Selective and efficient depolymerisation of polyolefins is one of the biggest challenges in the chemical recycling of polymers. The available technologies, such as catalytic pyrolysis, are not selective and produce large amounts of wastes. New chemocatalytic pathways need to be developed to enable a more efficient conversion of plastic wastes to useful chemicals. This challenge is tackled by the Flagship program Chemical Recycling of Polyolefins via Novel Catalytic and Separation Routes within the Advanced Research Center Chemical Building Block Consortium (ARC CBBC).

Together with colleagues from Delft, Eindhoven and Utrecht, you will be investigating new creative cataltyic solutions to enable selective upcycling of polyolefin wastes. In this project, you will develop and employ advanced automated computational strategies to address the complex catalytic chemistry of polyolefins transformations in solution and at a solid-liquid interface. The validation of the new mechanistic models and computational predictions will be carried out in a close interaction and collaboration with the experimental catalysis research within this Flagship program.  

We are looking for a highly motivated and ambitious candidate with a PhD in computational chemistry, physical organic chemistry, computational catalysis (or have submitted a PhD thesis prior to taking up the appointment) or relevant experience. A good background in computational chemistry and affinity with computer sciences and programming are required.

Our perfect candidate:

- has a strong interest in computational chemistry and chemistry automation

- has knowledge and expertise in computational chemistry applied to catalysis and organometallic chemistry

- has knowledge in molecular catalysis and coordination chemistry

- has hands-on experience in developing computational chemistry workflows / programming in Python / R / C++

- is proficient in spoken and written English

- is creative and a team player with good communication skills

- is able to work independently in a  multidisciplinary and multicultural environment

- is able to keep up with the literature related to the research subject and beyond.

You should be able to carry out complex and thorough computational investigations into catalytic processes. This requires the ability to quickly learn new techniques, scientific approaches and develop the technical expertise to work with new computational environments. 

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation. An International Children's Centre offers childcare and there is an international primary school.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context. At TU Delft we embrace diversity and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

Challenge. Change. Impact! 

Faculty Applied Sciences

With more than 1,000 employees, including 135 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,400 passionate students, the Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem. Focusing on key enabling technologies, such as quantum- and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology and materials for energy storage and conversion, our faculty aims to provide solutions to important problems of the 21st century. To that end, we train students in broad Bachelor's and specialist Master's programmes with a strong research component. Our scientists conduct ground-breaking fundamental and applied research in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Engineering Physics. We are also training the next generation of high school teachers and science communicators.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Applied Sciences.