PRR Project

Summary

Plastics, widely used for their vast array of physical and chemical properties, cost-effectiveness, and versatility, reached a staggering production volume of 390.7 million metric tons in 2021. However, they are still almost exclusively derived from non-renewable fossil resources and, when it comes to post-use management, only a very limited percentage is effectively recycled. The goals set by global programs like the UN Sustainability Goals and the European Green Deal, or the recent international agreement made at the 28th UN Climate Change Conference (COP28), are accelerating the transition to biobased polymers and the expansion of polymers’ recycling. Additionally, at national level, some initiatives as the ‘Action Plan for Circular Economy’ and the ‘Portuguese Pact for Plastics’ are also pushing in the same direction. Moreover, the emergence of new approaches, based on sustainable polymers design and greener strategies to recycle and upcycle existing polymer waste into high value products, is poised to push this progress forward.To keep pace with the scientific excellence and the global progress towards sustainable and circular approaches to polymer production and post-use recycling, the University of Aveiro is committed to address this relevant scientific, technological and societal paramount challenge and contribute to the national progress in this field. This requires the strengthening of CICECO’s Research line 3 on ‘Sustainability’ and Group 4 on ‘Renewable Materials and Circular Economy’ by attracting and recruiting a highly talented expert in the field of Polymer Science. The profile of the candidate should align with this field and include demonstrated research excellence in polymer synthesis, advanced polymer recycling techniques, and interdisciplinary experience in green and sustainable chemistry. The applicant should present a successful track record in obtaining competitive research funding by public funds, through national and international agencies, showcasing the ability to establish national and international collaborations with peers and institutions and secure resources for ambitious research projects. In specific the prospective employee must present the following scientific profile:an outstanding track-record of research in the field of polymer synthesis and characterisation, renewable-based polymers, recycling and green chemistry demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals.demonstrable capacity to attract competitive funding at the national and international level.proven capacity to constitute and lead research teams and supervise PhD candidates and early career researchers.Additional skills and experience encompass the following:strong capacity to intervene in scientific community, particularly by organising events, participate in the assessment of projects and articles, being invited to give lectures at international meetings.demonstrated experience in coordinating and leading collaborative international research projects.The short-/medium term tasks of the prospective employee are aligned with CICECO strategic view, encapsulating several key objectives:establish and lead a research group centered on sustainable polymer science that includes both the synthesis and characterisation of biobased polymers and the development of greener strategies to chemical and physical recycling of polymer waste. Collaborating with CICECO’s Research line on “Sustainability” and “Renewable Materials and Circular Economy” Group, and defining research priorities within the broader scope of bioeconomy and sustainability.initiate and strengthen interdisciplinary collaborations with other researchers of related fields to breakthrough new ideas and to strengthen CICECO’s role in the field of materials at European level and beyond.actively pursue and apply for research funding from various sources both from national and international entities.train and supervise students at graduation and post-graduation levels in cutting-edge sustainable polymer science thematics.disseminate and exploit the research results through the publication of high-impact articles, actively participating in leading international conferences and also by patenting/licencing innovative results with economical relevance.communicate the main achievements to broader audiences aiming to contribute to the development of a scientific culture at the national level, and in alignment with the mission of the University of Aveiro and CICECO.contribute to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment that enhances scientific excellence.