PhD in Next-Generation Sensing Technologies for Polymer Recycling at Ghent University Ghent University in United Kingdom

Ghent University is advertising a PhD position in Next-Generation Sensing Technologies for Polymer Recycling within the Laboratory of Circular Process Engineering (LCPE) on the Kortrijk campus. The project focuses on improving the quality and consistency of recycled plastics by developing and applying advanced in-line sensing and data-driven analytics to detect impurities, reduce material variability, and support better control of recycling processes.

The research is supervised by Prof. Pieter Nachtergaele and Prof. Steven De Meester, and is embedded in a young, multidisciplinary team with strong industry ties. The work combines spectroscopic techniques such as NIR, Raman, and hyperspectral imaging with machine learning and chemometric modelling. It is well suited to candidates interested in chemical engineering, materials science, industrial engineering, physics, computer science, and sustainability-oriented plastics research.

Eligibility highlights include a relevant master's degree (chemical engineering, bioscience engineering, materials science, civil engineering, industrial engineering, or equivalent; applied physics or chemistry with a strong engineering focus may also be considered), strong English communication skills, and an interest in scientific research, process monitoring, and collaboration with industrial partners. Helpful experience includes spectroscopy, chemometrics, polymer characterization, plastic sorting/recycling, laboratory work, and programming in Python, MATLAB, or R.

The position is a full-time doctoral fellowship for an initial 12 months, extendable to a maximum of 48 months after positive evaluation. The fellowship is tax-free and set at 100% of the net salary of an AAP member in equal family circumstances. The application deadline is 31 May 2026.

To apply, candidates should email their CV, diploma copy (if available), motivation letter, and at least one reference contact to [email protected]. The official vacancy page is available on the Ghent University website.