PhD Position in Sustainability and Circularity of Waste Tyre Recycling (Department of Green Chemistry and Technology) Ghent University in Belgium

Ghent University’s Department of Green Chemistry and Technology is offering a full-time PhD position within the Sustainable Systems Engineering (STEN) group, focused on evaluating the sustainability and circularity of innovative waste tyre recycling. This opportunity is part of the MOONSHOT project “RUB-UP,” which aims to advance recycling of waste tyres through devulcanization and chemical valorization for sustainable material recovery. The project is funded by Flanders innovation & entrepreneurship (VLAIO) and involves collaboration with the LCT group at Ghent University and the cMACS group at KULeuven.

Currently, waste tyres in Belgium are primarily recycled mechanically, resulting in downcycled rubber granules used in sports infrastructure and asphalt. However, this process limits reuse potential, economic value, and poses environmental and health risks due to carcinogenic substances. With the European Union’s recent ban on rubber granules for these applications, there is an urgent need for environmentally friendly and circular recycling strategies. The RUB-UP project seeks to reinvent tyre recycling processes to enhance sustainability and economic feasibility.

As a doctoral fellow, you will guide the development and upscaling of RUB-UP technology by evaluating and optimizing its environmental sustainability, economic feasibility, and circularity. Key tasks include mapping the value chain for tyre recycling, constructing mass and energy balances using chemical engineering and process simulation, conducting prospective life cycle assessments (LCA) focused on climate change, resource use, human toxicity, and freshwater ecotoxicity, performing techno-economic assessments (TEA), and circularity assessments (CA). You will collaborate closely with your supervisors, STEN colleagues, and RUB-UP consortium partners. The research outcomes are expected to result in publications in international peer-reviewed journals and presentations at conferences, culminating in a PhD thesis.

Applicants should hold a master’s degree in chemical engineering, bioscience engineering, civil engineering, or an equivalent field by the start date. A strong background or affinity with chemical process modelling and assessment methodologies (LCA, TEA, CA) is required. Candidates should demonstrate critical and analytical thinking, initiative, independence, teamwork skills, organizational and managerial abilities, motivation, and excellent writing and presentation skills. Proficiency in English (written and spoken) in an academic context is essential. Experience with quantitative and/or qualitative research is required, and familiarity with process modelling software (Aspen Plus), LCA software (SimaPro, openLCA), and value chain scenario development is advantageous.

The position offers a full-time doctoral fellowship for up to 48 months, starting with an initial 12-month contract renewable upon positive evaluation. The fellowship amount is 100% of the net salary of an AAP member, determined by family status and seniority, and is free of personal income tax. Ghent University provides extensive staff benefits, including training opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave, bicycle allowance, and eco vouchers.

To apply, submit your CV, diploma copy, motivation letter, and contact details of at least one reference to [email protected] before 15 February 2026, following the specified file naming format. Late applications will not be accepted. For further information, contact Dr. Ir. Jordy Motte or Prof Pieter Nachtergaele via email. Ghent University encourages applications from all backgrounds as part of its equal opportunities and diversity policy.