In the Marie Sklodowska-Curie European Training Network “TheLink” (H2020-MSCA-ITN-2014) to Accelerate the Development Chain of Nanostructured Polymers

Application deadline: 1.2.2015 (unless otherwise specified)

Starting date: 1.6.2015 (or earlier if preferred)
Duration: 36 months

Background information on the project

Marie Sklodowska-Curie European Training Networks (ETNs) are joint research and training projects funded by the European Union. Funding is provided for postgraduate researchers from both inside and outside Europe to carry out individual project work in a European country other than their own.

The training network “TheLink” is made up of 10 partners, coordinated by the Fraunhofer ICT in Germany. The network will recruit a total of 15 postgraduates for project work lasting for 36 months.

Nanostructured polymers, composites and phase-separated materials are attracting scientific and industrial interest due to the outstanding properties and functionalities that can be achieved. However, in order to exploit their potential an in-depth understanding of the relationship between nano/micro structures and macro-level properties is required. TheLink therefore aims to generate this knowledge along the material development chain from design to production, combining the disciplines of simulation, characterization and processing. The postgraduate researchers recruited by the network will move the development of polymeric nanomaterials towards a knowledge-based, industrially-feasible approach. Three case studies (phase separated polymers, separation membranes, composites for electrical conductivity/self-diagnosis/EMI shielding) will be used to guide research and training and to demonstrate the project developments.

Open positions

Each position is for 36 months, and is fully-funded according to the rates specified by the European Union for the Marie Sklodowska-Curie actions.

The recruited researcher will have the opportunity to work as part of an international, interdisciplinary team of 15 postgraduates, based at universities and industrial firms throughout Europe. He/she will receive theoretical and practical training in the three project disciplines of simulation, characterization and processing. He/she is expected to finish the project with a PhD thesis and to disseminate the results through patents (if applicable), publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at international conferences.

Qualifications and eligibility

Qualifications

Applicants must have a Masters degree in the relevant area of work, and an interest in the three project disciplines of simulation, characterization and processing. They must be motivated to work independently and as part of a team, and have the competence to work in an international environment (including fluency in English).

Criteria relating to experience

Applicants must be “early-stage researchers” according to the following definition at the time of recruitment (i.e. on their first day of work):

• They must be in the first four years (full-time equivalent research experience) of their research careers. Full-time research experience is measured from the date when the researcher obtained the degree which would formally entitle him/her to embark on a doctorate, either in the country in which the degree was obtained or in the country in which the researcher is recruited or seconded, irrespective of whether or not a doctorate is envisaged.
• They must not yet have been awarded a doctoral degree.

Criteria relating to nationality

Applicants can be nationals of any country. However, at the time of recruitment researchers must NOT have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the recruiting organisation for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the date of recruitment. Compulsory national service and/or short stays such as holidays are not taken into account.

How to apply

Please send a motivation letter (citing the job code), your CV and any other documents supporting your application to the contact persons listed above.

Further information

If you would like further information about the project or any of the vacancies offered, please contact the project coordinators:

Dr. Christof Hübner
Christof.huebner@ict.fraunhofer.de / +49 721 4640 458

Carolyn Fisher
Carolyn.fisher@ict.fraunhofer.de / +49 721 4640 277

Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology (ICT)
Joseph-von-Fraunhoferstraße 7
76327 Pfinztal
GERMANY