Postdoc Position: 3D-printing of Polymer Foams for Drones (Resin Formulation)

University of Twente - The Faculty of Engineering Technology (CTW); Enschede; On-site; EUR 49,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Twente in Enschede, The Faculty of Engineering Technology (CTW) invites applications for a 4-year Postdoc in 3D printing of polymer foams via Direct Bubble Writing. Starting 1 Jan 2027 or soon after, you will focus on resin formulation to print stiff, light parts with minimal post-processing.

You will collaborate with two PhD/PD team members and project partners, advancing materials for drones and composites for scaling and applications.

Qualifications

• PhD in chemistry, chemical engineering, or materials science.
• Strong analytical and problem solving abilities.
• Fluent in English; Dutch knowledge preferred.
• Interest in additive manufacturing and resin formulation.

Responsibilities

• Lead formulation challenges of the foam printing resins.
• Focus on resin formulation and photo-curable systems.
• Collaborate with PhD/PD teammates on process development.
• Develop methods for integration, scaling and application.

Skills

English fluency

Dutch preferred

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Resin formulation

Additive manufacturing

Materials characterization

Education

PhD in chemistry

PhD in chemical engineering

PhD in materials science

Job description

Postdoc Position: 3D-printing of Polymer Foams for Drones (Resin Formulation)

University of Twente - The Faculty of Engineering Technology (CTW)

Enschede, Netherlands

€ 4,422 - 5,760 per month gross

Job description

In the context of a NWO-KIC grant “Materials for defense”, we will investigate fluidic/chemical routes enabling a new generation of porous, graded, and composite materials. We are assembling a team of excellent and highly motivated scientists, who will together investigate and advance the fluid mechanics, the resin formulation, the mechanical properties, and process integration during Direct Bubble Writing. This novel additive manufacturing process for polymer foams was recently invented and patented by the University of Twente. The team will closely interact with ten project partners, including National Dutch Research Institutes (NLR and MARIN), the Ministry of Defense, and globally leading industry partners specializing in the chemistry, the methods (design, printing, composites), or key applications (sailing/flying drones). In the final stage of the project, the printed materials will be tested in unmanned airborne/seaborne vehicles.

We are looking for a chemist/chemical engineer/materials scientist (4-year Post-doc; this vacancy), leading the formulation challenges of the foam printing resins. You will focus on formulating resins (rather than synthesis), enabling e.g. printing of stiff, light, and dampening parts with minimal post-processing. An understanding of photo-curable systems, resin formulation, fluid mechanics, and/or soft matter is beneficial. The position is hosted at the University of Twente, starting 1 Jan 2027 or as soon as possible after that date.

You will closely collaborate with two PhD/PD-level team members who will (1) lead the understanding and development of the fluidic print process, and (2) lead the integration of printed foams with composites and subsequent upscaling. Together, you will fundamentally change how foams are made: From uniform blocks to precisely graded materials at cell level. Based on this understanding, the team will systematically develop methods for integration, scaling, and application of advanced foams and composites.

Your profile

• You are an enthusiastic and highly motivated researcher;
• You have obtained a PhD degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, or materials science.
• You have excellent analytical skills and a strong ability for solution-oriented problem solving.
• You have strong interests in additive manufacturing, including connecting the fundamental and applied aspects.
• You have experience in (micro)materials characterization, chemical characterization, and/or material visualization techniques. Experience in e.g. resin formulation, microfluidics, and advanced optical analysis techniques are considered as a benefit.
• You possess excellent communication skills, including scientific writing and presenting to a specialized or general audience.
• You enjoy working in a team.
• You have a creative and critical attitude, combined with perseverance and being flexible.
• You are fluent in English and preferably also in Dutch.

Job Search Tags

• Netherlands
• Academic
• Chemical Engineering
• Chemistry
• On-site
• Postdoc
• University of Twente - The Faculty of Engineering Technology (CTW)

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