PhD Position Effective barriers against rising damp

Official university vacancy imported from University of Amsterdam. Details are presented for discovery and may change. Confirm the latest requirements and apply on the official source.

• the Rheological changes of the product during polycondensation
• Reaction and aging in quasi-2D micromodels of porous media designed in the lab. Results will bring valuable pore-scale information on gelation and polycondensation, not accessible by other advanced imaging techniques such as NMR and X-ray Computed Tomography (XCT).
• The dynamics of spreading of chemical products at different conditions in different porous materials using fluorescent viscosity-sensitive probes and confocal/infrared microscopy, and also by XCT scans, to get valuable information on the final deposition, following polycondensation at the microscale, and the results on the macroscale behaviour.
• Conducting independent experimental research at different scales from bulk to confinement under various climatic conditions,
• Performing systematic studies in microfluidic channels and real porous building materials (limestone and sandstone) at the laboratory scale under controlled environmental cycling.
• Using advanced imaging and characterization techniques including optical and electron microscopy, IR and Raman spectroscopy, MRI, and X-ray microtomography to track polycondensation in real time.
• Publishing your findings in peer-reviewed international journals and presenting at international conferences
• Contributing to teaching activities by assisting in undergraduate and master's courses in physics.
• Collaborating with other members of Prof. Shahidzadeh and Prof. Hannelore Derluyn's group and making the link with our collaborator at TUDelft.
• A completed Master's degree in Physics, Materials Science, Physical Chemistry, Chemistry, or a closely related field.
• Strong interest in experimental research combining materials science, sol-gel process, and applications to real-world problems.
• Affinity with experimental techniques including microscopy, spectroscopy, and/or imaging methods.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication skills in English (written and spoken)
• Motivation to publish in peer-reviewed journals and present at international conferences
• Willingness to assist in teaching undergraduate and master students
• Experience with soft matter physics and porous media
• Familiarity with imaging techniques (optical/electron microscopy, X-ray tomography, or spectroscopy)
• Vibrant, international, and interdisciplinary research environment;
• Access to state-of-the-art experimental facilities and advanced imaging equipment;
• Opportunity to work on a project with high societal impact related to climate change and cultural heritage preservation;
• Collaboration with leading experts in crystallization field, porous media, as well as heritage conservation;
• Integration into both international research networks in Crystal growth, Porous media, and Cultural heritage science;
• Professional development through courses, workshops, and international conferences.
• Prof. Noushine Shahidzadeh, n.shahidzadeh@uva.nl
• A detailed CV including the start and finish months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience;
• A letter of motivation explaining your interest in this position and how your background fits the project;
• A list of publications (if applicable);
• The names and email addresses of two references who can provide letters of recommendation;
• Academic transcripts (BSc and MSc).