Researcher Polymer Processing & Testing

About this position

How can we make polymers more sustainable, extend their lifetime and reduce their environmental impact? And how can we develop reliable alternatives to materials containing PFAS while gaining a better understanding of microplastic formation?

What will be your role?

As a Researcher Polymer Processing & Testing, you will contribute to applied research addressing these challenges. You will work on a broad range of polymer-related topics, from polymer processing and material characterization to degradation, durability and lifetime assessment. Your work will contribute to research programmes focused on polymer recycling, PFAS replacement and the formation and environmental impact of microplastics.

Your role combines hands-on experimental work with data analysis and interpretation. You will process polymers using techniques such as melt extrusion and solid-state processing, including milling, and perform accelerated ageing experiments under UV and thermal conditions. You will subsequently investigate how processing and ageing affect the chemical, mechanical, thermal and physical properties of virgin and recycled polymers and elastomers.

Depending on the project, you will work with a broad range of analytical and characterization techniques, including spectroscopy, microscopy, mechanical testing, rheology, thermal analysis and particle-size analysis. You will also contribute to the development and adaptation of experimental setups and test methods.

Your activities will include:

• Processing polymers using laboratory- and pilot-scale extrusion equipment and other processing techniques;
• Performing accelerated ageing experiments on virgin and recycled polymer and elastomer samples;
• Investigating polymer degradation, durability and microplastic formation;
• Evaluating alternative materials and solutions for PFAS-containing polymers and elastomers;
• Building, modifying and improving experimental and characterization setups;
• Characterizing polymers, elastomers and microplastic particles using techniques such as FTIR, Raman and UV/VIS spectroscopy, optical and electron microscopy, and polarization microscopy;
• Performing mechanical and physical testing, including tensile testing, hardness measurements, tribology and rheology;
• Performing thermal and particle characterization using techniques such as DSC, TGA, SLS and DLS;
• Analysing and interpreting experimental results and translating them into clear conclusions;
• Presenting and reporting research results to project teams, partners and customers.

You will be part of a multidisciplinary research environment in which experimental insight, scientific curiosity and practical problem-solving go hand in hand. You will collaborate with colleagues from different technical backgrounds as well as with external partners to translate research questions into experiments and meaningful results.

Your main workplace will be the High Tech Campus in Eindhoven. Part of the research group is based at the Brightlands Chemelot Campus in Geleen, where experimental facilities are also located. You will therefore regularly travel to Geleen to perform experiments and collaborate with colleagues.

What we expect from you

You enjoy experimental research and feel at home in a laboratory environment. You are curious about how the processing and ageing of polymers influence their properties, performance and eventual application. At the same time, you take a practical and structured approach: you are comfortable operating equipment, designing experiments, troubleshooting experimental setups and critically interpreting the resulting data.

You are a proactive and goal-oriented team member who enjoys collaborating with researchers, engineers and other specialists. You communicate clearly and are able to translate experimental observations and complex technical results into concise conclusions, both verbally and in writing.

In addition, you bring:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Polymer Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or a closely related discipline;
• A solid understanding of polymer materials and an interest in the relationship between processing, structure, properties and performance;
• Preferably, hands-on experience with polymer processing, particularly extrusion, and/or polymer characterization;
• An affinity with practical laboratory work, including handling chemicals, operating analytical and processing equipment, conducting experiments and analysing data;
• The ability and willingness to develop, modify and troubleshoot experimental setups and test methods;
• An interest in sustainability-related challenges such as polymer recycling, material durability, PFAS replacement and microplastic formation;
• A good command of English, both spoken and written, as you will work in international and multidisciplinary project teams.

Above all, we are looking for a practical researcher who combines technical curiosity with a hands-on mentality and is motivated to use polymer science and technology to contribute to more sustainable materials and applications.

What you'll get in return

Challenging and varied work with a real impact. And plenty of opportunities as, at TNO, you are in charge of shaping your career. We offer a gross monthly salary between € 3,350 and € 4,150 (based on your knowledge and experience), 8% holiday pay, a 13^th month bonus of 8.33% and a flex budget (5.58% + € 180). In addition, you will be given every opportunity to develop yourself.

TNO offers optional employee benefits, enabling you to tailor your benefits package to match your personal situation. You may also expect:

• An extremely professional, innovative working environment where colleagues are leading experts in their field.
• The opportunity to attend courses, workshops and conferences, and to receive training and coaching based on your needs.
• 33 days annual leave plus a flexible holiday that can be used on a cultural, religious, or otherwise important day of your choosing (on a full-time basis).
• An employer working towards a respectful, inclusive, and equitable work environment where every employee can flourish, with various initiatives such as Jong TNO, numerous expertise based guilds, Rainbow Community and Round Tables on diverse inclusion topics.
• We offer a comprehensive and flexible mobility plan that also includes full compensation for public transportation for commuting and business travel.
• Great social events with your team and other TNO colleagues. That’s how you will get to know a lot of people really quickly.
• Flexible working hours, the possibility to work parttime (32 or 36 hours) and the possibility of working from home.
• Extensive relocation package for international candidates.
• A good pension scheme.

Read more about tailoring your benefits package.

TNO as an employer

Our people are at the heart of TNO. Their curiosity, expertise and entrepreneurial mindset make it possible to deliver high-impact research and innovations that contribute to society’s sustainable wellbeing and prosperity. That is why we invest in an inspiring and inclusive working environment where colleagues can excel, have autonomy and continue to grow.

Your talent and ambition have every opportunity to flourish at TNO. You work with experts (both within and beyond TNO), have access to advanced technology and the freedom to explore, experiment and innovate. Our strength lies in independence, reliability and collaboration. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. By working with businesses and government, and by connecting different perspectives, we strengthen our innovative capability and create responsible, meaningful results.

At TNO, we believe this is our time to help society, government and business move forward faster. Together with driven colleagues, you turn knowledge into concrete innovations or ventures that truly make a difference by combining the power of science and entrepreneurship. And in doing so, you make your mark on our time.

The selection process

Please apply before the 30 of September, 2026. The selection process comprises two interview rounds. In a final meeting we will discuss the terms of employment and your tailored benefits package. We aim to finalize the entire process within four weeks.

The selection process may include an online assessment and a reference check.
A certificate of Conduct (VOG) is required before starting a new job at TNO.