IRP11—materials science, material chemistry, textile technology

Research topic:	Surface modified cellulose textiles absorbing electromagnetic infrared radiation
Recruiting organization:	Predilnica Litija d.o.o., Kidriceva 1, 1270 Litija, Slovenia
Application deadline:	March 11th 2018
Starting time:	June 2018 or as mutually agreed (1-2 months changes to the intended starting time are possible)
Contract duration:	36 months
Trial period:	The appointment is subject to the satisfactory completion of a trial period of 3 months
Benefits	Slovenia has comprehensive welfare system. For more details, check the content on EU Commission side for Slovenia: Employment, Social Affairs & Inclusion PREDILNICA LITIJA offers an environment with highly motivated employees, plenty of technical know-how on textile fiber spinning and treatments

 

Scientific content

This research project contributes to the FibreNet objectives by focusing on surface modified regenerated cellulose textile fibres with far infrared (FIR) activity for bio-medical applications.

FIR is known to have positive effects on human blood circulation, rheumatic symptoms and wound healing. In this project we will research cellulose based yarns and textiles that are coated with nano- and micro-particle composites which are FIR active. In this way far infrared absorbing and emitting textile materials will be produced which are intended to be used as medical textiles to increase patients’ well-being and blood circulation and promote the healing of wounds. Inorganic ceramic material, metals, or metal oxide particles will be coated on fibres and yarns, optionally in combination with cellulose derivatives as for example carboxymethly cellulose or cationic starch that aid the fixation of the particles.

Within the project we will also investigate the influence of various coatings on the spinability, dyeability and washing endurance of yarns and textiles and we will in detail study the safety and biological effects of the developed materials.

The expected results of the project are as follows:

1. Preparation and characterization of polysaccharide (PS) derivative inorganic FIR active particle composites and investigation of their colloidal properties.
2. Coating procedures of cellulose fibres, yarns and textiles with FIR PS particles.
3. Detail physical and chemical characterization of the obtained products.
4. Determination of the safety and biological effects of the functional materials.

 

The general requirements for all FibreNet positions apply here, i.e.:

• you may already be in a PhD program but you cannot be a PhD holder,
• you must have less than 4 years of research experience, i.e., you should be an early-stage researcher,
• you must not have resided or carried out your main activity in the country of the hiring organization for more than 12 months during the last 3 years immediately prior to the recruitment (short stays such as holidays and/or compulsory national service are not taken into account), and
• you should have a high-level knowledge of the English language.

 

Furthermore, the position-related requirements are:

• Master’s degree in materials science, material chemistry, textile technology or other applicable Master’s degree; knowledge of polymeric materials, fibers and composites or spinning technology is beneficial,
• enrollment as a doctoral student at University of Maribor, Slovenia (UMB) at October 1^st  2018,
• positive attitude to both analytical and practical research work,
• ability to work independently as a member of Predilnica Litija research and development team, University of Maribor Laboratory for Characterization and Processing of Polymers (LCPP) research team and of the FibreNet community.

 

How to apply:

Applications must be submitted in English to email: kadrovska@litija.com or by post to PREDILNICA LITIJA d.o.o., Kidričeva 1, 1270 Litija, Slovenia.

 

Mandatory appendices:

• a Curriculum Vitae,
• a letter of motivation (maximum of one page),
• the contact details of two referees,
• a copy of B.Sc. and M.Sc. certificates with annexes, and
• a language certificate (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, Cambridge Language Certificate (Proficiency CPE or Advanced CAE) if available.

 

For more information on:

• the research topic (scientific content), contact the supervisors: Andrej Štritof or Franci Debelak.
• the application procedure, contact: Vera Zlabravec.

 

In case no suitable candidates are found, PREDILNICA LITIJA reserves the right to re-open the call.