Anke Blume

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.

University of Twente is offering a full-time PhD position on the development of micro-abrasive resistant tire treads, with a focus on understanding and reducing tire wear. The project addresses the environmental impact of tire-road interaction, where rubber particles are emitted into the environment and may pose pollution and health risks. The research aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms of tire wear from a tribological perspective and support the design of next-generation tire compounds with lower wear rates. The position is hosted at the Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET), in an interdisciplinary and international environment that connects engineering research with industrial and societal partners. The broader faculty context spans asset & maintenance engineering, intelligent manufacturing systems, personalized health technology, resilience engineering, and sustainable production, energy and resources. The project benefits from industrial partners covering the full value chain, strengthening the potential for real-world impact in reducing tire wear and environmental load. Applicants should have a Master's degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field. Relevant experience in wear behavior analysis, rubber compounding, mixing, and performance testing is highly desirable. Strong written and spoken English is required. The appointment is a four-year PhD position. The funding package includes a gross monthly salary of €3,204 in the first year, rising to €4,051 in the fourth year, plus an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus. Applications should be submitted by 15 September 2026 through the university application portal, together with a cover letter, CV, and contact details of at least two referees. Interviews are planned for late September, and screening is part of the selection process. For further information, applicants may contact Prof. Anke Blume or Dengpeng Huang by email.

University of Twente is advertising a PhD position in micro-abrasive resistant tire treads and tire wear , focused on understanding the mechanisms behind tire-road interaction and reducing rubber particle emissions. The project takes a novel tribological perspective on wear behavior and aims to support the development of better elastomer compounds with lower wear rates. The position is based in the Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET) at the University of Twente and is carried out in cooperation with industrial partners across the tire value chain, including Nokian Tyres, Synthos, Momentive, and Solvay . The post mentions collaboration with another PhD candidate and an EngD, suggesting a multidisciplinary research environment. Research areas and keywords: materials science, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, tribology, rubber compounding, wear analysis, tire-road interaction, elastomer performance testing, environmental impact of micro-particles. Eligibility highlights: applicants should hold a Master's degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field. Prior research experience in wear behavior analysis and rubber compounding/mixing/performance testing is highly desirable. Strong written and spoken English is required. Funding: this is a four-year full-time PhD position with a gross monthly salary of €3,204 in year one, rising to €4,051 in year four, plus an 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end bonus. Application deadline: 15 September 2026. Apply online via the vacancy page and include a cover letter, detailed CV, and contact details for at least two references. Contact: Prof. Anke Blume (Full Professor) and Dengpeng Huang are listed for questions about the vacancy.