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source

University of Maastricht

PhD in Development of Humin-Based Recyclable Networks Maastricht University in Netherlands

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Chemistry

Funding

PhD position with a 12-month contract (1.0 FTE) and the prospect of a 3-year extension based on mutual satisfaction. Salary is €3,204–€4,051 gross per month based on full-time employment of 38 hours per week, plus 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus.

Deadline

Sep 19, 2026

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Country

Netherlands

University

University of Maastricht

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Keywords

Chemistry
Environmental Science
Materials Science
Polymer Chemistry
Rheology
Bio-based Materials

About this position

PhD Candidate in Development of Humin-Based Recyclable Networks at Maastricht University (Netherlands).

This PhD project is part of the NWO project KICHumins and focuses on the development of renewable, recyclable, non-persistent thermoset resins based on humins for adhesive and composite applications. The work is hosted at the Aachen-Maastricht Institute for Biobased Materials (AMIBM), Faculty of Science and Engineering, Maastricht University, with lab work at Brightlands-Chemelot Campus in Geleen/Sittard-Geleen.

The research combines chemistry, materials science, and sustainability-oriented polymer design. The successful candidate will use humins from Avantium to synthesize recyclable networks and study their physico-chemical properties. Application areas include bio-based composites for skis and adhesives for timber panels, in collaboration with industrial partners such as Gemsjäger ski and Kappi.

The project also includes assessment of degradation products and leachates using ecotoxicological assays, as well as persistence, fate, bioaccumulation, LCA, and risk assessment to support safe-and-sustainable-by-design materials. The broader project context includes public-private collaboration with Maastricht University, Leiden University, University of Amsterdam, Avantium, Kappi, and Gemsjäger ski.

Eligibility highlights: MSc degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field; strong skills in organic synthesis, polymer synthesis, and chemical characterization; interest in rheology, DMA, tensile testing, and structure-property relationships; excellent scientific English; strong communication and teamwork skills.

Funding: Full-time PhD appointment with a 12-month contract and the prospect of a 3-year extension. Salary is €3,204–€4,051 gross per month (38 hours/week), plus holiday allowance and year-end bonus.

Deadline: 19 September 2026. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and may close earlier if a suitable candidate is found.

How to apply: Submit your application via AcademicTransfer and include a CV, cover letter, at least two referees, and copies of diplomas/degrees with transcripts.

Funding details

PhD position with a 12-month contract (1.0 FTE) and the prospect of a 3-year extension based on mutual satisfaction. Salary is €3,204–€4,051 gross per month based on full-time employment of 38 hours per week, plus 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus.

What's required

Applicants should have a MSc degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field. Strong skills in organic synthesis, polymer synthesis, and chemical characterization are required, along with interest in material characterization of recyclable networks (rheology, DMA, tensile testing) and structure-property relationships for composite and adhesive applications. Candidates should have a scientific attitude, a hands-on mentality, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and excellent spoken and written scientific English. Experience working with both academic and industrial partners is valued.

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