Researcher Polymer Processing & Testing

TNO; Eindhoven; On-site; EUR 37,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

8% holiday pay

13th month bonus 8.33%

Flex budget 5.58% + €180

Relocation package for international候

Job summary

TNO is recruiting a Researcher Polymer Processing & Testing to join our applied research on sustainable polymers. You will work across processing, aging, degradation and lifetime assessment, using extrusion and solid-state methods, and analyze properties from spectroscopy to mechanical testing.

The role combines hands-on experiments with data interpretation in a collaborative, multidisciplinary setting. You will contribute to polymer recycling and PFAS replacement projects, with opportunities to

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level degree in a related polymer discipline.
• Strong understanding of polymer materials and the link between processing, structure, properties and performance.
• Hands-on experience with polymer processing (preferably extrusion) and/or polymer characterization.
• Affinity for practical lab work, handling chemicals and operating analytical/processing equipment.
• Ability to develop, modify and troubleshoot experimental setups and test methods.
• Interest in sustainability challenges such as polymer recycling, PFAS replacement and microplastic formation.
• Good command of English, spoken and written, for international teams.

Responsibilities

• Process polymers using lab- and pilot-scale extrusion equipment and other processing techniques.
• Perform accelerated ageing experiments on virgin and recycled samples.
• Investigate polymer degradation, durability and microplastic formation.
• Evaluate alternative materials and PFAS-containing polymers.
• Build, modify and improve experimental and characterization setups.
• Characterize polymers and elastomers using FTIR, Raman, UV/Vis spectroscopy and microscopy.
• Conduct mechanical and physical testing including tensile, hardness, tribology and rheology.
• Perform thermal and particle characterization (DSC, TGA, SLS, DLS).
• Analyze data and translate results into clear conclusions.
• Present and report results to project teams, partners and customers.

Skills

polymer processing

laboratory work

experiments design

data analysis

troubleshooting

sustainability

English proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Polymer Engineering / Chemical Engineering / Materials Science

Job description

About this position

How can we make polymers more sustainable, extend their lifetime and reduce their environmental impact? And how can we develop reliable alternatives to materials containing PFAS while gaining a better understanding of microplastic formation?

What will be your role?

As a Researcher Polymer Processing & Testing, you will contribute to applied research addressing these challenges. You will work on a broad range of polymer-related topics, from polymer processing and material characterization to degradation, durability and lifetime assessment. Your work will contribute to research programmes focused on polymer recycling, PFAS replacement and the formation and environmental impact of microplastics. Your role combines hands‑on experimental work with data analysis and interpretation. You will process polymers using techniques such as melt extrusion and solid‑state processing, including milling, and perform accelerated ageing experiments under UV and thermal conditions. You will subsequently investigate how processing and ageing affect the chemical, mechanical, thermal and physical properties of virgin and recycled polymers and elastomers. Depending on the project, you will work with a broad range of analytical and characterization techniques, including spectroscopy, microscopy, mechanical testing, rheology, thermal analysis and particle‑size analysis. You will also contribute to the development and adaptation of experimental setups and test methods.

Your activities will include:

• Processing polymers using laboratory- and pilot‑scale extrusion equipment and other processing techniques
• Performing accelerated ageing experiments on virgin and recycled polymer and elastomer samples
• Investigating polymer degradation, durability and microplastic formation
• Evaluating alternative materials and solutions for PFAS‑containing polymers and elastomers
• Building, modifying and improving experimental and characterization setups
• Characterizing polymers, elastomers and microplastic particles using techniques such as FTIR, Raman and UV/VIS spectroscopy, optical and electron microscopy, and polarization microscopy
• Performing mechanical and physical testing, including tensile testing, hardness measurements, tribology and rheology
• Performing thermal and particle characterization using techniques such as DSC, TGA, SLS and DLS
• Analysing and interpreting experimental results and translating them into clear conclusions
• Presenting and reporting research results to project teams, partners and customers

What we expect from you

You enjoy experimental research and feel at home in a laboratory environment. You are curious about how the processing and ageing of polymers influence their properties, performance and eventual application. At the same time, you take a practical and structured approach: you are comfortable operating equipment, designing experiments, troubleshooting experimental setups and critically interpreting the resulting data. You are a proactive and goal‑oriented team member who enjoys collaborating with researchers, engineers and other specialists. You communicate clearly and are able to translate experimental observations and complex technical results into concise conclusions, both verbally and in writing.

• A Bachelor's degree in Polymer Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or a closely related discipline
• A solid understanding of polymer materials and an interest in the relationship between processing, structure, properties and performance
• Preferably, hands‑on experience with polymer processing, particularly extrusion, and/or polymer characterization
• An affinity with practical laboratory work, including handling chemicals, operating analytical and processing equipment, conducting experiments and analysing data
• The ability and willingness to develop, modify and troubleshoot experimental setups and test methods
• An interest in sustainability‑related challenges such as polymer recycling, material durability, PFAS replacement and microplastic formation
• A good command of English, both spoken and written, as you will work in international and multidisciplinary project teams

Above all, we are looking for a practical researcher who combines technical curiosity with a hands‑on mentality and is motivated to use polymer science and technology to contribute to more sustainable materials and applications.

What you’ll get in return

Challenging and varied work with a real impact. And plenty of opportunities as, at TNO, you are in charge of shaping your career. We offer a gross monthly salary between € 3 350 and € 4 150 (based on your knowledge and experience), 8 % holiday pay, a 13th month bonus of 8.33% and a flex budget (5.58% + € 180). In addition, you will be given every opportunity to develop yourself.

TNO offers optional employee benefits, enabling you to tailor your benefits package to match your personal situation.

You may also expect:

• An extremely professional, innovative working environment where colleagues are leading experts in their field
• The opportunity to attend courses, workshops and conferences, and to receive training and coaching based on your needs
• 33 days annual leave plus a flexible holiday that can be used on a cultural, religious, or otherwise important day of your choosing (on a full‑time basis)
• An employer working towards a respectful, inclusive, and equitable work environment where every employee can flourish, with various initiatives such as Jong TNO, numerous expertise based guilds, Rainbow Community and Round Tables on diverse inclusion topics

We offer a comprehensive and flexible mobility plan that also includes full compensation for public transportation for commuting and business travel.

Great social events with your team and other TNO colleagues. That’s how you will get to know a lot of people really quickly.

Flexible working hours, the possibility to work parttime (32 or 36 hours) and the possibility of working from home.

Extensive relocation package for international candidates. A good pension scheme.

TNO as an employer

Our people are at the heart of TNO. Their curiosity, expertise and entrepreneurial mindset make it possible to deliver high‑impact research and innovations that contribute to society’s sustainable wellbeing and prosperity. That is why we invest in an inspiring and inclusive working environment where colleagues can excel, have autonomy and continue to grow. Your talent and ambition have every opportunity to flourish at TNO. You work with experts (both within and beyond TNO), have access to advanced technology and the freedom to explore, experiment and innovate. Our strength lies in independence, reliability and collaboration. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. By working with businesses and government, and by connecting different perspectives, we strengthen our innovative capability and create responsible, meaningful results. At TNO, we believe this is our time to help society, government and business move forward faster. Together with driven colleagues, you turn knowledge into concrete innovations or ventures that truly make a difference by combining the power of science and entrepreneurship. And in doing so, you make your mark on our time.

The selection process

The selection process comprises two interview rounds. In a final meeting we will discuss the terms of employment and your tailored benefits package. We aim to finalize the entire process within four weeks. The selection process may include an online assessment and a reference check.

A certificate of Conduct (VOG) is required before starting a new job at TNO.