Postdoc In AI-enhanced solvent-based recycling of polymers

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.

Information
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.

• We seek highly talented, motivated, and enthusiastic candidates with an PhD degree in organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, or a related discipline.
• The successful candidate has a solid background in organic and polymer chemistry.
• Experience with the synthesis and characterization of organic molecules or 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.

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 18 months.
• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 10 (min. € 4,241 max. € 5,538).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• 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.
• 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 30% facility) and a compensation for moving expenses.

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Prof. Željko Tomović, z.tomovic@tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact Ms. Medea Weertman, HR-advisor, m.weertman@tue.nl.

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