Postdoctoral Researcher in Biobased Polymer Synthesis for Sustainable Packaging University of Groningen in Netherlands

Postdoctoral Researcher in Biobased Polymer Synthesis at the University of Groningen, working in the research group of Prof. Patrizio Raffa within the Engineering and Technology institute Groningen (ENTEG) and the Faculty of Science and Engineering.

This 2-year postdoctoral opening is part of the Horizon Europe Pathfinder project SUSHI-PACK (Sustainable High-Performance Packaging from Seaweed and Regenerated Used Cooking Oils). The project brings together academic and industrial partners across Europe to develop next-generation sustainable packaging materials from renewable resources.

The successful candidate will contribute to the design, synthesis, and characterization of innovative bio-based polymers and polymer networks derived from regenerated waste oils and seaweed-based feedstocks for smart packaging applications. The role is strongly research-oriented and involves cutting-edge work in polymer chemistry, polymer synthesis, materials science, and sustainable materials development.

Eligibility highlights: a PhD in Polymer Science, Organic Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related field; extensive hands-on experience in polymer synthesis is essential; experience with polymer/organic synthesis and characterization methods such as NMR, GPC, DSC, and TGA is required; prior polycondensation chemistry experience is highly desirable; excellent English communication skills are expected.

Funding and conditions: full-time 1.0 FTE appointment for two years with a gross monthly salary of €4,241–€5,538, plus holiday allowance, end-of-year bonus, vacation hours, and professional development opportunities.

Application deadline: 31 August 2026 (Dutch local time). Applications must be submitted via the official application portal only.