This PhD research will focus on developing techniques and procedures for the optimal reuse of materials from renovation projects. Some of the research aims that this project will develop are:

• Concrete improvement proposals for (circular) renovation solutions from the point of view of availability, scalability and application security of renovation and recycling concepts.

• Identifying innovation routes based on the nexus energy vs. circularity: What kind of solutions still need to be developed and which critical elements are missing? Integral solutions which minimize, transport, embodied and process energies in recycling and re-use. Novel recycled materials are developed, and their 2nd lifetime assessed.

• Development of new materials based on optimization of reuse through efficient separation and crushing technology, and high-end reuse. The new materials are, besides circular aspects, optimized from the integral function and performance fulfilment.

This research will try to answer these questions by studying the output of a complex crushing and sorting technique developed at the TU/e, from physical, chemical and environmental points of view. The further development and optimization of the installation, as well as designing novel materials incorporating the recycled streams will be central to the project. The environmental impact of the novel materials will be integrally assessed during their 2nd lifetime using LCAs.

The Building Materials group contains 22 PhDs, 2 postdocs, 3 assistant professors, 1 associate professor and 1 full professor who all work on new, sustainable materials containing or synthesised from secondary raw materials with good chemical, physical and aesthetic properties and added functionalities. Examples are fly ashes, nano-silica, aerogels, slags, agricultural and industrial wastes or recycled aggregates. Functionality is introduced by incorporating photocatalytic powder or phase changing materials for example.



The research group possesses an excellent well-equipped and -staffed building material laboratory for physical/chemical/mechanical/environmental testing. It has close contacts with the building material industry and is frequently cooperating with other researchers, both domestic and abroad.

We are looking for excellent and highly motivated candidates with a MSc degree in a field related to materials, such as civil/mechanical/chemical engineering, earth sciences, physics, chemistry, or similar disciplines with an interest in physical/chemical processes. You should be able to work independently, have strong communication skills and the attitude to participate successfully in an international and multidisciplinary team.

Any of the following could be considered an advantage and should be mentioned in the motivation letter:

• Experience with (concrete) recycling, crushing and sorting techniques, both theoretically and practically;
• Familiarity with analytical characterization techniques (such as any of: XFR, XRD, FTIR, TG/DSC, SEM, IC, ICP or related techniques);
• Affinity/experience with inorganic materials and/or laboratory experience.

A sufficient English language level, both written and spoken, is required. Proofs of English level (such as certificates, coursework followed in English, manuscripts written in English etc.) should be mentioned.

Candidates who already hold the title of PhD/Doctor will not be considered for the current vacancy.

We offer you:

• An exciting job in a dynamic work environment.
• The possibility to present your work at international conferences.
• A full time appointment for four years at Eindhoven University of Technology (www.tue.nl/en).
• The salary is in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement of the Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2,325 per month initially, to € 2,972 in the fourth year.
• An attractive package of fringe benefits, including end-of-year bonus (8,3% in December), an extra holiday allowance (8% in May), moving expenses and excellent sports facilities.