Two Postdoctoral Fellowships in Smart & Eco-Efficient Flexible Films (SMARTPACK Project) at CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials University of Aveiro in Portugal

The University of Aveiro, through CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, is offering two postdoctoral fellowships as part of the SMARTPACK project, focused on the development of smart and eco-efficient flexible films. The project aims to advance materials science and engineering by creating sustainable polymer films with high barrier properties and active functionalities for food preservation, as well as intelligent packaging solutions with integrated colorimetric sensors for monitoring food quality.

These fellowships are funded by COMPETE 2020, PORTUGAL2020, and the European Union, and are based at the CESAM/Department of Environmental Engineering. The scientific supervision is provided by Professor Ana Claudia Relvas Vieira Dias, with the selection jury chaired by Dr. Paula Celeste da Silva Ferreira and Dr. Cláudia Sofia Cordeiro Nunes as permanent members.

Applicants must hold a PhD in Chemical Engineering (BIPD1) or Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (BIPD2), obtained within the last three years. BIPD1 candidates should have proven experience in extrusion of thermoplastic polymers, compounding and formulation, optimization of processing parameters, and physicochemical, thermal, and mechanical characterization using techniques such as SEM, DSC, TGA, and mechanical testing. BIPD2 candidates should demonstrate expertise in polymeric materials, biopolymers, nanocomposites, active/intelligent packaging, development of materials with advanced functionalities (antimicrobial, antioxidant, stimulus-responsive), integration of functionalities into polymer matrices, incorporation of nanomaterials, and similar characterization techniques. Proficiency in Portuguese (spoken and written) is required for both positions.

The work plan for BIPD1 involves developing sustainable polymer films with active agents and biopolymers, optimizing barrier properties, characterizing mechanical and functional performance, and conducting life cycle and sustainability assessments. BIPD2 focuses on developing intelligent packaging with colorimetric sensors, integrating sensors into polymer substrates, evaluating sensor performance under simulated food storage conditions, and assessing sustainability and recyclability.

The grant duration is 9 months, starting in June 2026, with possible renewal up to the maximum limit of approved funding. The monthly maintenance allowance is €1,901.00, and fellows may be reimbursed for Voluntary Social Security if they opt in. Selection is based on curriculum vitae assessment (weighted average of degrees, PhD topic, research experience, scientific output, conference participation, and technical-scientific training), with interviews for top candidates if necessary. Candidates scoring below 14 out of 20 in the curricular evaluation will be excluded.

Applications must be submitted by email to [email protected] between 27 April and 13 May 2026, including a letter of application, CV, certificate of qualifications, declaration of honor, and other relevant documents. Foreign degrees must be recognized by a Portuguese institution before hiring. The final ranking list will be valid until 30 September 2026 for reserve selection purposes.

For further details, see the full job description at CICECO job details and the Euraxess position link.