Shape the future of biomaterials from waste!
Job description
We have a new PhD vacancy in our group on durability analysis of recyclable bio-based binder systems. This PhD position is part of the newly funded national NWA-ORC project, Ab initio Biowaste Loop (ABEL), which is funded by NWO (Dutch Research Council). To close material loops in the Dutch bioeconomy, ABEL brings together a large multidisciplinary consortium from industry, academia, policymakers, and societal partners to tackle one of the most pressing challenges of our time: making high-value, sustainable, and circular biomaterials from low-value waste streams that can compete and even outperform traditional alternatives. This project targets applications across agriculture, asphalt paving, aviation, construction and the built environment.
As a PhD student within the ABEL consortium at Delft University of Technology:
- You are highly motivated to join our research on the structure–property–durability relationships and recyclability of bio-based paving binders and their resulting composites. In this project, you will develop an understanding of how environmental stressors (moisture, UV exposure, temperature fluctuations) and mechanical loading (fatigue, creep) interact to affect the long-term performance of bio-based binders at both micro- and macro-scales.
- Physico-chemical and mechanical characterisation methods under complex environmental loading conditions will be employed. Furthermore, multivariate analysis and AI techniques will be used to develop predictive modelling frameworks linking material composition to material properties and durability.
- Techniques such as spectroscopy, dynamic mechanical analysis, rheology, microscopy, and chemometric analysis will be applied to study the interactions between bio-based components (such as bio-oils and bio-chars) within binder formulations and to benchmark their performance against conventional petroleum-based counterparts. A physico-chemical–mechanical approach, incorporating artificial neural networks (ANNs), will be used to identify key features governing structure–property–durability performance under realistic environmental conditions, as well as recyclability potential.
- Finally, the ability of the developed bio-based materials to meet or exceed industry standards for road construction will be assessed. The insights gained will guide the design of bio-based paving binder formulations, including mono-material blocks, while addressing mechanical limitations and identifying effective strategies for durability enhancement.
During the project, you will:
- Publish high-quality scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals and contribute to project reports in collaboration with the project supervisors and others.
- Participate in consortium meetings, workshops, and stakeholder events, and actively contribute to knowledge exchange and impact activities.
- Support the supervision of MSc students where relevant and contribute to the academic life of the department.
This PhD position is a unique opportunity to help reshape supply chains, material innovation, and explore how the value of biomaterials is defined and perceived across industry, society, policymakers and regulators.
The guidance of this PhD project will be provided by Dr. Yasmine Mosleh and Dr. Aikaterini Varveri.
Job requirements
- MSc degree in polymer engineering, material engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related discipline.
- Knowledge of polymeric materials.
- Experience with mechanical/physical/chemical characterizations.
- Experience with FE modelling, and programming tools such as Python and MATLAB is considered an asset.
- Excellent spoken and written English.
- If your native language is not English and you do not hold a degree from an institution in which English is the language of instruction, you must submit proof of English proficiency from either TOEFL (minimum total score of 100) or IELTS (minimum total score of 7.0).
- A creative and structured mindset, and willing to take initiative or think outside the box.
- Communicative with the ability to work independently or in a team.
TU Delft
Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.
At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.
Challenge. Change. Impact!
The Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences
The Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences (CEG) is committed to outstanding international research and education in the field of civil engineering, applied earth sciences, traffic and transport, water technology, and delta technology. Our research feeds into our educational programmes and covers societal challenges such as climate change, energy transition, resource availability, urbanisation and clean water. Our research projects are conducted in close cooperation with a wide range of research institutions. CEG is convinced of the importance of open science and supports its scientists in integrating open science in their research practice. The Faculty of CEG comprises 28 research groups in the following seven departments: Materials Mechanics Management & Design, Engineering Structures, Geoscience and Engineering, Geoscience and Remote Sensing, Transport & Planning, Hydraulic Engineering and Water Management.
Conditions of employment
Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.
Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3059 - €3881 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.
As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.
The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.
Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.
Additional information
For more information about this vacancy, you may contact Dr. Aikaterini Varveri ([email protected]) and Dr. Yasmine Mosleh ([email protected]).
Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply before 30 June 2026 upload:
- Motivation letter explaining why you are a suitable candidate (max 1 x A4 page).
- Detailed CV (max. 3 pages).
- A letter in which you describe your understanding of the project description and how you to tackle this research subject (max. 1 A4 page).
You can address your application to Dr. Yasmine Mosleh and Dr. Aikaterini Varveri.
Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.
Please note:
- You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
- As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest. You can find more information about this assessment on our website about knowledge security.
- Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.
