We are looking for a PhD-candidate who will be working on life cycle assessment (LCA) in the context of the international research project RADIUS (Recycled automotive brake disks by upgrading metallic scraps). RADIUS will develop automotive disk brakes based on recycled alloys, containing aluminium, magnesium, and silicon metal scraps. RADIUS is supported by the EIT Raw Materials innovation program of the European Union (eitrawmaterials.eu), the largest and strongest consortium in the raw materials sector worldwide. EIT RawMaterials aims to significantly enhance innovation in the raw materials sector by developing innovative technologies.

Key tasks include:

• LCA of the baseline RADIUS system;
• LCA of the pilot/labscale version of the novel technology system;
• Developing scenarios for possible large-scale implementation of the novel technology system and perform LCAs of these large-scale scenarios.

• The candidate should have a Master’s degree in Industrial Ecology or a MSc in environmental chemistry or environmental or sustainable technology or equivalent and have a strong interest in interdisciplinary work;
• Experience in quantitative research methods, and in assessing complex technological systems;
• Strong data management, visualization and programming skills (e.g. in Matlab, Python or R) are an advantage.;
• Experience with the assessment of recycling systems and/or metallurgical processes are an advantage, but not essential;
• You must be proficient in spoken and written English, have good communication skills;
• Moreover, you are a team player, are able as well to work independently, take initiative, and have a strong interest and motivation to pursue academic research.

Initially we offer a position for one year. After a positive evaluation of the progress of the thesis, personal capabilities and compatibility the appointment will be extended by a further three years. Salary range from €2,222 to €2,840 gross per month (pay scale P, in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. For international spouses we have set up a dual career programme. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. More at https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at/job-application-procedure-and-employment-conditions.

All our PhD students are embedded in the Leiden University Graduate School of Science. Our graduate school offers several PhD training courses at three levels: professional courses, skills training and personal effectiveness. In addition, advanced courses to deepen scientific knowledge are offered by the research school.

Diversity
Leiden University is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups.

Universiteit Leiden

Leiden is a typical university city, hosting the oldest university in the Netherlands (1575). The University permeates the local surroundings; University premises are scattered throughout the city, and the students who live and study in Leiden give the city its relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere.

Leiden University is one of Europe's foremost research universities. This prominent position gives our graduates a leading edge in applying for academic posts and for functions outside academia. More at https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at.

https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/werken-bij

Faculty of Science

The Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are driven by curiosity to expand fundamental knowledge and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science, and to make a contribution to addressing the major societal challenges of the future.

The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organised in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelor’s and twelve master’s programmes. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 1,300 staff and almost 4,000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together.

The Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML) is positioned in the Faculty of Sciences. The core business of CML is to perform research and education in the interdisciplinary field of Environmental Sciences. CML has two Departments: Industrial Ecology (CML-IE) and Conservation Biology (CML-CB). Presently, over 90 fte (including postdocs and PhDs) are employed at CML. CML collaborates with the TU Delft and Erasmus University in the Leiden-Delft-Erasmus Centre for Sustainability (LDE-CfS) and Centre for Metropoles and Mainports (LDE-CMM).

https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science