PhD in Sustainable Photocatalysis for Plastic Recycling Eindhoven University of Technology in Netherlands

PhD position at Eindhoven University of Technology on sustainable photocatalysis for plastic recycling. The project addresses the chemical recycling of persistent plastics by developing light-driven strategies that convert polymer waste into valuable chemical building blocks under mild conditions.

The research combines photocatalytic and photothermal approaches with the design of novel organic photocatalysts. The project also includes theoretical modelling and AI-based tools in collaboration with an external project partner. Overall, the work aims to support more circular carbon use and reduce dependence on fossil resources.

You will work in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, within the Polymer Performance Materials research group, and be part of the interdisciplinary Institute for Complex Molecular Systems. The project is embedded in SPECTRA, a Horizon Europe EIC Pathfinder collaboration with academic and industrial partners from the Netherlands, Sweden, and Italy.

Supervision is provided by Prof. Fabian Eisenreich. The role offers an international and collaborative research environment with opportunities to engage with researchers in materials science, photocatalysis, modelling, optical engineering, reactor development, sustainability assessment, and industrial innovation.

The position is a full-time PhD appointment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. Funding is in accordance with the Dutch university collective agreement, scale P, with a gross monthly salary from €3,204 to €4,051 plus a year-end bonus and vacation pay. The expected start date is 1 October 2026.

Applicants should have BSc and MSc degrees in Chemistry and a strong background in organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, and/or catalysis. Experience in synthesis and characterization of organic molecules is essential, and strong English communication skills are required. The selection process includes interviews, a scientific presentation, and a short writing assignment.

Applications must be submitted online. A complete application should include a cover letter and CV with contact details for two references. The vacancy remains open until filled, with priority given to complete applications.