DTU Environment advertise two PhD positions in the C-PlaNeT programme. C-PlaNeT – Circular Plastics Network for Training (call H2020-MSCA-ITN-2019) is a training network of a new generation of 15 researchers for the EU’s circular economy, including the design, processing, use and reuse of plastics C-PlaNeT is a consortium of high-profile universities, research institutions and companies located in Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, United Kingdom, Denmark and Greece. Each candidate will have a host institute, but will also need to spend 6 months at a partner institute.
Ph.D. position: Environmental assessment modelling of plastic flows – the role of additives in circularity (ESR 14)
Objectives: The objective is to map the flows of polymers in Europe and investigate the role that substances in the materials can have for circularity. The first aim is to map current plastic flows with a focus on key substances that can be detrimental to recycling. The second aim is to model selected scenarios in MFA and LCA to assess how the use and management of additives within the process-chain can be improved in order to increase the circularity and recycling of plastic products.
Description: The PhD includes the following activities: literature review, methodology development, experimental research, writing of articles, teaching, courses, dissemination of research at workshops and conferences. The main activities will take place in the section of Residual Research Engineering at the DTU department of Environmental Engineering. The starting point for the work is modelling oriented in a system perspective, but lab activities may be relevant either directly by the candidate or through analysis of lab generated data.
Required skills/qualifications: The applicant must have analytical skills, research potential, be well-organized and enterprising and possess good interpersonal skills needed to collaborate with other university departments, authorities and private companies. The applicant must master spoken and written English. The candidate should have existing knowledge of Material Flow Analysis and Life Cycle Assessment as well as previous experience with data collection and processing, assessment of data quality and uncertainty, and preferably concrete experiences with modelling in MFA/LCA software. The preferred candidate also has laboratory experiences, in particular within material and/or waste characterization, as well as lab investigations on material functionality. This includes representative sampling, sample processing, physico-chemical analysis, material property testing and evaluation. Experience with analysis of material production processes as well as waste management, waste technologies and waste system analysis will be prioritized.
Additional requirements:
Early-stage researchers (ESR) are those who are, at the time of recruitment by the host, in the first four years (full-time equivalent) of their research careers. This is measured from the date when they obtained the degree which formally entitles them to embark on a doctorate, either in the country in which the degree was obtained or in the country in which the research training is provided, irrespective of whether or not a doctorate was envisaged. Part-time research experience will be counted pro-rata.
Conditions of international mobility of researchers: Researchers are required to undertake trans-national mobility (i.e. move from one country to another) when taking up the appointment. At the time of selection by the host organisation, researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of their host organisation for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to their recruitment. Short stays, such as holidays, are not taken into account.
Main supervisors:
Prof. dr. Thomas Astrup, dr. Anders Damgaard (DTU) CO-SUPERVISOR: Prof. dr. Steven De Meester (UG)
START DATE: 01.04.2020 DURATION: 36 months
Further information:
Network website (read about the project): https://www.c-planet.eu
Call for applicants (more information on the positions): https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/454823
Application platform (deadline 31/12): https://econsort.ugent.be/regis.asp?frm=2092