An experienced researcher is required in polymer synthesis/processing, degradation, and characterisation of polymers, specifically bio-based polymers, for an EU-CBE funded Innovation action, ReBiocycle project   (https://www.cbe.europa.eu/projects/rebiocycle), co-funded by Horizon Europe. This EU project centred on developing a blueprint for recycling biobased plastics. ReBioCycle aims to demonstrate that bio-based biodegradable plastics can be kept in the cycle for as long as possible through innovative recycling technologies and that end-of-life bio-based biodegradable plastics can be used in the circular (bio)economy. This four-year multidisciplinary project brings together a consortium of 22 partners involving academic and research institutes, business associations, non-profit organisations and SMEs.

This current project at TCD mainly focuses on scaling up the methods for the degradation of biodegradable plastics to provide a feedstock for valorisation by fermentation to the partners. This involves pilot-scale melt processing of the biodegradable polymers using an extrusion process, degradation by composites by thermal hydrolysis and characterisation of degraded products using various analytical techniques. This project involves working in collaboration with partners and process development and scale-up of the best degradation process to 100’s of kg of selected polymers.

Standard Duties and Responsibilities of the Post

The post holder will be responsible for  processing biodegradable polymer composites by extrusion, developing and scaling up the degradation processes for the production of feedstocks for fermentation. This project required working knowledge of polymer processing, polymer degradation, polymer degradation by catalysis,  recovery of degraded products and characterisation of polymer/polymer degraded products using various analytical tools DSC, TGA, DMA, GPC, FT-IR, XRD, Raman, NMR, SEM, TEM, COD, BOD analysis, and other analytical tools. He/she will be expected to run the research programme day-to-day under the direction of Prof. Ramesh Babu.

The core tasks are as follows:

1.  Use lab scale and pilot scale extruder to make the polymer composites.
2. Developing the degradation pathways for polymers and polymer composites (catalysis, hydrolysis, reactive extrusion, etc)
3. Recovery and characterisation of degradation products using various analytical techniques.
4. Scaling up lab-scale procedure for pilot scale/demo scale.
5. Life cycle analysis (LCA) of the developed processes.
6. Writing papers and giving presentations on the research conducted.
7. Willing to travel to partner’s sites for scaling and demonstration of technologies.
8. Helping with the day-to-day running of the research group, training and supervising the students, procuring orders, and managing the laboratories.

Funding Information

Circular Bio-based Europe

Person Specification

Qualifications

The experienced candidate must have a   PhD in a relevant field such as polymer science and engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Materials science, and/or equivalent industrial experience in polymer synthesis, polymer processing, polymer characterisation and scaling up the technologies to demonstration scale.

Appointment will be made on points 1 of the IUA post-doctorate researcher Level 1 salary scale PD1 at points 1-3 (based on experience) in line with Government Pay Policy [€45,847 to €48,412 per annum], appointment will be made no higher than point 3

Application Procedure Applicants should submit a full Curriculum Vitae quoting PD-ReBiocycle, including the names and contact details of 2 referees (including email addresses), to: babup@tcd.ie on or before 25^th November 2024