Postdoc Enzyme-Based Metal and Composite Surface Cleaning Technologies

Postdoc Enzyme-Based Metal and Composite Surface Cleaning Technologies

Join the team that aims to develop a new generation of enzyme-based technology for surface cleaning

Job description

Numerous surface cleaning technologies are used during the manufacturing and operation of structures such as aircraft. Despite being very efficient, the current cleaning agents are mainly chemicals having a significant environmental impact. The TU Delft and partner Airbus are determined to make the difference and move towards more environmentally friendly and economically viable solutions. In this project the ultimate goal is to find a sustainable alternative based on biotechnology, i.e. enzymatic cleaning. This requires search for and/or design of enzymes or enzyme mixtures able to clean different contaminants. The strategy requires knowledge on enzymes and use of chemical, electrochemical and optical surface characterization techniques in a transdisciplinary approach. The team you will join consists of world leading academics in the fields of surface science and engineering (group S.J. Garcia) and protein engineering (groups U. Hanefeld and F. Hollmann) at the TU Delft closely collaborating with surface and material experts at Airbus Central Research and Technology. The research will be performed entirely at the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering and Faculty of Applied Sciences at the TU Delft with access to all available equipment, i.e. the limit is just your ideas and drive. We look for candidates with an academic and application-driven mindset. This is a unique opportunity for top talented self-driven but team player doctors to shine in an unexplored application area.

Job Requirements

We are seeking for a highly performing and team player PhD who has proven knowledge on enzyme technology and the experience or desire to learn about surface science of materials as diverse as alloys and composites. Emphasis of the project is on experimental activities while theoretical design of enzymes based on experimental data will be a desired outcome. We look for candidates with:

Must have:

• A PhD in an appropriate discipline such as Bioengineering, Enzymology, Protein Engineering, or Chemistry.
• Theoretical background and practical experience working with enzymes;
• Demonstrated independent high-level writing and oral communication skills;
• A curiosity-driven mindset and a strong motivation of conducting independent research;
• Inclination for team-work and effective communication in an international environment;
• Academic mindset in high-risk problem-driven research;
• Desire to publish scientific articles and participate in project meetings and international conferences.

Good to have:

• Experience in protein engineering/design;
• Experience with electrochemical testing;
• Experience with surface characterization techniques such as SFG, Raman, microFTIR, XPS;
• Experience with patents.

TU Delft

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Aerospace Engineering

The Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology is one of the world’s most highly ranked (and most comprehensive) research, education and innovation communities devoted entirely to aerospace engineering. More than 200 science staff, around 270 PhD candidates and close to 3000 BSc and MSc students apply aerospace engineering disciplines to address the global societal challenges that threaten us today, climate change without doubt being the most important. Our focal subjects: sustainable aerospace, big data and artificial intelligence, bio-inspired engineering and smart instruments and systems. Working at the faculty means working together. With partners in other faculties, knowledge institutes, governments and industry, both aerospace and non-aerospace. Working in field labs and innovation hubs on our university campus and beyond.

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is 2 years.
• A job of 38 hours per week.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

Additional information
If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Prof. Santiago J. Garcia, via s.j.garciaespallargas@tudelft.nl.