Postdoc in Circular Plastics Economy / Postdoc in Circular Plastics Economy

Postdoc Position Towards a Circular Plastics Economy Within the Planetary Boundaries

100%, Zurich, Fixed-term

The Energy and Process Systems Engineering (EPSE) Group at ETH Zürich is seeking a Postdoc to explore pathways to a circular carbon economy, focusing specifically on plastics recycling. This position emphasizes the integration of recycling, carbon capture and utilization, and bio-based technologies to help shape a sustainable future for the plastics industry and beyond.

Under the guidance of Prof. Dr. André Bardow, the EPSE group is committed to advancing sustainable energy and chemical process systems. Our research spans from the molecular level to the systems scale, utilizing simulation and experimental methods to promote sustainable practices in energy and chemical processes.

Project Background

The vision of our recently funded ERC Advanced Grant, DISC3Lab, is to develop a validated discovery loop for sustainable chemical processes, specifically targeting solvent-based recycling of plastics. Chemical recycling is vital for transitioning toward a chemical industry operating within Planetary Boundaries. However, the current paradigm for process design is often slow, labor-intensive, and lacks interdisciplinary integration.

This project aims to explore optimal pathways for establishing a circular industry that maximizes the potential and synergies of alternative technologies, including plastics recycling, carbon capture and utilization (CCU), and biomass. The outcomes will identify future performance targets and potential for innovative technologies, facilitating the chemical industry's shift toward sustainable operation within planetary limits.

Job Description

• The project adopts a comprehensive systems perspective on the early-stage development of future technologies in the chemical and plastics industry.
• Your work will range from modeling individual technologies for alternative carbon sources to conducting techno-economic and life cycle assessments of integrated chemical and plastic production systems using mathematical optimization.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Advancing in-house models covering the global production pathways of large-volume chemicals and plastics.
• Integrating novel technologies for alternative carbon flows, with a focus on chemical recycling, while considering carbon capture and utilization and biomass utilization.
• Identifying sustainable supply chains within the chemical and plastics industry using mathematical optimization, assessing trade-offs between environmental targets.
• Deepening your understanding of the chemical and plastics industry along with their techno-economic and environmental assessments.
• Identifying optimal technologies that meet environmental constraints, enhancing knowledge of the environmental benefits of recycling, carbon capture and utilization, and bio-based technologies.
• Fostering collaboration with industry and academic partners is crucial for success.
• You will have the opportunity to collaborate with and eventually co-supervise a group of PhD students working on the same project.
• The PhD students will advance predictive and experimental methods targeting separations and the thermophysical properties of complex fluids involved in solvent-based plastic recycling.

Profile

• We are seeking a proactive and motivated candidate who meets the qualifications required for a position at ETH Zurich, holding a doctoral degree in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, process engineering, or energy science and technology from a recognized university.
• Strong experience in conceptual process design and simulations, life cycle assessment, alternative carbon source technologies, and programming is preferred.
• A strong motivation to learn and apply modern simulation and optimization techniques while working in a dynamic environment with other doctoral students and postdocs is essential.
• The ability to work independently along with excellent communication skills in English (both written and spoken) is a must.

Workplace

ETH Zurich is a family-friendly employer offering excellent working conditions. You can look forward to an exciting environment characterized by cultural diversity and attractive benefits.

This full-time position is intended for the duration of your postdoc, commencing upon agreement, with an earliest starting date of October 1st, 2026. The position is initially planned for two years, with the first contract lasting one year. You will collaborate in an interdisciplinary team of experienced researchers in process design, energy system optimization, and life cycle assessment. You will have the opportunity to publish your results in peer-reviewed journals and present them at international conferences. While the role does not mandate teaching duties, there is an opportunity for involvement in the group's educational activities if desired.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

Aligned with our core values, ETH Zurich promotes an inclusive culture. We encourage equal opportunity, value diversity, and cultivate a working and learning environment where the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected. We are committed to sustainability and actively work toward a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

We look forward to your online application using the form below. Please ensure you include the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae, max. 2 pages
• Motivational Letter, max. 2 pages
• Transcript of records
• Contact details of 2 referees

Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

For more information about the Energy and Process Systems Engineering (EPSE) Group, please visit our website. For questions regarding the position, feel free to contact Dr. Emiliano Casati at casatie@ethz.ch or mavt-epse-admin@ethz.ch (no applications).

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities in science and technology, known for its excellent education, cutting-edge research, and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries create an environment that promotes independent thinking and inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, ETH Zurich forges connections globally, working collaboratively to address the challenges of today and tomorrow.