PhD position on Multiscale Modelling of Recycled Wax for Sustainable Thermal Storage (RecyWax+)

Introduction
To heat our houses and offices with a lower carbon footprint, efficient and low-cost heat storage solutions such as organic phase change materials (PCM) hold great promise. To design efficient and low-cost PCM composites the RecyWax+ project combines multi-physics modelling approaches and physical experimentation of the thermal properties of the PCM composite. Throughout, theory is validated by synthesis and assembly of concrete PCMs. RecyWax+ offers a PhD position for molecular-dynamics simulations of novel PCM systems for thermal storage.

Job Description
Recywax+ is supported within the Dutch Research Council NWO OTP programme, and is led by profs. Alexey Lyulin, Heiner Friedrich and Henk Huinink (all TU/e) and prof. Bernard Geurts (U Twente). The project explores how waste products can be turned into a sustainable battery for thermal storage. The idea is to combine waxes obtained through pyrolysis of plastic waste streams, with ultra-conductive graphene networks, i.e., nanometer sized carbon platelets that transport heat at tremendous conductivity. This creates a compact and efficient system for thermal energy storage, exploiting phase transition to store thermal energy in terms of an increased temperature, as well as a reversible change of phase from solid to liquid. Think of it as a heat battery that charges and discharges similarly to a regular battery, but with heat instead of electricity.

Recywax+ aims to develop the next generation of PCM composites extracted from upcycled polymer pyrolysis waste streams and thermally conductive fillers. In this PhD project we adopt a molecular modelling approach with which we address the following steps/questions:

• Characterize the molecular structure and molecular distribution of suitable polymer pyrolysis waste streams to aid modelling of filler-matrix interfaces;
• Modeling (using Gromacs and LAMMPS software packages and MARTINI-like upscaling) the filler-matrix interfaces to optimize thermal transport, e.g., by functionalization of the nanofiller surface;
• Simulate and advise on the ideal filler-filler contacts and filler-matrix interface structure; this interface should be such that the fillers are finely dispersed in the matrix, yet still enabling good filler-filler contacts;
• Connect sub-micron, atomistic properties of the interface to macroscopic network scales, predict thermal conductivity, and develop practical strategies to drastically increase thermal conductivity;

Job Requirements
Talented, enthusiastic candidates with strong simulation and/or experimentation interests and research-oriented attitude holding a university degree (M.Sc.) in (Theoretical) Physics, Applied Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Scientific Computing, Physical Chemistry, Polymer physics or a closely related discipline are encouraged to apply. Preferably, the candidate has been studying any of these topics: statistical physics, computer simulation methods, and polymer physics. Proficiency in the C++ and/or Python programming language is an advantage. Good knowledge of spoken and written English (C1 level) is an essential asset. The candidate should also be motivated to develop his/her own teaching skills and coach students in their MSc program.

Conditions of Employment
A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,059 - max. € 3,881).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

Information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact prof. A. Lyulin, a.v.lyulin@tue.nl and prof. H. Friedrich, h.friedrich@tue.nl for additional information,

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HRServices.apse@tue.nl.

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application
We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

PhD position on Multiscale Modelling of Recycled Wax for Sustainable Thermal Storage (RecyWax+)

Recywax+ is supported within the Dutch Research Council NWO OTP programme, and is led by profs. Alexey Lyulin, Heiner Friedrich and Henk Huinink (all TU/e) and prof. Bernard Geurts (U Twente). The project explores how waste products can be turned into a sustainable battery for thermal storage. The idea is to combine waxes obtained through pyrolysis of plastic waste streams, with ultra-conductive graphene networks, i.e., nanometer sized carbon platelets that transport heat at tremendous conductivity. This creates a compact and efficient system for thermal energy storage, exploiting phase transition to store thermal energy in terms of an increased temperature, as well as a reversible change of phase from solid to liquid. Think of it as a heat battery that charges and discharges similarly to a regular battery, but with heat instead of electricity.

Recywax+ aims to develop the next generation of PCM composites extracted from upcycled polymer pyrolysis waste streams and thermally conductive fillers. In this PhD project we adopt a molecular modelling approach with which we address the following steps/questions:

• Characterize the molecular structure and molecular distribution of suitable polymer pyrolysis waste streams to aid modelling of filler-matrix interfaces;
• Modeling (using Gromacs and LAMMPS software packages and MARTINI-like upscaling) the filler-matrix interfaces to optimize thermal transport, e.g., by functionalization of the nanofiller surface;
• Simulate and advise on the ideal filler-filler contacts and filler-matrix interface structure; this interface should be such that the fillers are finely dispersed in the matrix, yet still enabling good filler-filler contacts;
• Connect sub-micron, atomistic properties of the interface to macroscopic network scales, predict thermal conductivity, and develop practical strategies to drastically increase thermal conductivity;

Postdoc on “Thermal management of plasmonic nanostructures”

Introduction
The Molecular Plasmonics group together with the Ultrafast Dynamics in Nanoscale Systems group at the Eindhoven University of Technology have a 2-year postdoc position in the field of thermal management of plasmonic nanostructures. This collaborative project aims to develop approaches to (a) measure and (b) reduce the local temperature around optically excited (and thereby photothermally heated) plasmonic structures. This will lead to a new generation of plasmonic devices that are not hampered by photothermal heating.

Job Description
Plasmonic structures are used in various applications due to their ability to concentrate light at the nanoscale. This ability inevitable comes with a drawback, namely optical absorption that results in photothermal heating. One application that is particularly sensitive to such photothermal heating is biosensing: the biomolecules conjugated to the particle surface are highly sensitive to the local temperature that can alter their interaction kinetics and may even result in denaturation. Photothermal heating should therefore be minimized to enable practical applications of plasmonic sensors. In addition, such photothermal heating is not only detrimental in the area of biosensing, but equally affects the performance of plasmonic structures in photovoltaics and imaging.

About this position
In this position you will leverage materials with high thermal conductivities (e.g. 2D materials) to achieve efficient cooling of the photo-excited nanoparticles. You will prepare the material samples, and quantify thermal conduction processes using optical techniques like nanothermometry and ultrafast spectroscopy. You will develop numerical models for nanoscale heat dissipation to interpret the experimental data.

The project will be supervised by Prof. Zijlstra (Molecular Plasmonics group) and co-supervised by Prof. Klaas-Jan Tielrooij (Ultrafast Dynamics group). You will closely collaborate with students and postdocs in both group.

About the groups
Both groups are part of the department of Applied Physics and Science Education. The molecular plasmonics group develops plasmonic and nanophotonic biosensors with single-molecule sensitivity. The team is multidisciplinary and hosts physicists, chemists, and biomedical engineers that collaborate in a close-knit team. The lab hosts a range of state-of-the-art optical microscopes (e.g. for single-molecule fluorescence, interferometry, etc) as well as wet-chemical labs for sample preparation. The group is part of a bigger research cluster focusing on optical sensing.

The aim of the Ultrafast Dynamics in Nanoscale Systems group is to understand physical phenomena (e.g. heat conduction) in nanosystems and to explore their application in technologies some of which have yet to be imagined. For this the group uses optical and optoelectronic techniques with ultrashort temporal and ultrasmall spatial resolution.

Job Requirements

• A PhD degree in the area of optics, photonics, or microscopy. Experience with plasmonic/photothermal processes and numerical modeling is an advantage.
• A research-oriented attitude.
• Motivated to coach students.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).

Conditions of Employment
A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for 2 years.
• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 10 (min. € 4,241 max. € 5,538).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs on general skills, didactics and topics related to research and valorization.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• Partially paid parental leave and an allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A TU/e Postdoc Association that helps you to build a stronger and broader academic and personal network, and offers tailored support, training and workshops.
• A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, as are a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) and a compensation for moving expenses.

Information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Prof. Peter Zijlstra (p.zijlstra@tue.nl).

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HRServices.apse@tue.nl.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application
We invite you to submit a complete application using the apply-button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references.
• A copy or link to your PhD thesis.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

Postdoc on “Thermal management of plasmonic nanostructures”

Plasmonic structures are used in various applications due to their ability to concentrate light at the nanoscale. This ability inevitable comes with a drawback, namely optical absorption that results in photothermal heating. One application that is particularly sensitive to such photothermal heating is biosensing: the biomolecules conjugated to the particle surface are highly sensitive to the local temperature that can alter their interaction kinetics and may even result in denaturation. Photothermal heating should therefore be minimized to enable practical applications of plasmonic sensors. In addition, such photothermal heating is not only detrimental in the area of biosensing, but equally affects the performance of plasmonic structures in photovoltaics and imaging.

About this position
In this position you will leverage materials with high thermal conductivities (e.g. 2D materials) to achieve efficient cooling of the photo-excited nanoparticles. You will prepare the material samples, and quantify thermal conduction processes using optical techniques like nanothermometry and ultrafast spectroscopy. You will develop numerical models for nanoscale heat dissipation to interpret the experimental data.

The project will be supervised by Prof. Zijlstra (Molecular Plasmonics group) and co-supervised by Prof. Klaas-Jan Tielrooij (Ultrafast Dynamics group). You will closely collaborate with students and postdocs in both group.

About the groups
Both groups are part of the department of Applied Physics and Science Education. The molecular plasmonics group develops plasmonic and nanophotonic biosensors with single-molecule sensitivity. The team is multidisciplinary and hosts physicists, chemists, and biomedical engineers that collaborate in a close-knit team. The lab hosts a range of state-of-the-art optical microscopes (e.g. for single-molecule fluorescence, interferometry, etc) as well as wet-chemical labs for sample preparation. The group is part of a bigger research cluster focusing on optical sensing.

The aim of the Ultrafast Dynamics in Nanoscale Systems group is to understand physical phenomena (e.g. heat conduction) in nanosystems and to explore their application in technologies some of which have yet to be imagined. For this the group uses optical and optoelectronic techniques with ultrashort temporal and ultrasmall spatial resolution.

Fully funded PhD position on “Colloidal plasmonic Metasurfaces for Single-Molecule Fluorescence Biosensing”

Introduction
The Molecular Plasmonics group at the Eindhoven University of Technology has a PhD position in the field of metasurfaces for single-molecule biosensing. This project aims to develop a new generation of single-molecule sensors that exploit collective and localized resonances in metasurfaces to boost the sensitivity of plasmonic biosensors.

Job Description
Introduction
Current workhorse techniques to detect and study single biomolecules rely on fluorescence microscopy. Recent advances in Zijlstra’s group used metallic nanoparticles to enhance the fluorescence intensity (link). This approach has given access for the first time to previously inaccessible microsecond dynamics (link). Further boosting the enhancement will require entirely novel designs that exhibit multiple resonances provided by e.g. plasmonic metasurfaces (link).

About this position
In this position you will leverage novel dielectric and plasmonic metasurface designs for single-molecule fluorescence sensing. You will perform colloidal assembly of plasmonic metasurfaces, functionalize them with biomolecules such as DNA, and then experimentally quantify the fluorescence enhancement mechanisms using single-molecule spectroscopy and super-resolution microscopy. This will allow you to answer questions like: how do we design a plasmonic metasurface to achieve record-breaking fluorescence brightness? How do we probe these enhancement factors using single-molecule experiments? How can we exploit these novel platforms for the next generation of single-molecule biosensors?

The project will be supervised by Prof. Zijlstra (Molecular Plasmonics group) and co-supervised by Prof. Gomez Rivas (Surface Photonics group). You will closely collaborate with a team of PhD students across the two groups that work on metasurfaces for fluorescence manipulation.

About the groups
Both groups are part of the department of Applied Physics and Science Education. The molecular plasmonics group develops plasmonic and nanophotonic biosensors with single-molecule sensitivity. The nanoscale field confinement in resonant (e.g. plasmonic) nanoparticles is exploited to detect and study single molecules in real-time. The team is multidisciplinary and hosts physicists, chemists, and biomedical engineers that collaborate in a close-knit team. The lab hosts a range of state-of-the-art single-molecule microscopes in optical laboratories, as well as wet-chemical labs for sample preparation. The group is part of a bigger research cluster focusing on optical sensing.

The surface photonics group investigates light-matter interaction in a broad range of frequencies, from the visible to the THz. This interaction is enhanced by resonant structures, such as metallic or dielectric nanoparticles and metasurfaces. The group is part of the research cluster "Photonics and Semiconductor Nanophysics".

Job Requirements

• A master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in physics or a related field. Experience in nanophotonics/plasmonics and single-molecule microscopy is an advantage.
• A research-oriented attitude.
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).

Conditions of Employment
A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,059 - max. € 3,881).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

Information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Prof. Peter Zijlstra (p.zijlstra@tue.nl).

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HRServices.apse@tue.nl.

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application
We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references.
• A copy or link to your MSc thesis.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.