PostDoc position on Closed-loop recyclable polymers

Job description

PD position (1.0 fte)

Looking for a challenging researcher position? Join us in developing sustainable polymers for continuous reuse and recycling. This innovative project focuses on designing and synthesizing novel polymeric structures and monomers that can switch between polymerized and depolymerized states. You'll have the opportunity to test new materials and contribute to a sustainable future, and advance your career in an exciting research environment.

Job Description

In polymeric materials, a fundamental transition is required from synthesis out of fossil-based feedstock and one time use to continuous re-use and recycling of polymeric products. Most of the plastics that is recycled currently goes through mechanical and thermal processing to re-make other plastic products, e.g., thermoplastics such as PE, PP, PET. Thermosetting plastics and resins cannot be easily chemically or mechanically recycled. Chemical recycling for instance requires much energy and harsh reaction conditions, and creates an inseparable mixture of oligomers.

In this project, the focus of the research will be on existing polymers as well as designing and synthesis of novel polymeric structures more amenable to recycling, including smart new monomers that can switch between polymerized and depolymerized states, using energy efficient processes. The key is incorporation of suitable degradable functional groups or smart monomers into the polymers in their design stage (”design for recycling’’ approach). The research will include the design and synthesis of new monomers including the use of bio-based raw materials, preparation of polymers and elucidation of structure-property relationships, chemical depolymerization, separation and recovery of building blocks and proof of concept for “closed-loop” recycling. The research activities will include understanding of performance profile of new materials and elucidation of structure property relationships by means of various chemical, structural, rheological and mechanical characterization techniques.   

Group Polymer Performance Materials

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.

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 or organic molecules 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

• We offer challenging jobs in a highly motivated international teams at a dynamic and ambitious university. You will work with innovative analytic equipment, and you will be part of a highly profiled multidisciplinary collaboration where expertise of a variety of disciplines comes together.
• A full-time employment for 18 months.
• The TU/e is located in one of the smartest regions of the world and part of the European technology hotspot ‘Brainport Eindhoven’; well-known because of many high-tech industries and start-ups. A place to be for talented scientists!
• A gross monthly salary and benefits in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• Additionally, an annual holiday allowance of 8% of the yearly salary, plus a year-end allowance of 8.3% of the annual salary.
• A broad package of fringe benefits (including an excellent technical infrastructure, moving expenses, and savings schemes).
• Family-friendly initiatives are in place, such as an international spouse program, and excellent on-campus children day care and sports facilities.

Information and application

More information

For more detailed information about this position, please contact Prof. Željko Tomović (z.tomovic[a[tue.nl).

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact mr. Leo van Houten HR-advisor, l.v.houten[at]tue.nl.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

More information about Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) and the department of Chemical Engineering & Chemistry is available at www.tue.nl.

Applications

Please send your application via the apply-now button and upload

• Cover letter briefly describing your qualifications and motivation for this position.
• Curriculum vitae including a publication list and the contact details of three references.
• List of BSc and MSc courses and grades.

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.

You can upload a maximum of 5 documents of up to 2MB each. Only applications that are submitted in this way are taken into account.