Tenured academic staff / Tenure track lecturer ‘Eco-friendly, biocompatible materials for printed and flexible electronics (in the domain of health monitoring devices)’

Background
Hasselt University is looking for a new academic staff member within the Faculty of Industrial Engineering. The position is linked to the Institute for Materials Research (imo imomec), where research is conducted on sustainable materials and (printed) sensor technology. This combines materials science and chemical engineering through an interdisciplinary approach to explore the frontiers of eco-friendly and biocompatible materials for breakthrough applications in smart functional layers and flexible electronics. For more info: www.uhasselt.be/imo. The position is located in an interdisciplinary research team working on various topics ranging from new materials for wearable and health monitoring applications, printing and coating technology, biomaterials and sustainable chemistry. We are specifically looking for an expert with experience in ink/coating formulation for flexible sensors and electronics.

Education task
In this position you will provide quality education, both in the bachelor and master programmes in engineering technology. Besides teaching general courses in the domain of chemistry and materials processing and within the context of continuous evolution of the curriculum, you will develop and teach new course units that will familiarise students with current evolutions in latest applications of innovative materials for smart functional coatings and flexible electronics.
Furthermore, you will help in the further development of the educational programme of the Faculty of Engineering Technology. In consultation with the education management team, you will work out specific course units in the framework of your research topic. Innovation in education is expected, as well as a link to the current educational concepts of the Faculty of Engineering Technology and Hasselt University.

Research mission
You will perform his research in the domain of chemical engineering for the development of green, biodegradable materials for health-related applications in wearable devices. You are passionate about creating sustainable solutions for the future of wearable technology and have a profound knowledge of nanomaterials and their applications in flexible, green electronics, with a specific focus on health monitoring devices. This position involves the synthesis of novel materials, including (conductive) inks and biocompatible polymers, and their application through advanced printing techniques. In summary, you will work on:

• Innovate in the formulation and printing of green materials that are soft, stretchable, and compatible with human skin for continuous health monitoring;
• Collaborate with biomedical scientist and engineers to ensure that the materials and devices meet specific health application needs;
• Oversee the entire lifecycle of product development, from material synthesis to application in wearable technologies;
• Collaborate with industrial partners to bring innovation related to the scientific findings also to industry.

Profile

• You hold a doctoral degree, either in engineering, sciences, applied sciences or equivalent (in the domain of Materials Engineering, Nanotechnology, Chemical Engineering, or a related field, with a strong emphasis on sustainable materials);
• Preferably you have experience in academic teaching and can enthuse students;
• You have a strong research record in the field with publications in leading forums within the field. A track record in the aforementioned sub-domains is a plus;
• Proven expertise in the deposition of nanomaterials and their application in wearable electronics;
• Experience with printing technologies for flexible electronics, particularly in the context of health monitoring devices;
• Experience with industry-driven research, industrial collaboration or being member of industrial networks in view of dissemination and valorization of results to industry;
• You are able to export scientific methods and results to practical applications. Experience in collaboration with industry and external project acquisition is an advantage;
• You are collegial, show organizational commitment and contribute to the objectives of the University and the institute;
• You are stress resistant;
• You are fluent in written and oral communication in English;
• Academic staff must meet the language requirements for the management language (Dutch, ERK level B2) and the teaching language (Dutch and/or English, ERK level C1). UHasselt provides customised guidance to help staff attain the required language level within the framework of the Flemish language regulation if necessary.

Offer

Selection procedure
You can only apply online up to and including 15 July 2024.
The selection procedure consists of a preselection based on application file, an interview and a test lesson / presentation.

Further information
Prof. dr. ir. Wim DEFERME, +32-11-268874, wim.deferme@uhasselt.be
Prof. dr. ir. Ronald THOELEN, +32-11-268829, ronald.thoelen@uhasselt.be

For questions about the selection procedure, please email jobs@uhasselt.be.