials science, nanotechnology, and technical medicine. The faculty fosters internationalization and boundaryless collaboration, working intensively with industrial partners and researchers both in the Netherlands and abroad. Successful candidates will be appointed for four years as PhD researchers, with a competitive salary ranging from €3,059 gross per month in the first year to €3,881 gross per month in the fourth year. Additional benefits include holiday allowance, year-end bonus, pension scheme, parental leave, support for re-housing and immigration, and access to recreational and sports facilities on campus. Professional and personal development programs are available through Graduate School Twente. Applicants must hold a BSc or MSc in Chemistry, with proven skills in polymer synthesis, organic chemistry, and optics. Experience with sustainable polymer solutions, biopolymers, and bio-/photo-degradation is desirable. Fluency in English, strong motivation for scientific research, and the ability to work collaboratively are essential. Applications should include a personal motivation letter, detailed CV, one reference from a former supervisor, and academic transcripts. The selection process will involve an interview and a scientific presentation. For further information, visit the group page or contact Prof. Frederik Wurm or Dr. Ivana Qianqi Lin. Apply online by March 31, 2026, to be considered for both positions. Join us in shaping the future of sustainable materials and technologies!