The University of Groningen is offering a fully funded PhD position in the field of advanced recyclable metamaterials from bio-waste, as part of the ABEL (Ab-initio Biowaste Loop) project funded by the Dutch Research Council (NWO). The research aims to develop innovative technologies for upcycling low-grade organic waste into high-performance materials, addressing environmental challenges such as greenhouse gas emissions and resource inefficiency. The project is highly interdisciplinary, combining materials engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, and wave dynamics.

The successful candidate will work on the development of bio-polymer mono-materials derived from organic waste, focusing on their mechanical, acoustic, dynamic, and thermal properties. The research involves numerical modeling, experimental characterization, and the design of architected mono-blocks with application-specific functionalities, particularly for construction materials. The PhD student will collaborate closely with the Chemical Engineering Lab at the University of Groningen, ATA Mute B.V., and the Building Engineering Group at Hanze University of Applied Sciences.

Supervision will be provided by Prof. Anastasiia Krushynska and Prof. Peter Deuss in the Metamechanics group at the Engineering and Technology Institute Groningen. The position offers a competitive salary, generous vacation and holiday allowances, and extensive opportunities for professional development. Applicants must have a relevant Master's degree, strong communication skills, and proficiency in academic English. The application deadline is January 31, 2026, but applications will be considered until the position is filled. For more information and to apply, visit the University of Groningen's application portal.

Key research areas: metamaterials, bio-waste recycling, materials engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, additive manufacturing, wave dynamics, numerical modeling, polymer science, and construction materials.