Postdoctoral Position in Novel Plastic Sorting Methods Based on Markers

Responsibilities

While plastics are arguably the most versatile materials, recycling remains a challenge. In particular, many dark-colored plastics are currently not recycled (i.e., incinerated or landfilled) due to a lack of suitable methods to identify the plastic type and subsequent sorting. Join us to explore novel & more efficient ways to sort and recycle plastics. We are looking for a motivated postdoctoral research fellow to combine the following topics:

(i) Tagging black plastics from waste electronics and automotive shredder residue with different dyes according to a patent filed by our group. You figure out which relevant plastics can be distinguished using this approach as well as its reliability and limitations.

(ii) Tagging and sorting relevant plastics that are currently not yet in our portfolio, you explore other (dye) chemistries as alternative detection mechanisms. In general, you develop a deep understanding of the mechanisms, if necessary, with computational methods.

(iii) You increase the technology readiness level of your process to showcase the feasibility of industrial applications. Besides the science, you keep an eye on the market requirements and set priorities accordingly.    
In this postdoctoral project, you will be working together with scientists and engineers with complementary expertise in polymer chemistry and spectroscopy. Part of this project will be carried out in collaboration with industrial players. For more information on the research group coordinating this project, please refer to http://amelootgroup.org/  and https://twitter.com/AmelootGroup.

Profile

We are looking for:

• A motivated candidate with a strong academic track record and a PhD in sustainable chemistry, polymer chemistry, plastics recycling, or a related field in Science and Engineering.
• A candidate passionate about resource management, industrial applications, and novel techniques
• An experienced researcher willing to work as part of an interdisciplinary team and eager to guide younger colleagues starting out in the field.
• Previous demonstrations of out-of-the-box thinking. Bonus points if you consider yourself a 'maker' and practical problem solver, tell us what you are doing!
• Since we target real-world applications through our research, an interest in valorization (e.g., spin-off creation) is a plus.
• Since we are a highly international team, proficiency in both written and spoken English is non-negotiable.

Please consider applying if you have several of the following skills:

• Required: Expertise in polymer chemistry, material characterization, and data analysis.
• Experience with recycling or resource management is a plus.
• Other skills that you think are relevant (please explain in your cover letter).

Offer

An interesting research position in the vibrant student town of Leuven with a project that makes sense: we are strongly interested in solving real-world problems and applying our science to actual industrial problems. 

Interested?

Please submit your application through the KU Leuven portal. In case you have questions about this job opportunity, please contact Prof. Rob Ameloot (Rob.Ameloot@kuleuven.be) via email and mention "Postdoc position plastics sorting" in the subject line.

Preferred starting date: as soon as your schedule permits