EngD Vacancy: Development of Recyclable Mono-Material Food Packaging

Job description

The project

This project focuses on creating innovative polyester-based sealable films that enable fully mono-material PET packaging, improving recyclability and reducing waste.

As an EngD, you will work on the validation of new sealing films with improved performance, including lower sealing temperatures, strong seal integrity, and robustness under contamination (e.g., moisture, fats). You will collaborate closely with industrial and academic partners to translate research into practical, scalable solutions for food packaging applications.

For details of 2 years EngD program at the UT see EngD at UT

Your profile

• Background (MSc) in material science, polymer science, or packaging (food packaging is a plus)
• Experience with working in industry related to packaging field
• Strong analytical skills and a structured, planned approach to work
• Communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with partners
• High degree of responsibility and independence
• Fluent in English and express yourself easily in speech and in writing,

Our offer

• Full-time 2-year EngD position with a tailor-made post-master design program that has an educational component (50%) as well as a design project (50%).
• Access to a dynamic, high-quality, and collaborative research environment equipped with state-of-the-art facilities at the forefront of additive manufacturing research.
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth within the interdisciplinary field of additive manufacturing and smart materials.
• Excellent working conditions in an exciting scientific environment, set in a green and lively campus.
• Dedicated mentorship and access to top-notch facilities.
• Inclusion in a professional and personal development program within Graduate School Twente.
• A salary of €3.029,- gross per month
• Holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.3%.
• Minimum of 29 holidays per year for full-time employment.
• Full employee status at the University of Twente, including pension and healthcare benefits.

Information and application

Submit your application before the 8th of June, 2026 by using the “Apply now” button. Applications should at least include the following:

• Letter of motivation
• Curriculum vitae

For more information, please contact dr. Ilknur Ilhan ([email protected])

About the organisation

At the Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET), we work on engineering for impact: developing smart, sustainable, human-centred and technological solutions for societal challenges. We connect fundamental education, research and practice across five core domains: Asset & Maintenance engineering, Intelligent Manufacturing Systems, Personalised Health Technology, Resilience Engineering, and Sustainable Production, Energy and Resources.

We work on education and research in mechanical engineering, civil engineering and industrial design engineering. Together, we learn by making, creating, and innovating, addressing challenges in a solution-oriented way. Quality, connection and inclusivity are the foundation of our culture.

In our open community, students, researchers and staff collaborate with industrial and societal partners. This enables us to develop insights, applications and solutions that add value to society.