PhD candidate: Dissolution-based Techniques for Recycling Food Packaging

Job Description
Our group is looking for a PhD researcher to carry out research and development in the CLEANPack project. The goal of the CLEANPack project is to unlock advanced mechanical recycling (or more broadly physical recycling methods) as a methodology to allow closed loop recycling of polyolefin based food packaging. CLEANPACK will create a science based selection of reference components for food safety assessments of polyolefin recycling. Furthermore, the project will generate understanding of the behavior of such harmful substances in physical recycling methods such as the currently applied mechanical recycling, delamination/deinking (leaching) and dissolution recycling. Based on this knowledge, CLEANPack will develop models to predict (N)IAS removal and will come with recommendations to modify physical recycling methods to achieve food contact safe recyclates. CLEANPack is a close collaboration with Ghent University (campus Kortrijk), where a significant amount of the experimental work will be conducted.
This is a 4 (four) year PhD programme with the first year as the evaluation period.

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 Master's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Chemistry, Environmental Science, or a related field.
Research Experience: Experience in dissolution-based technique, polymer recycling, materials characterization, or food packaging safety is highly desirable.
Skills:

• Proficiency in laboratory techniques for analysing polymers and contaminants (e.g. FTIR, UV-VIS).
• Familiarity with physical recycling methods (dissolution, mechanical extrusion, etc.).
• Strong computational skills for data analysis and modelling (e.g. Python, Matlab, etc.).
• Good written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Willingness to manage research within a project independently

Do not apply if you do not meet the requirements.

What we offer
As a PhD candidate at the 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 according to UFO profile PhD, with corresponding salary based on experience ranging from €2901,00 in the first year and €3707,00 gross per month in the fourth year (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. Upon a positive evaluation, an extension of 3 years will follow.
• 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 assoc. prof. Steven De Meester at steven.demeester@maastrichtuniversity.nl for more information.

Applying?
Or are you already convinced and ready to become our new PhD candidate? Apply now, no later than 11 December 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.

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.

38 hours per week

Paul-Henri Spaaklaan 1