Assistant Professor on Circular Processes

Are you inspired by developing circular processes for a greener future? We are looking for an enthusiastic Assistant Professor candidate (PrincipaI Investigator level) to strengthen the research and education of the Cluster in circular processes in the Sustainable Energy and Process Technology Group of the Faculty Chemical Engineering & Chemistry.

The Cluster

Transitioning to a circular economy is essential for global sustainability, focusing on closing material loops through reuse, recycling, and recovery—especially for critical resources such as metals, rare earths, plastics, and CO₂. Achieving this requires innovative technologies, smart material design, and industrial collaboration, supported by electrification, digitalization, and advanced separation methods to enable efficient, and high-purity resource recovery and sustainable processing.

The Cluster Sustainable Energy and Process Technology count 8 PIs with combined expertise in:​ Multiscale modeling, Intensified reactors, Membrane separation​, Biobased and circular technologies, Plasma and electrified devices, Rotating devices.  

We pioneer innovative sustainable energy solutions tailored for the ongoing energy, material, and feedstock transition, leveraging advanced intensified reactors and cutting-edge devices. Our success stems from a harmonized use of multiscale modeling, artificial intelligence, non-invasive monitoring techniques, and strategic integration of multifunctional capabilities within our devices. 

We offer comprehensive modern education programs to BSc. and MSc. students, PhD candidates, postdocs, and EngD candidates. We cover process technology science, in concerted actions, connecting fundamentals with novel applications.​ 

The Position 

Experience in circular processes, critical material recovery, and/or sustainable resource management are highly valued for this position. Your work connects advanced recycling technologies, sustainable chemistry, and industrial separations, contributing to a resilient and resource-efficient economy. You will focus on developing electrified, low-carbon, and (AI-driven) material recovery systems, with applications in industries such as chemical industries, biobased industries, renewable energy,  packaging, and extending to electronics and high-tech industries. 

Your expertise spans both metallic and non-metallic material circularity, tackling challenges in critical metals recovery, separation processes, plastic recycling, composite material reuse, and the design of next-generation circular production systems. 

You will conduct research in circular process development, focusing on minimizing waste, optimizing resource use, and advancing sustainable production systems that support the shift from linear to circular industrial models. You will also contribute to education by teaching and mentoring students in process engineering and sustainability, preparing the next generation to drive innovation in circular technologies. 

Job Requirements  

We are looking for a motivated researcher with: 

• A Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, or a related field, with a strong focus on circular processes;
• Demonstrated research accomplishments in sustainability, circular economy, process intensification, or separation processes; 
• Experience in teaching at the university level and a commitment to student mentorship;
• Ability to conduct high- quality academic research, reflected in demonstratable outputs.
• Ability to teach, demonstrated by experience or assistance in teaching. Informed vision on teaching and learning within your own discipline.
• Strong cooperation skills and ability to work in an interdisciplinary team.
• Effective communication and leadership skills, including coaching and mentoring of students and staff, leading a project, or chairing a group.
• Excellent (written and verbal) proficiency in English.   

This position offers a unique opportunity to join a forward-thinking team committed to developing to sustainable engineering solutions that promote circularity and sustainability. The successful candidate will contribute to advancing knowledge at the intersection of process engineering and AI, supporting a sustainable future through groundbreaking research and impactful teaching. 

Conditions of Employment  

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting, and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you: 

• A Tenure Track of five years with the prospect of becoming an Associate Professor. If you have a more senior profile, a tailor-made career proposal will be considered.
• The opportunity to focus your career on education, research, or impact. You can develop your personal ambitions and objections within the strategic objectives of the university.
• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 11 (min. €4.728,- max. €6.433,- gross per month). 
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• A dedicated mentoring program to help you get to know the university and the Dutch (research) environment.
• High-quality training programs for academic leadership and teaching.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care, and sports facilities. 
• Partially paid parental leave and an allowance for commuting, working from home, and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, as are a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) and partner career support.  

Information and application  

About us  

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow.   

Curious to hear more about what it is like as a professor at TU/e? Please view the video.  

Information  

Do you recognize yourself in this profile, and would you like to know more?  
Please contact prof.dr.ir, Martin van Sint Annaland, M.v.SintAnnaland@tue.nl; 

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact Mrs. M. Temmink, HR advisor, m.temmink@tue.nl, or Thomas Slegers, the recruiter responsible for this position via t.slegers@tue.nl.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page. 

Application 

We invite you to submit a complete application. The application should include a: 

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position. 
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references.
• Description of your scientific interests and plans (1-2 pages).
• Statement of your teaching goals and experience (1-2 pages). 

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible.