Postdoc: Processing end-of-life vehicle plastics for quality-based decision making

Job Description
Our group is looking for a postdoctoral researcher to carry out research and development in the AutoPlastic project. The AutoPlastic project provides local automotive industries with a competitive edge within the circular plastics ecosystem by bringing together automotive waste producers, plastic manufacturers and knowledge institutions. The aim of the project is to link the quality needs, formulated in quality indicators for car parts, with the quality of waste plastics from end-of-life car parts and the recycling process and compounding for the application of recycled plastics for car parts. This can be directly used in product designs, encouraging further adoption of circular practices in the automotive industry. The project employs analytical and digital technologies that will link physiochemical properties of waste streams, pre-treatment procedures and the quality needs for reuse or recycling of automotive plastics. By developing a method to evaluate physical-chemical performance indicators for automotive waste plastics, the project outcome promotes higher recycling rates in automotive value chain.

This is a 1 (one) year postdoctoral researcher position with direct possibility for contractual extension.

Requirements
You hold a relevant master’s degree, looking forward to collaborate with the professors and PhD students alike. You are very self-sufficient and feel comfortable carrying out independent research in dissolution-based techniques for plastic recycling. Then, the requirement for this position are as stated below.

• Education requirement: A PhD degree in Polymer Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Chemistry, Environmental Science, or a related field which relates.
• Research Experience: Experience in materials characterization, polymer processing technology (extrusion, injection moulding, etc.), and sustainable system modelling skills are highly desirable.
• Skills:
  • Proficiency in laboratory techniques for analysing polymers and contaminants (e.g. FTIR, UV-VIS, DSC, Raman spectroscopy, etc.).
  • Strong computational skills for data analysis and modelling (e.g. Python for system modelling and multi-criteria decision making).
  • Familiarity with mechanical recycling methods (extrusion, injection moulding, etc.).
  • Interested or having experience in the end-of-life automotive value chain (e.g. dismantling, shredding, pre-treatment, mechanical recycling, etc.)
  • Good written and verbal communication skills in English.
  • Willingness to manage research within a project independently

What we offer
As Postdoc: Processing end-of-life vehicle plastics for quality-based decision making at Faculty of Science & Engineering, you will be employed by the most international university in the Netherlands, located in the beautiful city of Maastricht. In addition, we offer you:

• Good employment conditions. The position is graded in scale 11 according to UFO profile Researcher, with corresponding salary based on experience ranging from €4537,00 and €6209,00 gross per month (based on a full-time employment of 38 hours per week). In addition to the monthly salary, an 8.0% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus apply.
• An employment contract for a period of 12 months with a scope of 1,0 FTE.
• At Maastricht University, the well-being of our employees is of utmost importance, we offer flexible working hours and the possibility to work partly from home if the nature of your position allows it. You will receive a monthly commuting and internet allowance for this. If you work full-time, you will be entitled to 29 vacation days and 4 additional public holidays per year, namely carnival Monday, carnival Tuesday, Good Friday, and Liberation Day. If you choose to accumulate compensation hours, an additional 12 days will be added. Furthermore, you can personalize your employment conditions through a collective labor agreement (CAO) choice model. 
• As Maastricht University, we offer various other excellent secondary employment conditions. These include a good pension scheme with the ABP and the opportunity for UM employees to participate in company fitness and make use of the extensive sports facilities that we also offer to our students. 
• Last but certainly not least, we provide the space and facilities for your personal and professional development. We facilitate this by offering a wide range of training programs and supporting various well-established initiatives such as 'acknowledge and appreciate'. 

The terms of employment at Maastricht University are largely set out in the collective labor agreement of Dutch Universities. In addition, local provisions specific to UM apply. For more information, click here.

Maastricht University
Why work at Maastricht University?

At Maastricht University (UM), everything revolves around the future. The future of our students, as we work to equip them with a solid, broad-based foundation for the rest of their lives. And the future of society, as we seek solutions through our research to issues from all around the world. Our six faculties combined provide a comprehensive package of study programmes and research.

In our teaching, we use the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) method. Students work in small groups, looking for solutions to problems themselves. By discussing issues and working together to draw conclusions, formulate answers and present them to their peers, students develop essential skills for their future careers.

With over 22,300 students and more than 5,000 employees from all over the world, UM is home to a vibrant and inspiring international community.

Are you drawn to an international setting focused on education, science and scholarship? Are you keen to contribute however your skills and qualities allow? Our door is open to you! As a young European university, we value your talent and look forward to creating the future together.

Click here for more information about UM. 

Faculty of Science and Engineering  
At the Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE), we focus on themes such as circularity and sustainability, future farming, digitisation and (scientific) instrument development.  FSE's leading projects, like the Einstein Telescope Pathfinder, are sure to grab anyone's attention.  The faculty is a vibrant hub of education and research in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS).  At FSE, over 450 staff members and 3700 students gather to explore e exciting interdisciplinary research and educational programmes. Feel welcome, be part of our team and put your brilliant mind to work!  
 

FSE at the Brightlands Campuses  
Maastricht, Sittard-Geleen, Heerlen, and Venlo, the home of four creative Brightlands campuses, are bustling with 30,000 entrepreneurs, researchers, and students working diligently to solve global challenges. The Faculty of Science and Engineering is active on all four Brightlands campuses, and this is where our impact reaches its peak. To give you an idea of what is happening at each campus: Sittard-Geleen is home to the largest chemical site in the Euregion, while Venlo is a large hub for agri-food innovation. Maastricht is the site of the Health Campus, and Heerlen is the place to be for Smart Services.  
 

The Chair of Circular Plastics 
Part of the Department of Circular Chemical Engineering, the Circular Plastics team is headed by internationally acclaimed plastic recycling expert prof. Kim Ragaert. We are an open, supportive and multidisciplinary team comprising several nationalities and scientific specialisms. Currently, we are an academic staff of 1 full professor, 2 associate professors and 4 assistant professors, working with a dozen PhD students. We focus on polymer and data science for (mechanical) recycling of plastics as well as the more systemic view.  

Our labs and offices or on Brightlands Chemelot Campus, in the middle of the largest chemical site of the Netherlands. As such, we are very well connected to industry. More information on https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/research/circular-chemical-engineering/research/circular-plastics 

Curious?

Are you interested in this exciting position but still have questions? Feel free to contact Dr. Sin Yong Teng at sinyong.teng@maastrichtuniversity.nl for more information.

Applying?
Or are you already convinced and ready to become our new Postdoc: Processing end-of-life vehicle plastics for quality-based decision making? Apply now, no later than December 15, 2024, for this position.
 

Applications are accepted via the online system only.

Your application must include:

• A curriculum vitae, including at least two individuals who may be contacted for a reference
• Your two most relevant publications to this position (if any)
• A motivation letter (max 1 page), explaining clearly which of the above profiles you see yourself fitting to and why.

The first interviews preferably take place early December. The second interviews will preferably be held before end of December (if necessary). 

An orientation day can be part of the application procedure.
 

The vacancy is open for internal and external candidates. In case of equal qualifications, internal candidates will be prioritized.

Maastricht University is committed to promoting and nurturing a diverse and inclusive community. We believe that diversity in our staff and student population contributes to the quality of research and education at UM, and strive to enable this through inclusive policies and innovative projects led by teams of staff and students. We encourage you to apply for this position.