Vacature PhD Purification of Pyrolyzed Waste Plastics

PhD Purification of Pyrolyzed Waste Plastics in Groningen

As part of the Purifiy project, we are looking for a PhD candidate on the purification of pyrolyzed waste plastics.

Pyrolysis offers a promising path to valorize difficult-to-recycle plastic waste. However, harmful contaminants present in such waste streams (e.g., halogens, metals, and nitrogen compounds) can cause equipment corrosion, catalyst deactivation, and compromise product quality. We are developing and evaluating innovative technologies to remove these contaminants in-situ during pyrolysis and ex-situ from the resulting vapor and liquid pyrolysis products. Through detailed analytical studies, lab- and pilot-scale testing, and technology evaluation, we aim to identify the most effective purification solutions.

What are you going to do?

• Investigate the structure and behavior of contaminants during pyrolysis through advanced analytical techniques
• Investigate contaminant structure-property relationships to guide purification technology selection
• Conduct lab- and pilot-scale testing and optimization of different purification methods

Who are you?

• You hold (or will shortly obtain) a relevant Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or similar.
• You have demonstrable research experience, for example through a substantive master's thesis, research assistantship, or academic presentations/publications.
• You demonstrate strong methodological and analytical skills, with experience in qualitative and/or quantitative methods and familiarity with common data-analysis tools.
• You can work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team, show initiative, meet deadlines and manage priorities effectively.
• You have an excellent command of English, both written and spoken; willingness to contribute to teaching, supervision or outreach activities is an advantage.

What can you expect from us?

• In accordance with the collective labor agreement for Dutch universities, we offer a salary of at least €3.059 up to a maximum of €3.881 (promovendus) gross per month for a full-time employment contract.
• 232 vacation hours per year, based on a 38-hour workweek (1.0 FTE). You can also work more or fewer hours in exchange for more or fewer free hours. For example, with a 40-hour workweek, you save 96 extra free hours, and with a 36-hour workweek, you lose 96 hours.
• End-of-year bonus of 8.3% and 8% holiday allowance.
• Extensive opportunities for personal and professional development.
• A temporary appointment of 1.0 FTE for a period of four years. You will first receive a temporary employment for the period of one year. After a positive Results and Development Interview, the contract will be extended for the remaining period of three years.

Where will you be working?

At the University of Groningen (UG), researchers from all fields of academia and technology are working on academic challenges and societal questions. Lecturers prepare their students for meaningful careers within or outside the academic world. Interdisciplinary research and teaching, sharing of knowledge, collaboration with businesses, government institutions, and societal organizations are aspects that are of the utmost importance to this European top university. The UG aims to be an open academic community with an inclusive and safe working climate that invites you to add your value.

The Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) provides teaching and research across a wide range of disciplines, from physics and biology to artificial intelligence, mechanical engineering, and pharmacy. In close collaboration with partners from industry, healthcare, and society, we contribute to the urgent challenges of our time, such as energy, sustainability, digitization, and medical technology. Our community is open and informal, with more than 7,000 students, 1,000 PhD students, and 1,400 staff members from all over the world. If you would like to learn more about the Faculty of Science and Engineering, visit rug.nl/fse.

The work will be conducted in the labs of the Feringa Building, at the Faculty of Science and Engineering of the University of Groningen.

Application procedure

• Your application
  After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation by email.
• Selection
  The selection committee assesses your application and you will be notified as soon as possible whether you are invited for an interview.
• First interview
  We would like to get to know each other better in a first interview, which can take place either online or on location.
• Second interview and possible assessment or guest lecture
  We may schedule a second interview with you. Depending on the position, this interview can be complemented with an assessment or guest lecture.
• Terms of employment meeting
  After a positive interview, we will discuss the terms of employment together. When everything is completed, we are happy to welcome you at the University of Groningen!

Interested?

Does this vacancy appeal to you? Please add the following documents to your application:

• CV.
• Cover letter.
• MSc diploma with transcripts.
• English language certificate (if relevant).
• Recommendation letter.

Questions about your application process?