The Energy and Process Systems Engineering (EPSE) Group at ETH Zürich is seeking a Postdoc to explore pathways to a circular carbon economy, focusing on plastics recycling. The position aims to integrate recycling, carbon capture & utilization, and bio-based technologies to shape a sustainable future industry for plastics and beyond. The vision of the ERC Advanced Grant DISC3Lab is to devise a validated discovery loop for sustainable chemical processes, targeting solvent-based recycling of plastics.
Tasks
- Model individual technologies for alternative carbon sources.
- Conduct techno-economic and life cycle assessment of integrated chemical and plastic production systems using mathematical optimization.
- Advance in-house models covering global production pathways of large-volume chemicals and plastics.
- Integrate novel technologies for alternative carbon flows, focusing on chemical recycling, carbon capture and utilization, and biomass utilization.
- Identify sustainable supply chains of the chemical and plastic industry using mathematical optimization and assess trade-offs between environmental targets.
- Collaborate with partners from industry and academia.
- Co-supervise a group of PhD students working on predictive and experimental methods targeting separations and thermophysical properties of complex fluids involved in solvent-based plastic recycling.
- Publish results in peer-reviewed journals and present at international conferences.
- Opportunity to contribute to the group's teaching activities if desired.
Requirements
- Doctoral degree in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, process engineering, or energy science & technology from a recognized university.
- Strong experience in conceptual process design and simulations, life cycle assessment, alternative carbon source technologies, and programming is ideal.
- Highly motivated to learn and apply modern simulation and optimization techniques.
- Ability to work in a dynamic environment with other doctoral students and postdocs.
- Ability to work independently.
- Excellent communication skills in English (both written and spoken).
Benefits
- Family-friendly employer with excellent working conditions.
- Exciting working environment and cultural diversity.
- Attractive offers and benefits.
- Full-time position for the duration of the postdoc, starting upon agreement with the earliest starting date of October 1st, 2026.
- Position planned for 2 years with an initial contract for one year.
- Interdisciplinary team of researchers with in-depth experience in process design, energy system optimization, and life cycle assessment.
- Inclusive culture promoting equality of opportunity, diversity, and respect for rights and dignity.
- Commitment to sustainability and working towards a climate-neutral future.
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Über uns
Das Team
You will work in an interdisciplinary team of researchers with in-depth experience in process design, energy system optimization, and life cycle assessment. Collaboration with partners from industry and academia is crucial, and you will have the opportunity to co-supervise PhD students working on related projects.