PhD on Molecular Separation Methods for Plastics Recycling

Introduction
Are you eager to work on the next step in polymer recycling which goes beyond shredding and mixing?
And are you driven to make an impact on the sustainability of plastic materials?
Then this PhD position is an excellent fit for you!

Job Description
About the Research
At TU/e, materials research is a cornerstone of our academic mission, with polymers and soft matter recognized as a major theme. Within the Department of Mechanical Engineering, the Processing and Performance (P&P) research group aims to revolutionize the design of polymer products and shaping processes. We are transitioning from traditional trial-and-error approaches to virtual prototyping powered by quantitative predictive models.

The P&P group bridges the gap between molecular design, processing techniques, and end-product properties. Our research spans the entire spectrum of polymer rheology, processing, and mechanical performance, targeting both the fluid (processing) and solid (properties) states. This integrated approach combines sophisticated experimental techniques, rheological modeling, and reliable predictive modeling to tackle real-world challenges.

About the Project
Despite significant efforts to recycle plastic waste efficiently, traditional recycling methods face critical limitations. These methods often involve costly, energy-intensive processes that fail to meet stringent purification requirements for sensitive applications like food packaging and medical products.

In this PhD project, you will develop a novel recycling approach leveraging the sensitivity of polyolefin crystallization and melting behaviors to typical processing conditions such as extrusion and injection molding. By exploiting these unique characteristics, you will aim to achieve precise separation and spatial fractionation of polymer mixtures based on polyolefin type and molecular weight. This innovative methodology has the potential to overcome the limitations of conventional recycling, offering sustainable solutions for high-purity applications.

• Identify the processing conditions, i.e., flow fields and temperature profiles, that seem most effective in molecular phase separation at the nanoscale.
• Develop an experimental toolkit to inform and validate these predictive models.
• Compare the de-mixing efficiency for different material compositions and molecular weights.

The results of your project will facilitate the efficient removal of undesirable components in mixed waste-streams, thereby significantly enhancing the performance and quality of polyolefin recyclates. Importantly, this innovative technique needs to be designed for seamless integration into existing compounding lines, offering a practical and scalable solution to overcome current recycling inefficiencies while advancing sustainability in high-value applications.

Job Requirements
We are looking for a candidate with intrinsic motivation and enthusiasm, holding a MSc. degree in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent) and having a strong background in polymer processing / polymer mechanics.
The following experience, skills and interested are preferred:

• A master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree)Affinity with both experimental and numerical work.
• Experienced in characterization of complex fluids / rheology (preferably polymers and/or other viscoelastic materials).
• Driven to improve sustainability of polymer materials.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to take ownership of the research project.
• Interested in collaborating with academic and industrial partners.
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).

Conditions of Employment

• 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 four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 2,901 max. € 3,707).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

Information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager prof.dr.ir. Stan Looijmans, Assistant Professor, s.f.s.p.looijmans@tue.nl or +31 40 247 6324.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HR Services, email HRServices.Gemini@tue.nl.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application
We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button.
The application should include a:

• Curriculum vitae (including a list of conference and/or journal publications, if applicable).
• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position and your motivation to conduct PhD research in general.
• Contact details of (min.) 2 to (max.) 3 references.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online/on-campus interview. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

PhD on Molecular Separation Methods for Plastics Recycling

About the Research

At TU/e, materials research is a cornerstone of our academic mission, with polymers and soft matter recognized as a major theme. Within the Department of Mechanical Engineering, the Processing and Performance (P&P) research group aims to revolutionize the design of polymer products and shaping processes. We are transitioning from traditional trial-and-error approaches to virtual prototyping powered by quantitative predictive models.

The P&P group bridges the gap between molecular design, processing techniques, and end-product properties. Our research spans the entire spectrum of polymer rheology, processing, and mechanical performance, targeting both the fluid (processing) and solid (properties) states. This integrated approach combines sophisticated experimental techniques, rheological modeling, and reliable predictive modeling to tackle real-world challenges.

About the Project
Despite significant efforts to recycle plastic waste efficiently, traditional recycling methods face critical limitations. These methods often involve costly, energy-intensive processes that fail to meet stringent purification requirements for sensitive applications like food packaging and medical products.

In this PhD project, you will develop a novel recycling approach leveraging the sensitivity of polyolefin crystallization and melting behaviors to typical processing conditions such as extrusion and injection molding. By exploiting these unique characteristics, you will aim to achieve precise separation and spatial fractionation of polymer mixtures based on polyolefin type and molecular weight. This innovative methodology has the potential to overcome the limitations of conventional recycling, offering sustainable solutions for high-purity applications.

• Identify the processing conditions, i.e., flow fields and temperature profiles, that seem most effective in molecular phase separation at the nanoscale.
• Develop an experimental toolkit to inform and validate these predictive models.
• Compare the de-mixing efficiency for different material compositions and molecular weights.

The results of your project will facilitate the efficient removal of undesirable components in mixed waste-streams, thereby significantly enhancing the performance and quality of polyolefin recyclates. Importantly, this innovative technique needs to be designed for seamless integration into existing compounding lines, offering a practical and scalable solution to overcome current recycling inefficiencies while advancing sustainability in high-value applications.

PhD Towards Competent Automated Driving Vehicles

Introduction
Are you excited about a future where robo-taxis are easily accessible to all, especially the elderly and the mobility challenged? Would you like to help make that future a reality? Join us while we create the first “driving competence exam” for automated vehicles!

Job Description
For the near future, driving will remain a form of social interaction because it is performed by people. When we join traffic, we have a clear understanding of the social norms of driving. We know what to expect from other road users and what they expect from us, and we can intuitively recognize who around us drives according to these expectations. Moreover, safety in traffic is the result of interactions among drivers who have the knowledge and training to drive competently, and that are licensed to do so.

But now that more self-driving cars are joining traffic (e.g., Teslas with Full Self-Driving capabilities, or Waymos) the questions arise: how do we know these vehicles can indeed drive competently among us? Can their understanding of our complex social interactions be assessed or measured? What is indeed competent driving and how can we assess it?

Here is where you come in! Within the EU project CERTAIN (Resilient and continuous safety assurance methodology for CCAM and its HMI components) you will join the Dynamics and Control section at the Mechanical Engineering Department and help create and implement an objective, scalable, data-based, methodology to assess driving competence. That is, you will:

• Conduct a detailed literature analysis on objective assessment of driving competence.
• Formalize driving behaviors in mathematical relationships among kinematic and environmental variables, together with traffic rules and infrastructure information.
• Process naturalistic driving data to determine how these relationships are maintained by competent human drivers.
• Develop a method to assess whether a drivers (human or otherwise) drive competently by comparing their driving data to that of competent drivers.
• In close collaboration with TNO and several of the other 23 international CERTAIN partners, implement the assessment methodology in TNO’s Carlabs for demonstration in one of the key use cases of the CERTAIN project.

There are several potential strategies that could be used for assessment. One is the well-established “scenario-based testing” methodology, in which a vehicle under test is offered, via simulations, multiple instances of different driving scenarios. The responses to these scenarios are then used for assessment. Another is a more system-theoretic approach would be to fit a model to the self-driving algorithm of the vehicle under test, which is then compared to a reference model of a competent driver. You, as a PhD candidate, will have the freedom to explore these and other options and provide a theoretical foundation for the strategy you select.

Job Requirements
Eligibility criteria:

• A master's degree (or equivalent).
• High-level English proficiency.

Required skills:

• A master's degree in transport engineering, automotive technology, human factors, systems and control or equivalent, with a thesis showing experience on data processing, modelling and analysis.
• Affinity with and/ or interest in human factors in road safety and modelling of driving behavior.
• Programming skills in Matlab, Python, or similar.
• Strong conceptual and analytical skills
• Proven ability to undertake research.
• Demonstrable research, writing and presentation skills.
• The ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Optional skills (preferred but not required):

• Knowledge of driving models and automated vehicle instrumentation
• Familiarity with machine learning and/or system identification

English language requirements:

• Proof of English language proficiency: You should meet either of these:
  
  • C2 proficiency (formally known as CPE): minimum score of 180 (at least 169 per section)
  • C1 advanced certificate (formally known as CAE): minimum score of 176 (at least of 169 per section)
  • IELTS: Overall band score of at least 6.5 and a minimum of 6.0 for each section
  • TOEFL: Overall band score of at least 6.5 and a minimum of 6.0 for each section

Doing a PhD at Eindhoven University of Technology requires good English proficiency to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details, please check the Graduate School English proficiency requirements

Conditions of Employment

• 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 four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 2,901 max. € 3,707).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

Information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Assistant Professor Arturo Tejada Ruiz, at a.tejada.ruiz@tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HR Services Gemini HRServices.Gemini@tue.nl or HR Advice HRadviceME@tue.nl.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application
We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a publications list (if available), achievements relevant to the positions, etc.
• Contact information of two references.
• A copy of your master thesis.
• Bachelor and master courses grade lists, issued by the university where you got your degrees.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

Hoofd Studium Generale

Studium Generale (SG) is dé plek op de TU/e waar cultuur, maatschappelijke thema’s en wetenschap samenkomen. SG biedt studenten (én andere nieuwsgierige geesten) de ruimte om hun horizon te verbreden en zich te verdiepen buiten het reguliere onderwijs om. SG stimuleert en cultiveert levenslange academische vorming door te prikkelen met nieuwe inzichten, verrassende ervaringen en frisse perspectieven. Dat doen we met een breed programma van lezingen, debatten, films, concerten, theater, tentoonstellingen en workshops.

De afdeling Studium Generale bestaat uit ca 9 medewerkers, en hierin worden verschillende rollen uitgevoerd, te weten programmamakers, communicatie en andere organisatorische en administratieve werkzaamheden.

Wat ga je doen?

• Strategisch vormgeven
  Je bent verantwoordelijk voor de visie en het beleid van Studium Generale. Daarbij zorg je dat het programma past bij de bredere missie van de TU/e: het stimuleren van academische vorming en maatschappelijke betrokkenheid. Jij ziet kansen, weet wat er speelt in de wereld en vertaalt dat naar spraakmakende thema’s op het snijvlak van wetenschap, cultuur en maatschappij.
• Leidinggeven met impact
  Je geeft richting aan het team en bent verantwoordelijk voor personeelsbeleid, financiën en middelen. Je bent hiërarchisch leidinggevende van de kunst- en erfgoedconservator en werkt nauw samen met diverse commissies en partners binnen General Affairs. Je bent een sparringpartner én een doener.
• Verbinding zoeken en versterken
  Je onderhoudt actief contact met studenten(verenigingen), culturele instellingen en zusterinstellingen in het land. Ook heb je een belangrijke rol in het versterken van de band tussen de TU/e-gemeenschap en de regio. Denk aan samenwerking met het Muziekgebouw, Parktheater of Natlab – jij bouwt bruggen tussen wetenschap, cultuur en samenleving.
• Beleid én praktijk combineren
  Je neemt deel aan beleidsdiscussies, schrijft het jaarverslag en bent secretaris van de bestuurscommissie Studium Generale. Daarnaast vertegenwoordig je Studium Generale in platformen als Studentlife en overleg je regelmatig over thema’s als studentencultuur, social safety en huisvesting.

Hoofd Studium Generale

Introductie
Ben jij iemand met een brede blik op cultuur, maatschappij en wetenschap, en geloof je in de kracht van academische én persoonlijke ontwikkeling? Dan ligt hier een unieke kans voor jou. Als hoofd van Studium Generale geef je richting aan een programma dat studenten, medewerkers en geïnteresseerden uitdaagt om verder te kijken dan hun eigen vakgebied – en dat alles binnen de inspirerende context van de TU/e en de Brainportregio.

In deze rol ben je niet alleen de drijvende kracht achter een inhoudelijk sterk en relevant programma, je bent ook het boegbeeld van Studium Generale. Jij zet de koers uit, verbindt, inspireert en vertegenwoordigt – binnen en buiten de universiteit.

Functieomschrijving
Studium Generale (SG) is dé plek op de TU/e waar cultuur, maatschappelijke thema’s en wetenschap samenkomen. SG biedt studenten (én andere nieuwsgierige geesten) de ruimte om hun horizon te verbreden en zich te verdiepen buiten het reguliere onderwijs om. SG stimuleert en cultiveert levenslange academische vorming door te prikkelen met nieuwe inzichten, verrassende ervaringen en frisse perspectieven. Dat doen we met een breed programma van lezingen, debatten, films, concerten, theater, tentoonstellingen en workshops.

De afdeling Studium Generale bestaat uit ca 9 medewerkers, en hierin worden verschillende rollen uitgevoerd, te weten programmamakers, communicatie en andere organisatorische en administratieve werkzaamheden.

Wat ga je doen?

• Strategisch vormgeven
  Je bent verantwoordelijk voor de visie en het beleid van Studium Generale. Daarbij zorg je dat het programma past bij de bredere missie van de TU/e: het stimuleren van academische vorming en maatschappelijke betrokkenheid. Jij ziet kansen, weet wat er speelt in de wereld en vertaalt dat naar spraakmakende thema’s op het snijvlak van wetenschap, cultuur en maatschappij.
• Leidinggeven met impact
  Je geeft richting aan het team en bent verantwoordelijk voor personeelsbeleid, financiën en middelen. Je bent hiërarchisch leidinggevende van de kunst- en erfgoedconservator en werkt nauw samen met diverse commissies en partners binnen General Affairs. Je bent een sparringpartner én een doener.
• Verbinding zoeken en versterken
  Je onderhoudt actief contact met studenten(verenigingen), culturele instellingen en zusterinstellingen in het land. Ook heb je een belangrijke rol in het versterken van de band tussen de TU/e-gemeenschap en de regio. Denk aan samenwerking met het Muziekgebouw, Parktheater of Natlab – jij bouwt bruggen tussen wetenschap, cultuur en samenleving.
• Beleid én praktijk combineren
  Je neemt deel aan beleidsdiscussies, schrijft het jaarverslag en bent secretaris van de bestuurscommissie Studium Generale. Daarnaast vertegenwoordig je Studium Generale in platformen als Studentlife en overleg je regelmatig over thema’s als studentencultuur, social safety en huisvesting.

Functie-eisen
Kennis en ervaring

• Je hebt een afgeronde academische opleiding (universitair niveau, erkend in Nederland).
• Je hebt een brede interesse, vooral op het gebied van wetenschap, cultuur en maatschappij.
• Ervaring met het ontwikkelen, uitvoeren en evalueren van (zaal)programma’s met een wetenschappelijke, maatschappelijke of culturele insteek.
• Je hebt leiding gegeven aan een theoretisch opgeleid team in een professionele omgeving.
• Je voelt je thuis in de wereld van cultuur, wetenschap en onderwijs, en hebt affiniteit met studenten en studentencultuur.
• Een relevant netwerk in het culturele, maatschappelijke en/of wetenschappelijke domein is een pré.
• Je volgt wat er leeft onder studenten en in de academische wereld, en gaat hierover actief het gesprek aan.
• Je bent sterk in het bouwen en onderhouden van duurzame relaties binnen én buiten de TU/e.
• Je communiceert uitstekend in zowel Nederlands als Engels, mondeling én schriftelijk.
• Je bent flexibel en bereid om ook buiten reguliere kantoortijden werkzaam te zijn.

Persoonlijkheid en vaardigheden

• Je bent een empathische people manager die gevoelige onderwerpen die spelen binnen universiteit en samenleving op een zorgvuldige manier weet te begeleiden.
• Als coachende en verbindende leidinggevende geef je vertrouwen, motiveer je je team en stuur je bij waar nodig.
• Je creëert een open en veilig werkklimaat waarin medewerkers worden uitgedaagd.
• Je bent open-minded, kunt goed luisteren, faciliteert dialoog en staat open voor andere perspectieven.
• Je stimuleert creatief en kritisch denken en zoekt actief naar originele oplossingen.
• Je denkt strategisch, bent tactvol en bouwt makkelijk allianties.
• Je combineert stevigheid en doorzettingsvermogen met creativiteit en flexibiliteit.
• Je kijkt over grenzen heen, werkt flexibel en zoekt naar samenwerking binnen de universiteit.
• Je bent een netwerker pur sang en durft ook op het podium te staan als gezicht van het programma.

Arbeidsvoorwaarden

• Werken op een inspirerende campus waar je volop mogelijkheden hebt voor persoonlijke ontwikkeling en groei.
• Wij bieden een jaarcontract (0.8 – 1.0 FTE). Hierbij zal worden overwogen de initiële aanstelling via EUFlex te laten verlopen (de detacheringsorganisatie van de TU/e). Bij goed functioneren wordt deze aanstelling omgezet naar een vast dienstverband.
• Het fulltime brutosalaris is in overeenstemming met CAO NU en is afhankelijk van kennis en ervaring; minimaal € 5.495,- en maximaal € 7.056,- (conform schaal 12 CAO NU).
• De eindejaarsuitkering bedraagt 8,3% van het jaarsalaris (overeenkomend met een maandsalaris). De vakantie-uitkering bedraagt 8% van het jaarsalaris. De TU/e biedt verder uitstekende secundaire arbeidsvoorwaarden (o.a. kinderopvang, 29 verlofdagen bij een 38-urige werkweek en uitstekende sportfaciliteiten).

Informatie & sollicitatie
Meer inhoudelijke informatie over de functie je krijgen bij Eric van der Geer-Rutten – Rijswijk, Secretary of University, e-mail E.v.d.Geer@tue.nl, of Mai Lan Pham, Senior Recruiter, e-mail: m.l.t.pham@tue.nl.

Informatie over de arbeidsvoorwaarden en voor overige vragen kun je contact opnemen met de afdeling HR Services, e-mail: HRServices.SupportUnits@tue.nl of bel 040 247 4486.

Nieuwsgierig geworden? Op www.tue.nl/jobs vind je meer over werken bij de TU/e.

Sollicitatie:
Ben je geïnteresseerd in deze vacature? Upload dan je motivatiebrief en cv via de “Apply now” button op de TU/e website.