Researcher position

This researcher position focuses on

material development, prototype design and sustainability analysis of PHA based applications

Job description

Your work will be centered around two closely linked materials: the bioplastic PHA which is produced by and extracted from bacteria feeding on organic waste streams, and PHA-X, a composite obtained from PHA-rich biomass.

You will further develop, test and optimize the PHA-X material. In close collaboration with two industrial partners, you will contribute to designing, manufacturing, testing and optimizing two prototypes from PHA-X, with a special focus on biodegradability and prolonging life-expectancy by applying biobased coatings.

You will further develop, test and optimize a sustainability analysis methodology. In close collaboration with two knowledge institutes and with the help of the other consortium members, you will apply this methodology throughout the project on both PHA-based and PHA-X based applications.

Your tasks will include:

• Developing, testing and optimizing the PHA-X material
• Designing, manufacturing, testing and optimising of two prototypes from PHA-X
• Developing, testing and optimising a sustainability analysis methods

As this project combines both fundamental scientific knowledge on material development, applied research on designing of prototypes and a methodological sustainability approach, the candidate will be fully employed at the Industrial Design Engineering faculty of TU Delft, but will spend roughly 1 day/week at an industrial partner in Delft, and roughly 1 day/week at AMS Institute in Amsterdam.

Job requirements

• You have a master’s degree in industrial design engineering, material science, mechanical engineering or related field (or will have by the time of your appointment).
• You have a hands-on mindset and enjoy conducting experimental work.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society.

Faculty Industrial Design Engineering

The Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering (IDE) focuses on matching the evolution of people with the speed of the revolution of technology. Delft designers act as a bridge between advances in technology and the needs of people, organisations and society to create products, services and systems with purpose.

IDE is a leader in design research across the application areas of mobility, sustainability and health, as well as its development of design tools and methods. A 350-strong research team and over 2,000 students work together in halls, labs and studios.

In close cooperation with industry, the public sector and NGOs, IDE explores possible futures in research and education to design for a complex future.

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is 3 years (temporary).
• An excellent pension scheme via the ABP.
• The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year.
• Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages.
• Flexible working week.
• Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget.
• Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses.
• Partially paid parental leave.
• Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program.