SD-26024 PHD STUDENT - BIOMIMETIC FIBER ENGINEERING AND SUSTAINABLE COMPOSITES

The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) is a Research and Technology Organization (RTO) active in the fields of materials, environment and IT. By transforming scientific knowledge into technologies, smart data and tools, LIST empowers citizens in their choices, public authorities in their decisions and businesses in their strategies.

Do you want to know more about LIST? Check our website: https://www.list.lu/

Your LIST benefits

• An organization with a passion for impact and strong RDI partnerships in Luxembourg and Europe that works on responsible and independent research projects
• Sustainable by design, empowering our belief that we play an essential role in paving the way to a green society
• Innovative infrastructures and exceptional labs occupying more than 5,000 square metres, including innovations in all that we do
• An environment encouraging curiosity, innovation and entrepreneurship in all areas
• Personalized learning programme to foster our staff’s soft and technical skills
• Multicultural and international work environment with more than 50 nationalities represented in our workforce
• Diverse and inclusive work environment empowering our people to fulfil their personal and professional ambitions
• Gender-friendly environment with multiple actions to attract, develop and retain women in science
• 32 days’ paid annual leave, 11 public holidays, 13-month salary, statutory health insurance
• Flexible working hours, home working policy and access to Digital lunch vouchers

Fixed term contract | Hautscharage | 14+22 (+12) Months

Are you passionate about research? So are we! Come and join us

How will you contribute?

You will pioneer groundbreaking research in sustainable natural fiber composites as part of the TailorFib project, funded by the Luxembourg National Research Fund (FNR) and Austrian Science Fund (FWF).

You will be mainly in charge of:

• Perform advanced microstructural and topological analysis of natural fibres using 3D imaging and image‑processing tools.
• Design and refine routes to isolate and tailor lignin fractions derived from bamboo by‑products.
• Formulate and tune chitosan–lignin complexes for controlled infiltration and bonding within the fibre network.
• Assess the mechanical, thermal and moisture‑related behaviour of the treated fibres using advanced characterization methods (e.g. AFM, XPS, ToF‑SIMS, DVS, tensile testing, X‑ray tomography).
• Analyse and correlate processing parameters, microstructure and properties, and contribute to scientific publications and project reports.
• Present your results at project and international meetings and interact closely with our partners at BOKU University (Austria). The PhD candidate will be enrolled at the University of Luxembourg, under the primary supervision of Dr. Carlos Fuentes Rojas (LIST, ADR – University of Luxembourg), with collaborative supervision from Dr. Oliver Musl and Dr. Antje Potthast (BOKU).

Is Your profile described below? Are you our future colleague? Apply now!

Education

• Master's degree (or equivalent) in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Composite Materials, Chemistry, or related disciplines
• Strong background in materials characterization, polymer chemistry, or natural fiber composites is highly desirable
• Knowledge of lignin chemistry, cellulose science, or bio-based materials is an asset

Experience and skills

• Research experience (Master's thesis, internships, or publications) in materials science, composites, polymers, or related fields
• Hands-on experience with materials characterization techniques (microscopy, mechanical testing, thermal analysis, spectroscopy) is highly valued
• Experience with image analysis, data processing, or machine learning applications in materials science is a plus
• Ability to design and conduct experiments independently with strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent scientific writing and communication skills for publications and presentations
• Collaborative mindset with ability to work in international, multidisciplinary teams
• Proactive, curious, and motivated to tackle complex scientific challenges

Language skills

• Fluency in English, both oral and written, is required. Other relevant languages are an asset.