Postdoc in Natural Fiber Composites with Recyclable Resins

TU Delft; Delft; On-site; EUR 48,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent pension ABP

Flexible working week

Education opportunities

Relocation support

Leave entitlement 232 hours

Private health insurance discount

Vitality program

Job summary

TU Delft invites applications for a PhD researcher focusing on natural-long fibre composites with recyclable vitrimer polyester resins. You will investigate processing, curing, ageing, and chemical recycling to link processing parameters to performance and circularity.

The work takes place in the Aerospace Structures and Materials department labs, including the Delft TapeLab, in close collaboration with academic and industrial partners, within a dynamic, inclusive environment.

Qualifications

• PhD with knowledge in Composite/Processing Engineering, Chemical Engineering and Polymer Technology.
• Experience with natural-fibre or thermoset/thermoplastic composites and dynamic polymers.
• Experience in chemical recycling, resin degradation or microstructural analysis.

Responsibilities

• Study processing and recyclability of natural-long fibre composites with vitrimer resins.
• Investigate curing behaviour, impregnation and ageing effects on recycling.
• Link processing parameters to mechanical performance and circularity.
• Perform small-scale composite production and chemical recycling experiments.
• Analyze microstructure and relate it to material properties.

Skills

Composite Processing

Chemical Engineering

Polymer Technology

Dynamic Polymers

Recycling

Experimental Research

Natural Fibre Composites

Vitrimers

Curing & Rheology

Microstructure Analysis

Report Writing

Oral Communication

English Proficiency

Education

PhD

Tools

Microscopy

DSC

DMA

FTIR

Job description

Job description

From polymer to bio-fibre composites and back.

The position aims to contribute to our on-going activities within the COMPOCYCLE consortium, financed by the TopSectorEnergy program including several industrial partners, research institutes and academic partners. In the project we aim to develop 100% biobased, thermosetting fibre composites that are both recyclable and immediately deployable.

You will work on the development of natural-long fibre composites with recyclable and dynamic (vitrimer) polyester resins. Your research focuses on the processing and recyclability of these composite materials, including investigation of the curing behaviour, impregnation, and chemical/physical ageing impact on recycling and reprocessing using various manufacturing routes. Through processing experiments you will explore small-scale composite production and chemical recycling, analyse the resulting microstructure and its efffects on mechanical properties, and link processing parameters to performance and circularity. The work will be carried out at the Aerospace Structures and Materials department labs including the Delft TapeLab, polymer processing and advanced characterization labs at the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering and in close collaboration with academic and industrial partners.

Job requirements

You have a PhD in with significant knowledge on relevant components such as Composite/Processing Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Polymer Technology and Processing. Knowledge on dynamic polymers and recycling is highly welcome. You have experience with experimental research, preferably involving natural-fibre or thermoset/thermoplastic composites, vitrimer and other dynamic polymer chemistries, or curing and rheological characterisation. Knowledge of chemical recycling, resin degradation mechanisms, or microstructural analysis (e.g. microscopy, DSC, DMA, FTIR) is an advantage. You have demonstrated capabilities in scientific and report writing as well as oral communication.

You are curious, interested in underlying science, self-motivated, and able to work independently as well as in a multidisciplinary team. You have excellent communication skills in English and enjoy connecting with both academic and industrial partners.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.

For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow. These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future.

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional. Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.

Faculty Aerospace Engineering

The Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology is a leading international community where innovation in aerospace meets global challenges. Our support and scientific staff, including PhD candidates, postdocs, and students, largely work together on three main themes: the energy transition, sustainable aerospace, and safety and security, with the aim of tackling climate change and contributing to the independence and security of Europe.

When you join us, you become part of a diverse, collaborative, and forward-thinking environment where your ideas and perspectives are valued. Our work extends beyond the lab—into field labs, innovation hubs, and partnerships with other faculties, research institutes, governments, and industry, both locally and globally.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming workplace, assisted by an active Diversity & Inclusion team. This includes tangible support such as funding for extra personnel for family and caregiving responsibilities, mentoring programmes, and initiatives that promote cultural exchange and integration.

You don’t just join our faculty — you join a community where you can thrive, grow, and help shape the future of aerospace.

Conditions of employment

Duration of contract is 2 years. Temporary.

A job of 38-40 hours per week.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch

• An excellent pension scheme via the ABP.
• The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year.
• Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages.
• Flexible working week.
• Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget.
• Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses.
• Partially paid parental leave
• Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program.

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.