Researcher Sorting Technologies & AI for Circular Plastics

NTCP; Heerenveen; On-site; EUR 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary aligned with responsibilities

One-year contract with outlook on a 1|

25 leave days + holidays

Job summary

NTCP in Heerenveen, Netherlands, seeks a driven Researcher Sorting Technologies & AI for Circular Plastics to advance sorting and AI-driven material identification. The role focuses on experiments with NIR-HSI, imaging and AI models, collaborating with partners across industry and academia.

Ideal candidates hold a BSc/MSc in engineering or materials science, with 2–3 years of industrial R&D, strong Python and data analytics skills, and a passion for circular plastics.

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering/Materials/Physics with 2–3 years industrial R&D experience.
• Experience with optical sensing (NIR-HSI, RGB, 3D) and ML/vision apps.
• Proficient in Python and data analytics for industrial use.
• English communication; Dutch a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute and optimize experiments using NIR-HSI, imaging and automated sorting.
• Develop ML, chemometric and data analytics models for material classification.
• Analyze complex datasets to translate findings into practical solutions.
• Develop and improve data acquisition, processing and visualization tools.
• Lead R&D projects in sorting technologies, optical sensors and AI-driven material identification.
• Present results to customers, partners and scientific audiences.
• Identify new research opportunities and contribute to proposals.

Skills

Python programming

Data analytics

Machine learning

Computer vision

YOLO

PLS-DA

Optical sensing

NIR-HSI

RGB imaging

3D imaging

Education

BSc or MSc in Engineering/Materials Science/Experimental Physics

Tools

Data visualization tools

Sensor data processing software

Job description

Vacature Researcher Sorting Technologies & AI for Circular Plastics

23-10-2026

We are looking for a driven and innovative researcher with expertise in plastics recycling and sorting technologies, combined with strong capabilities in AI, machine learning, optical sensing and data-driven process optimization.

NTCP is a dynamic, forward‑thinking applied research organisation leading the way in circular plastics. From our bold and colourful facility in Heerenveen, the Netherlands, we run unique industrial-scale setups that support independent R&D across the full plastics lifecycle – from product characteristics and post‑consumer collection to sorting, washing, mechanical and chemical recycling, and finally new product creation.

We hold a strong position in the plastics recycling landscape, backed by a broad network of partners spanning waste management, FMCG brands, universities, NGOs, technology providers, polymer and chemical producers, water‑treatment specialists, and government bodies. Our strength lies in our rare combination of sensor‑equipped industrial‑scale sorting and washing lines, pilot setups for decontamination, pyrolysis and extrusion, a dedicated laboratory, and - most importantly - a team of around 25 experts.

We are looking for a driven and innovative researcher with expertise in plastics recycling and sorting technologies, combined with strong capabilities in AI, machine learning, optical sensing and data-driven process optimization.

Researcher Sorting Technologies & AI

for Circular Plastics

Key responsibilities

• Design, execute and optimize experiments using NIR-HSI, RGB imaging, 3D sensing and automated sorting systems.
• Develop and validate machine learning, chemometric and data analytics models for material classification and process optimization.
• Analyze complex datasets and translate findings into practical solutions for industry.
• Develop and improve data acquisition, processing and visualization tools.
• Execute and lead R&D projects in sorting technologies, optical sensors and AI-driven material identification.
• Present results to customers, partners and scientific audiences.
• Identify new research opportunities and contribute to proposals and innovation projects.

What you bring

• BSc or MSc degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Experimental Physics, or a related field, with at least 2-3 years of relevant industrial R&D experience.
• Hands‑on experience with optical sensing technologies (NIR-HSI, RGB vision and/or 3D imaging systems), and/or machine learning, chemometric and computer vision applications (e.g. YOLO, PLS-DA).
• Strong proficiency in Python programming and data analytics, with the ability to develop data-driven insights and solutions for industrial applications.
• Experience with software development, data platforms, sensor data processing and visualization tools is a plus.
• Ability to understand industrial challenges and translate them into research questions, project plans and innovative solutions.
• Strong passion for and affinity with plastics recycling and circular economy.
• Excellent communication skills in English (written and spoken); knowledge of Dutch is an advantage but not required.
• Eligibility to work in the Netherlands.

What we offer

We offer the opportunity to work in a creative and innovative environment where your work makes a real impact on the circular use of resources. You will work on innovative national and international R&D projects together with leading industrial and academic partners. Depending on project objectives, you will have opportunities to publish results and present your work at conferences, workshops and industry events.

NTCP is committed to fostering an inclusive working environment where everyone has equal opportunities to grow, develop, and be themselves.

• Salary aligned with the responsibilities of the role and the candidate’s level of expertise
• A one-year contract, with outlook on a permanent position
• 25 leave days plus national holidays with a possibility to purchase 5 additional days