Researching the materials that will replace plastics

Location: Den Bosch (lab-based)
Position: PhD Candidate
Commitment: Full-time (doctoral trajectory)

About Cyclups — Turning agricultural waste into next-generation materials

At Cyclups, we are building materials that should not exist — yet must.
We transform agricultural side streams into high-performance, fully compostable polymer compounds that replace conventional plastics without compromise.

Our materials perform.
They break down naturally.
They return nutrients to the soil.

No waste. No harm.

We believe the future of plastics isn’t plastic at all — and this PhD position sits at the core of proving that belief.

This PhD matters

This is not a theoretical project parked on a shelf.

As a PhD Student in Polymer Engineering, you will work on real materials, real processes, and real industrial constraints. Your research will directly feed into scalable production, product performance, and commercial application.

Your work will help define how circular, biobased polymers are designed, processed, and validated for the next generation of materials.

What you will research – From molecules to materials

Your PhD will focus on the development, optimization, and characterization of biobased polymer systems, including:

• Polymer synthesis, modification, and compounding
• Structure–property relationships in biobased and compostable polymers
• Processing behavior (extrusion, injection molding, degradation behavior)
• Mechanical, thermal, and rheological characterization
• Interaction between biopolymers, fillers, and additives
• Translating lab-scale insights into industrial relevance

You will operate at the intersection of chemistry, materials science, and process engineering.

You make a strong PhD candidate if

• You hold a Master’s degree in Polymer Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or similar
• You are analytically strong and enjoy deep technical problem-solving
• You are comfortable working independently on complex research questions
• You care about sustainability — but value performance and scalability just as much
• You want your PhD to matter beyond publications

This PhD is for builders of knowledge, not spectators.

What we offer

• A PhD trajectory embedded in a fast-growing, industrial scale-up
• Direct access to real-world material challenges and production environments
• Close collaboration with engineers, chemists, and commercial teams
• Research with clear application, impact, and visibility
• Competitive PhD compensation aligned with Dutch standards

Ready to research materials that actually change the system?

Send your CV and motivation to info@cyclups.com
Questions? Contact us at 085 4000805