Technical Specialist (Biobased) Plastics Processing

Do you enjoy working with advanced machinery that you also set up and keep operational yourself? Do you have experience in plastics processing, for example with extruders? Or would you like to learn this and do you have a solid technical foundation? Would you like to use your skills in research on the processing of (bio-)plastics, while also contributing to a sustainable future? Then we are looking for you!

We are looking for an enthusiastic Technical Specialist (Biobased) Plastics Processing to strengthen the execution of our projects in the field of (biobased) plastics processing.

What will you do?

• processing new biobased and/or biodegradable materials on a small scale in the laboratory and pilot plant into semi-finished or final products;
• keeping equipment operational and managing it, including troubleshooting (minor) malfunctions;
• building and configuring equipment with the correct setup for the experiments to be carried out;
• performing experiments under the guidance of a project leader;
• internally reporting research results to the project leader, for example through a report or presentation.

The research you will be involved in takes place in changing project teams consisting of a project leader and one or more researchers. You will work on various projects together with colleagues. Because innovative research is our core business, you can expect highly varied work in which your knowledge and creativity are continuously challenged.

What do we do?
Within our research group Sustainable Chemistry & Technology, we conduct cutting-edge applied scientific research that helps bring the circular economy and a fossil-free, CO₂-neutral future closer. In addition to recycling existing (mostly petroleum-based) plastics, we also work on developing a new generation of biobased plastics. These plastics are not made from fossil raw materials (such as crude oil), but are produced from renewable resources such as lactic acid or starch. Where possible, these plastics are also biodegradable. We investigate the processing of these plastics using techniques such as compounding, extrusion, injection molding, and film blowing. We conduct this research in close collaboration with our clients, testing the developed processes on-site. Innovations we develop together typically reach the market quickly.

• you have at least an MBO-4 (vocational) qualification in a technical field with relevant experience, or a Bachelor’s degree (HBO) in Mechanical Engineering, Process Technology, Materials Science, or Chemical Engineering. Preferably, this is combined with a specialization in plastics processing and/or product development;
• you have previously worked in a research environment, for example in a laboratory or technical setting;
• you work well in a team and demonstrate a high level of responsibility, quality awareness, and independence. This is particularly important when setting up, carrying out, and reporting on research;
• you have strong communication and reporting skills, including a good command of both Dutch and English.

In our international working environment there is an increasing amount of communication in English. For this position it is about language level B2.

WUR welcomes applications from international candidates. However, for applicants for this specific position from outside the EU/EFTA zone, immigration restrictions may apply based on Dutch and EU immigration laws. Such candidates may be eligible for an “orientation year” in the Netherlands or a visa as a “knowledge migrant”.

Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:

• working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
• sabbatical leave, study leave, and partially paid parental leave;
• there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee;
• a fixed year-end bonus of 8,3%;
• excellent pension scheme.

In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will of course receive a good salary. We offer, depending on your experience, a competitive gross salary of between €3231,- and €4929,- for a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the CLA Wageningen Research (scale 8-9). Additionally, For this role a contract for 32 hours a week can be discussed. As for your contract, we initially offer a one-year contract that can be extended - if possible within (company) organizational circumstances - on good performance. Of course, we are happy to have a conversation with you if you have any questions about this.

Wageningen University & Research offers plenty of opportunities for growth and development, with a strong internal recruitment policy and excellent training programmes.

You will work on the greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands, in an international and open working environment.

The mission of Wageningen University & Research is “To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life”. Under the banner Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen University and the specialised research institutes of the Wageningen Research Foundation have joined forces in contributing to finding solutions to important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment. With its roughly 30 branches, 7,600 employees (6,700 fte) and 13,100 students and over 150,000 participants to WUR’s Life Long Learning, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. The unique Wageningen approach lies in its integrated approach to issues and the collaboration between different disciplines.

Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR and watch the video below to get an idea of our green campus!

We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves, so no employment agencies please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.