Postdoc Solvothermal Recycling of Cardiac Catheters

Job description
We have a new Postdoc vacancy in our group on solvothermal recycling of cardiac catheters. This Postdoc position is part of the newly funded Top Sector Life Sciences & Health (LSH) project - EvalueWaste.

This project brings together a multidisciplinary consortium from industry and academia to tackle one of the most pressing challenges of the healthcare sector: single-use cardiac electro-surgical catheters. Every year, about 170,000 electro-surgical instruments and cardiac electro-surgical catheters are discarded, along with 70,000 kg of plastic handles. These single-use devices are often made of complex, highly engineered composite materials with various types of polymers and precious metals that are difficult to recycle. Thus, after used, cardiac catheters are usually incinerated, resulting in significant material losses and environmental impact

As a Postdoc within the EvalueWaste consortium at TU Delft, you will:

• Scale-up of a solvothermal process to recover metals and polymers from cardiac catheters for reuse.
• Publish high-quality scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals and contribute to project reports in collaboration with the project supervisors and others.
• Participate in consortium meetings, workshops, and stakeholder events, and actively contribute to knowledge exchange and impact activities.
• Support the supervision of students where relevant and contribute to the academic life of the department.

This Postdoc position provides a unique opportunity to help redefine the circularity in the healthcare sector in collaboration with the leading industry and the unique GreenCycl initiative.

Job requirements

• You are strong in advanced chemical engineering research and enjoy hands-on experimental work. You are eager to grow your expertise and enjoy engaging with and supporting students. You need to have:
• A PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Experience in experimental study of mechanical processing
• Hands on experince in practical engineering and process design
• A critical attitude towards results is expected, which translates into formulating new research questions.
• Ability to function both in a team and independently.
• Good communication skills. good in English, both spoken and written.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.

For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow.

These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future.

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional.

Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.

Faculty Mechanical Engineering
From chip to ship. From machine to human being. From idea to solution. Driven by a deep-rooted desire to understand our environment and discover its underlying mechanisms, research and education at the ME faculty focusses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and (mechanical) systems.

ME is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. It’s a large faculty but also versatile, so we can often make unique connections by combining different disciplines. This is reflected in ME’s outstanding, state-of-the-art education, which trains students to become responsible and socially engaged engineers and scientists. We translate our knowledge and insights into solutions to societal issues, contributing to a sustainable society and to the development of prosperity and well-being. That is what unites us in pioneering research, inspiring education and (inter)national cooperation.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? These videos will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.

Postdoc Solvothermal Recycling of Cardiac Catheters

Job description
We have a new Postdoc vacancy in our group on solvothermal recycling of cardiac catheters. This Postdoc position is part of the newly funded Top Sector Life Sciences & Health (LSH) project - EvalueWaste.

This project brings together a multidisciplinary consortium from industry and academia to tackle one of the most pressing challenges of the healthcare sector: single-use cardiac electro-surgical catheters. Every year, about 170,000 electro-surgical instruments and cardiac electro-surgical catheters are discarded, along with 70,000 kg of plastic handles. These single-use devices are often made of complex, highly engineered composite materials with various types of polymers and precious metals that are difficult to recycle. Thus, after used, cardiac catheters are usually incinerated, resulting in significant material losses and environmental impact

As a Postdoc within the EvalueWaste consortium at TU Delft, you will:

• Scale-up of a solvothermal process to recover metals and polymers from cardiac catheters for reuse.
• Publish high-quality scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals and contribute to project reports in collaboration with the project supervisors and others.
• Participate in consortium meetings, workshops, and stakeholder events, and actively contribute to knowledge exchange and impact activities.
• Support the supervision of students where relevant and contribute to the academic life of the department.

This Postdoc position provides a unique opportunity to help redefine the circularity in the healthcare sector in collaboration with the leading industry and the unique GreenCycl initiative.

Job requirements

• You are strong in advanced chemical engineering research and enjoy hands-on experimental work. You are eager to grow your expertise and enjoy engaging with and supporting students. You need to have:
• A PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Experience in experimental study of mechanical processing
• Hands on experince in practical engineering and process design
• A critical attitude towards results is expected, which translates into formulating new research questions.
• Ability to function both in a team and independently.
• Good communication skills. good in English, both spoken and written.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.

For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow.

These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future.

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional.

Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.

Faculty Mechanical Engineering
From chip to ship. From machine to human being. From idea to solution. Driven by a deep-rooted desire to understand our environment and discover its underlying mechanisms, research and education at the ME faculty focusses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and (mechanical) systems.

ME is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. It’s a large faculty but also versatile, so we can often make unique connections by combining different disciplines. This is reflected in ME’s outstanding, state-of-the-art education, which trains students to become responsible and socially engaged engineers and scientists. We translate our knowledge and insights into solutions to societal issues, contributing to a sustainable society and to the development of prosperity and well-being. That is what unites us in pioneering research, inspiring education and (inter)national cooperation.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? These videos will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.

General Director QuTech

Our mission

At QuTech, we conduct world-class research and develop scalable prototypes of a quantum computer and a quantum internet, embedded in a vibrant and fast-growing quantum technology ecosystem. We act as a key enabler of this ecosystem.

We believe quantum technology will be a game changer across many technological, societal and economic domains, including health, climate, agriculture and security. To realise this potential, QuTech brings together scientists, engineers and industry partners in an ambitious, entrepreneurial and highly collaborative environment.

Our activities are organised in three divisions—Quantum Computing, Quantum Internet and Qubit Research—supported by strong technical and professional teams. With around 300 staff members from many nationalities, QuTech offers a dynamic and international working environment for top talent.

The General Director plays a pivotal role in steering QuTech’s strategic course, forging impactful partnerships and strengthening its position on the global scientific stage.

Strategic ambitions

QuTech is an internationally leading academic institute that combines cutting-edge research and engineering with a strong focus on innovation, societal impact and the development of the Dutch quantum technology ecosystem. It plays a key role at the European level through strategic collaborations, leading consortia and competitive funding initiatives, while education and talent development remain central through its involvement in academic programmes and the QuTech Academy. For the full strategic ambitions of QuTech, please refer to the extended profile of this position, which can be downloaded via the link below.

As General Director, you hold overall responsibility for QuTech’s operations, research direction, business development and internal and external collaboration. You bring coherence to these domains and translate strategy into sustainable impact.

The General Director plays a pivotal role in steering QuTech’s strategic course, forging impactful partnerships and strengthening its position on the global scientific stage.

You articulate a clear vision for QuTech’s future and guide the institute through its next phase of development. With an inclusive and transparent leadership style, you inspire and empower staff, foster collaboration and ensure a socially safe and stimulating working environment.

As QuTech’s key ambassador, you build and strengthen relationships across academia, industry, government and the wider ecosystem. By reinforcing professional, technical and administrative support, you enable researchers and engineers to achieve maximum international impact.

You work with a strong management team, including the Institute Secretary, the Business Development Lead and the leaders of the three divisions. You may also be supported by a QuTech Chief Scientist, who advises on research strategy and integrity and may act as a scientific representative externally.

As General Director you report to the Executive Board of TU.

Responsibilities

The General Director is responsible for:

• Developing and implementing QuTech’s research and engineering strategy, safeguarding excellence and international competitiveness, in close collaboration with the divisional leadership teams.
• Driving QuTech’s business development, including strategic partnerships in academia and industry, technology commercialization, and active contribution to the Delft quantum ecosystem, supported by the Business Development Lead.
• Overseeing QuTech’s operations—finance, HR, technical infrastructure and housing—ensuring an effective, inclusive and socially safe organisation, supported by the Institute Secretary.
• Representing QuTech at the level of the TU Delft Executive Board and coordinating with faculty deans on strategy, academic staffing, education and shared intellectual property.
• Aligning with the University Corporate Office to ensure that central services optimally support QuTech’s strategic ambitions.

Job requirements
You bring:

• An academic background with a PhD in the exact sciences or engineering.
• Senior leadership experience in a complex, international research organisation.
• Deep understanding of the academic research landscape, governance and policy processes.
• A strong entrepreneurial mindset with proven experience in innovation, commercialization and ecosystem building;
• Insight into institutional and external research funding and the ability to align resources with strategic priorities.
• A track record as a strategic leader with high-level academic, governmental and industrial networks.
• Experience in operational management and organisational development.
• Strong organisational sensitivity and political awareness.
• A global outlook, preferably combined with familiarity with the Dutch academic and economic context.
• Excellent command of English; Dutch language skills or the willingness to acquire them within one year.

Leadership profile

You are:

• A motivating, collaborative and transparent leader who builds trust and alignment around a shared vision.
• Committed to diversity, inclusion and social safety, and accessible and empathetic in your leadership style.
• Able to balance listening and decisiveness, steering towards results while valuing diverse perspectives.
• A persuasive and effective communicator, internally and externally.
• Dedicated to attracting, developing and retaining exceptional talent.

TU Delft (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 as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

QuTech
QuTech is a mission-driven research institute of TU Delft. Together we work on a radically new technology with world-changing potential. Our mission: to develop scalable prototypes of a quantum computer and a secure quantum internet.

Have a look at our video and get a glimpse of QuTech.

PhD Position Design and Fabrication of Modular Actuator-Sensor Units for Over-Actuation

Job description
As chip demand grows and traditional scaling slows down, manufacturers need faster, more precise machines. However, unwanted vibrations in high-speed systems limit how quickly and accurately chips can be made. Current solutions can’t handle these complex vibrations. ETCH develops a new approach called over-actuation: placing many tiny sensors and actuators inside machine parts to control vibrations exactly where they happen. This PhD position will be developing methods for design and fabrication of modular actuator–sensor units, including shaping of the transducers, interfacing to the target system, embedding of the drive and sense solutions and connections into communication topologies for control.

Job requirements
A suitable candidate is strongly motivated about the research content and has a suitable preparation to conduct research that consists of both theoretical and experimental tasks:

1. Strong interest and curiosity in:

a) Piezoelectric actuators and sensors;

b) Precision manufacturing processes;

c) Mechanical interfacing of structures;

d) System design and embedded circuits;

2. MSc (or equivalent) degree in an *engineering* or *natural sciences* discipline:

Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Applied Physics, or similar;

3. Experience in *one* (or more) of the following fields:

a) Piezoelectric actuators and sensors: design, manufacturing and experimental evaluation of piezoelectric-enabled sensing and/or actuation systems;

b) Precision manufacturing methods: micromachining methods, subractive manufacturing methods, multi-material additive manufacturing, or similar;

c) Physics of materials adhesion and interfacing: adhesion of dissimilar materials and composites, surface physics, and similar;

d) Design and implementation of electronic circuits: power amplifiers, sense amplifiers, embedded systems and similar;

4. Beneficial experiences that will give an advantage (the more the better):

a) Additive and subtractive manufacturing methods;

b) Design and building of mechatronic systems and experimental set-ups;

c) Control engineering and dynamics analysis methods;

d) Numeric modelling methods application on piezoelectrics, funtional materials compliant mechanisms, composite materials, or similar;

e) Publication history in (international) conferences or journals;

5. Excellent level of spoken and written English.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.

For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow.

These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future.

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional.

Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.

Faculty Mechanical Engineering
From chip to ship. From machine to human being. From idea to solution. Driven by a deep-rooted desire to understand our environment and discover its underlying mechanisms, research and education at the ME faculty focusses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and (mechanical) systems.

ME is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. It’s a large faculty but also versatile, so we can often make unique connections by combining different disciplines. This is reflected in ME’s outstanding, state-of-the-art education, which trains students to become responsible and socially engaged engineers and scientists. We translate our knowledge and insights into solutions to societal issues, contributing to a sustainable society and to the development of prosperity and well-being. That is what unites us in pioneering research, inspiring education and (inter)national cooperation.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? These videos will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.

General Director QuTech

Our mission

At QuTech, we conduct world-class research and develop scalable prototypes of a quantum computer and a quantum internet, embedded in a vibrant and fast-growing quantum technology ecosystem. We act as a key enabler of this ecosystem.

We believe quantum technology will be a game changer across many technological, societal and economic domains, including health, climate, agriculture and security. To realise this potential, QuTech brings together scientists, engineers and industry partners in an ambitious, entrepreneurial and highly collaborative environment.

Our activities are organised in three divisions—Quantum Computing, Quantum Internet and Qubit Research—supported by strong technical and professional teams. With around 300 staff members from many nationalities, QuTech offers a dynamic and international working environment for top talent.

The General Director plays a pivotal role in steering QuTech’s strategic course, forging impactful partnerships and strengthening its position on the global scientific stage.

Strategic ambitions

QuTech is an internationally leading academic institute that combines cutting-edge research and engineering with a strong focus on innovation, societal impact and the development of the Dutch quantum technology ecosystem. It plays a key role at the European level through strategic collaborations, leading consortia and competitive funding initiatives, while education and talent development remain central through its involvement in academic programmes and the QuTech Academy. For the full strategic ambitions of QuTech, please refer to the extended profile of this position, which can be downloaded via the link below.

As General Director, you hold overall responsibility for QuTech’s operations, research direction, business development and internal and external collaboration. You bring coherence to these domains and translate strategy into sustainable impact.

The General Director plays a pivotal role in steering QuTech’s strategic course, forging impactful partnerships and strengthening its position on the global scientific stage.

You articulate a clear vision for QuTech’s future and guide the institute through its next phase of development. With an inclusive and transparent leadership style, you inspire and empower staff, foster collaboration and ensure a socially safe and stimulating working environment.

As QuTech’s key ambassador, you build and strengthen relationships across academia, industry, government and the wider ecosystem. By reinforcing professional, technical and administrative support, you enable researchers and engineers to achieve maximum international impact.

You work with a strong management team, including the Institute Secretary, the Business Development Lead and the leaders of the three divisions. You may also be supported by a QuTech Chief Scientist, who advises on research strategy and integrity and may act as a scientific representative externally.

As General Director you report to the Executive Board of TU.

Responsibilities

The General Director is responsible for:

• Developing and implementing QuTech’s research and engineering strategy, safeguarding excellence and international competitiveness, in close collaboration with the divisional leadership teams.
• Driving QuTech’s business development, including strategic partnerships in academia and industry, technology commercialization, and active contribution to the Delft quantum ecosystem, supported by the Business Development Lead.
• Overseeing QuTech’s operations—finance, HR, technical infrastructure and housing—ensuring an effective, inclusive and socially safe organisation, supported by the Institute Secretary.
• Representing QuTech at the level of the TU Delft Executive Board and coordinating with faculty deans on strategy, academic staffing, education and shared intellectual property.
• Aligning with the University Corporate Office to ensure that central services optimally support QuTech’s strategic ambitions.

Job requirements
You bring:

• An academic background with a PhD in the exact sciences or engineering.
• Senior leadership experience in a complex, international research organisation.
• Deep understanding of the academic research landscape, governance and policy processes.
• A strong entrepreneurial mindset with proven experience in innovation, commercialization and ecosystem building;
• Insight into institutional and external research funding and the ability to align resources with strategic priorities.
• A track record as a strategic leader with high-level academic, governmental and industrial networks.
• Experience in operational management and organisational development.
• Strong organisational sensitivity and political awareness.
• A global outlook, preferably combined with familiarity with the Dutch academic and economic context.
• Excellent command of English; Dutch language skills or the willingness to acquire them within one year.

Leadership profile

You are:

• A motivating, collaborative and transparent leader who builds trust and alignment around a shared vision.
• Committed to diversity, inclusion and social safety, and accessible and empathetic in your leadership style.
• Able to balance listening and decisiveness, steering towards results while valuing diverse perspectives.
• A persuasive and effective communicator, internally and externally.
• Dedicated to attracting, developing and retaining exceptional talent.

TU Delft (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 as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

QuTech
QuTech is a mission-driven research institute of TU Delft. Together we work on a radically new technology with world-changing potential. Our mission: to develop scalable prototypes of a quantum computer and a secure quantum internet.

Have a look at our video and get a glimpse of QuTech.