Postdoctoral researcher in polymer chemistry: synthesis and evaluation of safer and more sustainable flame-retardant additives

Host institute:

The Unit of Materials and Chemistry (MATCH, VITO) develops sustainable chemicals and materials where replacement or reuse of fossil resources for the chemical industry and the treatment of waste streams into high value chemicals is a focus area. A strategic research theme is focusing on the reuse of carbon as an alternative feedstock for the production of materials.

More information available on www.vito.be

The development of safer and more sustainable flame-retardant (FR) additives requires an integrated assessment of their synthesis, fire performance, effects on polymer properties and recyclability. Within the Interreg project SAFEADD, we have developed a safe and sustainable by design (SSbD) toolkit to support the assessment of additives. This postdoctoral project will translate findings from the toolkit into the design, synthesis and experimental evaluation of novel FR additives.

To strengthen this research line, we are looking for a researcher to work within our Sustainable Polymer Technologies (SPOT) team (https://spot.vito.be/en). The focus of the research will be on the synthesis of novel FR additives, their incorporation into polymer materials by melt compounding, and the evaluation of fire performance, thermomechanical properties and recyclability. Translating this research into IP and scientific papers, and co-development with companies will be the way to guide the research.

We are looking for a candidate interested in starting a 1 year postdoctoral fellowship, with possible extension to 2 years, to work within our polymer team with a focus on the development of safer and more sustainable flame-retardant polymer formulations, guided by the SSbD toolkit developed in SAFEADD.

The candidate should hold a PhD in chemistry or equivalent, polymer science or a related discipline, with hands-on experience in polymer chemistry and basic organic synthesis. The role requires the ability to carry out additive synthesis, including phosphorylation reactions using phosphorus oxychloride (POCl₃), as well as polymer compounding, flame testing and thermomechanical characterization.

Closing date for applications: 15/12/2026

Starting date: (negotiable, latest) 1/2/2027

Project Description:

This research project will involve three closely linked activities: (1) the design and synthesis of novel FR additives informed by the SAFEADD SSbD toolkit; (2) the preparation and characterization of polymer formulations containing these additives; and (3) the assessment of recyclability through repeated melt processing and evaluation of retained material properties and fire performance.

The following tasks/actions are foreseen in our project to be conducted by the candidate, focusing on the synthesis and evaluation of FR additives and polymer formulations against the required fire performance, material property and SSbD criteria:

• Active literature survey, keeping up to date with relevant articles and patents in the fields of flame-retardant additives, polymer formulation and recycling.

• Developing experimental protocols in discussion with the experts involved, using findings from the SSbD toolkit to guide additive selection and experimental priorities.

• Synthesizing and characterizing novel FR additives using basic organic synthesis, including phosphorylation reactions where relevant.

• Preparing polymer formulations by melt compounding and processing specimens for testing.

• Evaluating fire performance using UL 94 and limiting oxygen index (LOI) testing.

• Characterizing thermal stability, thermal transitions, and mechanical and thermomechanical properties using appropriate analytical and testing methods.

• Assessing recyclability through repeated melt compounding or extrusion, tracking changes in processability, material properties and flame-retardant performance.

• Data interpretation and planning subsequent experiments in discussion with experts, relating experimental results to the SSbD assessment

• Execution of the experiments/tasks in a timely and efficient manner according to the overall project planning

• Preparing presentations for the meetings/reports.

• The job entails publishing and valorizing research outcomes (scientific publications and/or patents) whenever this is appropriate and achievable.

• Ensure compliance with VITO’s Health & Safety Policy, and take a proactive approach to ensure all experimental work is safe

Required education/discipline/profile:

• PhD in Polymer Chemistry, Materials Sciences or closely related field

• Background in organic chemistry; preferentially with knowledge of polymer synthesis and formulation.

• Background in organic chemistry, with practical experience in organic synthesis, such as phosphorylation reactions using phosphorus oxychloride (POCl₃), and knowledge of polymer synthesis and formulation.

• Hands-on experience in polymer processing and melt compounding to incorporate additives into polymer formulations.

• Experience in flame testing (UL 94, LOI) and thermal, mechanical and thermomechanical characterization of polymers.

• Background knowledge of flame-retardant additives and/or phosphorus chemistry is an asset.

• Knowledge of polymer recyclability assessment, including repeated melt processing and evaluation of retained material properties and fire performance, is an asset.

• You are interested in applying safe and sustainable by design (SSbD) principles to the development and evaluation of additives.

• You have a result-driven character capable of translating theory to practice and vice versa and are able to find solutions.

• You are proactive, motivated, independent and an excellent team player who enjoys working in a multidisciplinary environment

• You enjoy hands-on laboratory work and can design, execute and interpret experiments, preferably using design of experiments (DOE) and Bayesian optimization to guide experimental planning.

• You are fluent in English and eager to write scientific papers and/or patents

On top of the job content, we offer:

• a team of great colleagues, experts in their field, who will guide, support and interact with you;

• a front-row seat to witness the development of technical solutions for a sustainable world;

• access to state-of-art equipment for membrane casting, characterization and related separation processes;

• compelling opportunities to interact with partners in industry and academia;

• a competitive package.

Contact person for more information: Maarten Rubens (maarten.rubens@vito.be)