Permanent contract | Belval-Luxembourg

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

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/

Discover our Materials activities: https://www.list.lu/en/materials/

How will you contribute?

The RPPM Group (Responsive Polymeric and Particulate Materials) is seeking an experienced and driven Lead Researcher in materials science to lead research at the interface of polymer materials development and additive manufacturing. The role focuses on functional polymers and nanocomposites, with a particular emphasis on 3D and 4D printing and materials extrusion.

The successful candidate will take the lead on the group’s additive manufacturing activities while bringing a strong understanding of polymer science and materials development. They will guide the selection, adaptation and formulation of polymers for printing, and develop processing approaches that enable materials to meet the needs of specific applications. Working closely with chemists and materials scientists, they will take research from material concept and formulation through printing and laboratory demonstration, towards industrial application.

  Key responsabilities

• Lead national and international collaborative R&D projects in functional polymers and additive manufacturing, coordinating multidisciplinary consortia and strategic partnerships to deliver impactful research outcomes.

• Identify and develop new funding opportunities by monitoring relevant calls, shaping project concepts, building R&D partnerships and consortia, and preparing competitive proposals for national and international funding programmes, including European programmes such as Horizon-Europe.

• Select, adapt and formulate polymers and polymer-based materials to meet application requirements and the demands of additive manufacturing processes.

• Develop responsive polymer materials and formulations with tunable properties, such as shape-memory or other stimuli-responsive behaviour, and assess their suitability for 3D and 4D printing.

• Lead the application and optimisation of 3D and 4D printing technologies, including multi-material printing and the design of functional gradients.

• Plan and conduct structural, rheological and functional characterisation to understand material properties, printability and performance.

• Translate laboratory-scale developments into functional demonstrators and support their validation for relevant industrial applications.

• Collaborate with chemists and materials scientists across the group’s research areas—including (nano)composites, conductive materials, membranes, and high-performance and recyclable polymers—to explore where additive manufacturing can enable new material designs, functionalities or applications.

• Mentor junior researchers and foster innovation within a multidisciplinary team.

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

Education

PhD in Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a related field, with 9+ years of relevant experience after PhD completion.

Experience and kills

• Established expertise in polymer science and materials development, particularly in functional, sustainable or high-performance polymers and formulations.

• Strong, hands-on experience in additive manufacturing, including demonstrated expertise in 3D printing and, ideally, 4D printing.

• Ability to connect polymer composition and formulation with material properties, processability, printability and end-use performance.

• Knowledge of current scientific developments and emerging trends in polymer materials and additive manufacturing.

• Ability to conduct independent, original research and to lead research activities in a multidisciplinary environment.

• Experience with multi-functional or multi-material printing is an asset, particularly where mechanical, conductive or chemical functionalities are integrated.

• Knowledge of responsive materials and structure–property relationships in polymer systems.

• Experience with relevant materials characterisation techniques, such as rheology, DMA, DSC, TGA, spectroscopy and microscopy.

• Experience translating laboratory research into functional demonstrators and, ideally, towards pre-industrial validation.

• Familiarity with application areas such as wearable technologies, soft robotics, aerospace, medical devices or construction is an asset.

• Commitment to circular and sustainable materials design, including recyclable and bio-based polymer systems.

• A strong track record in collaborative project development and coordination, including proposal writing, funding acquisition and project leadership.

• Excellent supervision skills, with experience mentoring students and early-career researchers.

• Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to work effectively with scientific and industrial partners.

• A collaborative mindset and the ability to thrive in a multicultural, interdisciplinary and international research environment.

Language skills

·        Strong spoken and written English is mandatory

·        Knowledge of French, German and / or Luxembourgish is considered an asset

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 lunch vouchers

Apply online

Your application must include:

·        A motivation letter oriented towards the position and detailing your experience

·        A scientific CV with contact details

·        List of publications (and patents, if applicable)

·        Contact details of 2 references

Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by email or Linkedin message will not be considered.

Application procedure and conditions

We kindly request applicants to provide their nationality for statistical purposes only, as part of our commitment to promoting diversity and ensuring equal opportunities in our workforce. This information will be kept confidential and will not be used for any discriminatory purposes.

LIST is dedicated to maintaining an inclusive work environment and is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to attracting, hiring, and retaining a diverse workforce. All applicants will be considered for employment without discrimination based on national origin, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, religion, age, or disability.

Applications will be continuously reviewed until the position is filled. An assessment committee will thoroughly evaluate applications, adhering to guidelines designed to ensure equal opportunities. The primary criteria for selection will be the alignment of the applicant's existing skills and expertise with the requirements mentioned above.

As part of our recruitment process, the selected candidate might be subject to a background check in accordance with applicable laws and institutional policies. Further checks and restrictions might apply to candidates in compliance with export controls requirements

For the purposes of the position and in accordance with applicable legislation, the successful candidate may be requested to provide a recent criminal record certificate.

This position offers a gross monthly salary between €7’460 and €9’742, paid over 13 months (€96’980–€126’646 annually) based on full‑time employment. The final salary offer within this range will be determined based on the candidate’s overall profile, qualifications and professional experience. For part‑time employment, the salary is adjusted pro rata.