Junior researcher

Junior researcher

Research technician, 3D printing upcycled biomaterials.

TU Delft’s department of sustainable design engineering is in search of a research assistant/technician for sustainable additive manufacturing (green 3D printing) for 1.5–2 years. Specifically, ambient temperature extrusion of upcycled biomaterials (DIW) to replace printing by extruding melted plastic (FFF/FDM). The position references the paper  This role will report to Dr. Jeremy Faludi and will involve working with student teams, outside collaborators, and sometimes independently.

Duties will be to:

• mix and 3D print different material recipes, including ingredients such as sawdust, oyster shells, microcrystalline cellulose, alginate, water glass, xanthan gum, starch, lignin, and many more.
• experiment with different printer settings, slicing, and even software/hardware modifications as needed.
• measure the success of materials and printer settings by measuring printed part strength, dimensional accuracy, overhang angle, bridging length, surface finish, and aesthetic factors.
• print eye‑catching and useful objects to demonstrate the potential for commercial applications replacing plastics.

Candidates must have extensive experience with desktop 3D printing, especially modifying G‑code, firmware, and slicer settings. Candidates should ideally have experience with DIW of upcycled materials, including a portfolio of prints and different materials they have printed with; or at least some experience mixing and making biomaterials. Knowledge of chemistry or materials science is a bonus. Any level of formal education is considered.

Preference is given to candidates already nearby Delft, Netherlands, but relocation to Delft could be considered for a rock‑star candidate.

• Duration of contract is 1.5 years. Temporary.
• A job of 32–40 hours per week.
• A salary based on Scale 08 of the CAO for Dutch Universities with a monthly gross between €3382 and €4484 (38‑hour full‑time contract), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end‑of‑year bonus of 8.3%.
• An excellent pension scheme via the ABP.
• The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year.
• Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages.
• Flexible working week.
• Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). The option to sell or buy additional leave hours via an individual choice budget.
• Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses.
• Partially paid parental leave.
• Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program.

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Jeremy Faludi at J.Faludi.

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 30 May 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV
• Motivational letter

You can address your application to Jeremy Faludi.

• 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. 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.
  
  More information about the assessment is available on our website about knowledge security.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

Faculty/Department:
Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering
Salary range: €3382 – €4484
Hours per week: 32–40
FTE: 0.8–1.0
Submission until: 30 May 2026
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