Postdoc in thermo-chemical recycling of plastic waste

Are you as well fed up with inadequate recycling of plastic waste?
Our group at the division of Energy Technology together with our partners in industry work towards laying the foundation of the next generation of chemical recycling for mixed plastic waste. If you're a team player, interested in widening your scope on chemical plastic recycling, enjoying combining theory with pilot scale experiments and are curious about the details to make it work we can offer you a postdoc position in our lab.

Project description
The project is part of a larger collaboration with the chemical industry in western Sweden and addresses their need for deeper knowledge on the thermo-chemical conversion of plastic waste and side streams of petrochemical production. The division of Energy Technology has its own pilot scale facility for pyrolysis and gasification trials and advanced analytics for product characterization which is the backbone of our research. Complementary experimental lab facilities are available to investigate specific aspects isolated.

Your project will in particular deal with investigation the reaction pathways during thermo-chemical conversion of plastic waste and its derivates with a particular interest in the role of alkali in the mixture. The reactions are thermally induced and occur through bond breakage and free radical mechanisms. Ideally, such reactions should be initiated by swift heating and a controlled quenching, hence, we consider allothermal fluid beds and thermal plasma as heat sources in this project.
The position will include tight interaction with scientific and industrial partners both nationally as well as internationally.

Find out more on our recycling approach on https://youtu.be/fEPOnl8Q3PA

Major responsibilities
You will carry out your work as part of a well-established research group, with an experienced leadership-team. Your main responsibilities will be to drive your own research as part of our joint ambition and represent the group in international research collaboration. Your tasks can involve a combination of modeling work, experimental trials, data analysis and development of analytical tools. Part of your experimental work will be linked to the pilot facility.

Qualifications
You need to have a Phd in a relevant field, thermo-chemical conversion, plasma chemistry, chemical reaction modeling.

To qualify for the position of postdoc, you must hold a doctoral degree awarded no more than three years prior to the application deadline (according to the current agreement with the Swedish Agency for Government Employers). You are expected to be somewhat accustomed to teaching, and to demonstrate good potential within research and education.

Experience with CHEMKIN or similar chemical kinetics simulation tools, experience in alkali chemistry and analytics or experience with discharge or microwave plasma are considered a merit.

The position requires sound verbal and written communication skills in English. Swedish is not a requirement but Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

Contract terms
This postdoc position is a full-time temporary employment for two years.

We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20220617 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

CV: (Please name the document as: CV, Surname, Ref. number) including:
• CV, include complete list of publications
• Previous teaching and pedagogical experiences
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous research fields and main research results
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Attested copies of completed education, grades and other certificates.

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.

Application deadline: 31-12-2022

For questions, please contact:
Martin Seemann, energy technology
E-mail: martin.seemann@chalmers.se
Phone: 031772 1480

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. *** 





Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our six Areas of Advance; Energy, Health Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Materials Science, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!