PhD in Mechano-Catalytic Conversion of Plastic Waste and Polymer Recycling Utrecht University in Netherlands

Utrecht University is advertising a PhD position in mechano-catalytic conversion of plastic waste at the Institute for Sustainable and Circular Chemistry / Mechano-Catalysis group, led by Dr. Ina Vollmer. The project sits within the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions doctoral network Mecat and focuses on developing new chemical recycling routes for plastics, especially photo-curing resins and polyolefins.

The research is highly interdisciplinary and combines catalysis, polymer chemistry, mechano-chemistry, and spectroscopy. You will work on low-temperature mechano-catalytic milling, selective bond cleavage, surface-activated mechano-catalysts, and operando spectroscopic methods to track bond breaking during ball milling. The project also includes collaboration with Fraunhofer WKI in Germany and WAB in Switzerland.

Applicants should have an MSc in chemistry and ideally experience or strong interest in heterogeneous catalysis, spectroscopy, mechano-chemistry, and/or polymer chemistry. Good English communication skills, hands-on lab experience, creativity, teamwork, and the ability to work independently in a multidisciplinary setting are highlighted.

The position is full-time, initially for 18 months with extension to 4 years after positive assessment. Funding includes a gross monthly salary of €3,059–€3,881, plus holiday pay, year-end bonus, pension, and other Dutch university employment benefits.

Deadline: 2 June 2026. Apply through the official portal and submit a motivation letter, CV, referee details, and proof of PhD status/completion timing.