Advancing OCT for novel non-invasive characterization of colloidal gel formation
Horizon Europe, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Networks – Industrial Doctorates (DN-ID)
Controlling Colloidal Gels for Novel Sustainable Materials (CoCoGel)
An opening for a PhD-position is available as part of the EU Doctoral Network “CoCoGel”, which provides integrated training for young researchers in the field of Soft Matter and related Industrial Applications. CoCoGel involves leading experts in 6 academic and 6 industrial nodes, with state-of-the-art expertise in experimental techniques, computer simulations, and industrial systems.
Colloidal gels – suspensions of micron-sized particles that stick together to form complex materials – are core components in products ranging from battery/fuel cells to consumer-care/food products, medicines and building materials. CoCoGel aims to achieve novel rational design of these materials by investigating and exploiting their response to flow, ultrasound and magnetic/electric fields. By translating academic expertise to industrial practice, CoCoGel thus contributes to new routes for sustainable products and processes.
The position
In the PhD position at InProcess-LSP the candidate will develop novel Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) methods for non-invasive characterization of colloidal gels and suspensions. OCT high-speed depth-resolved scattering and cross-sectional imaging offer data that can resolve novel structural and dynamical aspects of gels on previously inaccessible length/timescales. The candidate will advance OCT using new Rheo-OCT hardware and novel spatiotemporal OCT analysis and signal processing methods. These will be applied to study both model and industrial colloid & colloid-polymer gels and compared to complementary experiments (rheo-microscopy/DLS/SALS and 3D(CC)-DLS) during placements (18 months total) at the University of Dusseldorf (host for fulfillment of the PhD degree), Technical University Delft, and Institute FORTH, Crete.
Your qualities
We seek an outstanding, enthusiastic PhD candidate, who can balance the requirements expected of a PhD-program with the opportunities of working in an industry-academia collaboration. You have an M.Sc. in Physics, Materials/Colloid Science, Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related field by the start of the program. Proven affinity with or experience in using/developing experimental techniques (microscopy, rheology, light scattering) speaks strongly in your favor. Modelling and signal processing expertise (Matlab/Python), along with strong knowledge of optics and statistical physics are a significant advantage. We seek a self-motivated, curious and pro-active candidate with excellent communicative and organizational skills. Additionally you are interested in working together with people from other disciplines and are proficient in English. You should not have resided in the Netherlands for more than 12 months in the 36 months preceding recruitment.
The offer
- 3-year position at InProcess-LSP.
- 35 vacation days, 8% holiday bonus and 5% pension contribution
- A full-time gross salary from € 2,700 to € 3,500/month, depending on family circumstances.
- Enrolment in a PhD program at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf (Dr. I. Buttinoni and Prof. H. Lowen). After successful completion of the research a PhD degree in Physics will be granted.
- Supervision by recognized experts and access to state-of-the-art facilities
- Training in complementary skills via workshops and conferences.
Who are we?
InProcess-LSP is a rapidly growing SME developing optical, spectroscopic and rheological methods and instruments for complex fluid characterization, focussed on ‘Process Analytical Technology, (PAT). InProcess-LSP was founded in 2014 by scientists with a strong academic and industrial (pharma) background and has grown to a highly motivated and scientifically skilled team of 20 people with strong academic and industrial experience. The customer base includes most of the world’s top 20 pharmaceutical companies.
InProcess-LSP is based in Oss, The Netherlands, as a member of the Pivot Park community. Pivot Park is one of the most innovative and fast-growing biopharmaceutical science parks in Europe with more than 60 companies.
How to apply
Please send your application before 30 April 2024 to Rut Besseling (r.besseling@inprocess-lsp.com) and the program manager (cocogel@iesl.forth.gr), including the following information:
- CV including details of education/qualifications, work experience and publications
- Letter of motivation including research career goals, skills and experience (max. 1 page)
- The names, telephone numbers, and email addresses of two references.
- Copy of a valid ID/Passport
We hope to schedule the first job interviews soon after the closing date. If this specific opportunity is not for you, but you know someone who may be interested, please forward this vacancy to them.
Only candidates eligible to work in the EU will be considered for the position.
Agency calls will not be appreciated.
How about working in a creative and innovative environment?
Open applications
- Looking for a new challenge?
- Do you have a specific interest in our innovations?
- Do you like to work in a small team?
- Are you inspired by science in general?
- Your English is fluent?
You can send an open application to: info@inprocess-lsp.com
Why join InProcess-LSP
- Be part of an energetic team
- Get inspired by professional scientists
- Immerse in process analytical technology
- Provide competitive benefits
- Provide high-quality tools and training
- Supports and rewards your professional growth
- Treats team members with respect, courtesy and fairness