Key Skills

Job Description

Personal type: Scientific staff Field of expertise: Postdoctorate Organisation: Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry Apply no later than: 30-09-2026 Full-time equivalent: 1.0 FTE Salary: € 4.422 - € 5.760 Apply now Introduction In polymeric materials, a fundamental transition is required 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. Job Description This project will be executed together with company Exergy within the EKKO Circular Plastics project. The PD researcher will develop and validate an AI-enhanced, solvent-based recycling process for complex plastic waste streams such as multilayer packaging and e-waste, while Exergy 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 activities will include understanding of performance profile of recycled polymers by means of various chemical, structural, rheological and mechanical characterization techniques. The PD research will be carried out under the supervision of Prof. Željko Tomović in the Polymer Performance Materials group in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry at the TU/e, which is also the part of the interdisciplinary Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), in which all polymer-related research groups at the TU/e participate. A description of the group can be found here: https://www.tue.nl/en/research/research-groups/polymer-performance-materials. The TU/e offers academic education that is driven by fundamental and applied research. We combine scientific curiosity with a hands-on mentality. Our educational philosophy is based on personal attention and room for individual ambitions and talents. Our research meets the highest international standards of quality. We push the limits of science, which puts us at the forefront of rapidly emerging areas of research. Job Requirements We seek highly talented, motivated, and enthusiastic candidates with an PhD degree in polymer chemistry, organic chemistry, or a related discipline. The successful candidate has a solid background in polymer and organic chemistry. Experience with the synthesis and characterization of polymers is essential. Analytical skills, initiative and creativity are highly desired. Excellent communication (oral and writing) skills in English (prerequisite). You are a naturally curious person, eager to learn more and with a strong interest in science and research. You should have a scientific attitude combined with a hands-on mentality and interest for application-oriented research. We prefer candidates with a good team spirit, who like to work in an internationally oriented, social environment. Interviews, a scientific presentation and a small writing assignment will be part of the selection procedure. Conditions of Employment A Meaningful Job In a Dynamic And Ambitious University, In An Interdisciplinary Setting And Within An International Network. You Will Work On a Beautiful, Green Campus Within Walking Distance Of The Central Train Station. In Addition, We Offer You Full-time employment for 12 months. Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 10 (min. € 4,422 (step 4) to max. € 5,760 gross per month). In addition to your base salary, you will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus, both calculated based on your annual gross base salary. Generous leave options: a standard 29 days (based on a 38 hour working week) per year that you can increase to 41 days by working two hours more per week (flexible working hours). This is prorated if you work part-time. As a TU/e employee, you participate in the ABP pension scheme, providing retirement pension and pension benefits for surviving dependents and occupational disability. TU/e pays 70% of the pension premium, while employees contribute the remaining 30%. High-quality training programs on general skills, didactics and topics related to research and valorization. An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities. Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate. Partially paid parental leave and an allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs. A TU/e Postdoc Association that helps you to build a stronger and broader academic and personal network, and offers tailored support, training and workshops. A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, as are a tax compensation scheme (the Expat Scheme) and a compensation for moving expenses. On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e! About Us We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community. Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here. The Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry bridges science and engineering to create sustainable solutions for society. By combining expertise in molecules, materials, and processes, we drive innovations that address global challenges in energy, circularity, health and future technology. Through world-class research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and strong industry partnerships, we educate engineers and scientists who turn scientific discoveries into technologies with lasting societal impact. Together, we create chemistry for a better world. Information Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Prof. Željko Tomović, [email protected]. Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact Ms. Funda Gormus, HR-advisor, [email protected]. Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page. Application We invite you to submit a complete application using the apply-button. The application should include a: Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position. Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application. List of up to five self-selected ‘best publications’. Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. Please note that incomplete applications may not be considered and could be rejected. We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled. Please note You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines. Please do not contact us for unsolicited services. Reference number: 2026/479 Apply now Share this vacancy Share Twitter Facebook LinkedIn

Core Responsibilities

Develop and validate an AI-enhanced, solvent-based recycling process for complex plastic waste streams like multilayer packaging and e-waste. Focus on the high-yield recovery of high-value polymers while minimizing energy and solvent consumption.

Requirements

Requires a PhD in polymer chemistry, organic chemistry, or a related discipline with a solid background in polymer synthesis and characterization. Candidates must possess excellent English communication skills and a hands-on mentality for application-oriented research.

Benefits

• 8% Holiday allowance
• 8.3% Year-end bonus
• Flexible working hours
• ABP pension scheme
• Training programs on general skills and didactics
• On-campus children's day care
• Sports facilities
• Partially paid parental leave
• Commuting allowance
• Working from home allowance
• Internet costs allowance
• Postdoc Association support
• Staff Immigration Team
• Expat tax compensation scheme
• Moving expenses compensation