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North BrabantHybrid40 hours/week<3months
A fundamental transition is required in polymeric materials, from synthesis out of fossil-based and one-time use to continuous reuse of polymeric products.
- Current recycling methods cannot recover high-value polymers from complex waste streams such as multilayer packaging and mixed plastic waste, leading to large volumes being incinerated or landfilled.
- Solvent-based recycling offers a promising route to produce high-quality recyclates, but current implementations rely on static process design and control that don’t account for feedstock variability, inefficient solvent use, and high energy demand, hindering scale-up.
- This project will be executed together with a technology partner within a circular plastics project.
- The researcher will develop and validate an AI-enhanced, solvent-based recycling process for complex plastic waste streams such as multilayer packaging and e-waste.
- The technology partner will develop the digital-twin and machine-learning tools that make the process adaptive and scalable.
- The research effort will be directed towards the selective recovery in high yield of high-value polymers (e.g., PET, PS, PC, ABS) at high purity, while minimizing solvent consumption and energy demand.
- The research will be carried out within an interdisciplinary institute for complex molecular systems, part of a university's Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry.
What you will do.
- Develop and validate an AI-enhanced, solvent-based recycling process.
- Understand the performance profile of recycled polymers.
- Utilize various chemical, structural, rheological, and mechanical characterization techniques.
- Work under the supervision of a professor in the Polymer Performance Materials group.
What they ask
- PhD degree in polymer chemistry, organic chemistry, or a related discipline.
- Solid background in polymer and organic chemistry.
- Experience with the synthesis and characterization of polymers is essential.
- Excellent communication (oral and writing) skills in English.
Profile
- Highly talented, motivated, and enthusiastic candidate.
- Analytical skills, initiative, and creativity are highly desired.
- Naturally curious, eager to learn more, and with a strong interest in science and research.
- Scientific attitude combined with a hands-on mentality and interest for application-oriented research.
- Good team spirit, who likes to work in an internationally oriented, social environment.
Practical aspects.
- Interviews, a scientific presentation, and a small writing assignment will be part of the selection procedure.
- A pre-employment screening (e.g., knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure.
How to apply
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