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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). 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).
Job Responsibility:
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)
Requirements:
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
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
Fluency in English, both oral and written, is required