The research group “sustainability assessments of materials and circular economy” (SAM) of KU Leuven brings together researchers who are motivated to strengthen Circular Economy solutions by well-founded scientific insights. We are convinced a better data and evidence base for the circular economy transition is needed, for which we develop integrated methodologies and new indicators to evaluate and model circular economy and resource efficiency, and to assess the (environmental, social and economic) life cycle impact of materials, products and circular economy business models from a systems perspective. Topics range from economic studies such as the criticality of future supply of metals, optimizing the sustainability of biorefineries, improving and assessing recycling technologies, and product service system business models, monitoring the CE for companies and regions, and developing concepts for information systems to support the CE. Our research is highly inter- and transdisciplinary and we collaborate intensively with companies, ngo’s and governmental administrations, with a strong science-policy interaction, e.g. coordinating the Flemish policy research centre Circular Economy (https://ce-center.vlaanderen-circulair.be/en).
Currently, we are looking for a highly motivated researcher to integrate life cycle assessment models better in ecodesign and product development processes.
Website unit
Responsibilities
The goal of the research is to provide support the inclusion of environmental assessments early on in the design of new products. This entails the development of guidelines and frameworks for integrating environmental and circularity aspects in current product development processes and to support informed design decisions. In particular, the project aims at defining sustainability and circularity requirements for products, and how to address such requirements in the product development process, focusing on the identification and integration of sustainability indicators and metrics (e.g. derived from LCA) that can support the assessment and tracking of design choices throughout the process and towards the definition of a more sustainable design concept. The researcher will guide a work package on the development of the assessment framework, and will further be involved in other work packages to define sustainability requirements and test and validate the framework. The research will be conducted within the framework of Flanders Make.
Additional projects will revolve around the aim to support companies in introducing and assessing sustainability and circularity in their operations, from product to company and value chain level, in line also with the CSRD requirements.
Besides you will develop together with the SAM team new research applications in this research area, including the possibility to prepare for individual grants. You will also be involved in (limited) educational tasks and to collaborate in or guide similar projects within the team.
Profile
- You have obtained a PhD in Engineering (Engineering Science, Bioscience Engineering, Engineering Technology, Business Engineering), or equivalent experience as researcher (with several years of experience in a research environment).
- A good knowledge of and experience in LCA is crucial as well as specific expertise in one or more of the following areas: uncertainty analysis, ecodesign, risk analysis, LCC.
- You should show a strong interest in sustainability issues and global challenges like circular economy
- You have a scientific, critical attitude and you are interested in interdisciplinary research
- You are proactive, able to work independently while also being part of a team
- You have good communication and presentation skills, proficient in English. Knowledge of Dutch is an asset.
- You show leadership in your research area.
Offer
We offer a research position for initially one year in a very attractive international research environment, with an excellent track record in sustainable materials management and environmental economics.
The position is promoted by Prof. Karel Van Acker (Faculty of Engineering Science, Department Materials Engineering and Faculty of Economics and Business, Centre for Economics and Corporate Sustainability). The research work will be carried out within the KU Leuven materials engineering department in Leuven. The job will include collaboration and information exchange with researchers from different disciplines, industry and policy makers.
Interested?
For more information please contact Prof. dr. Karel Van Acker, tel.: +32 16 32 12 71, mail: karel.vanacker@kuleuven.be.
The application deadline is 20 October 2024, but earlier applications are encouraged and will be considered as soon as they are received. The position can be closed earlier in case a suitable candidate has been found.
Interested applicants should submit:
- an up-to-date CV.
- a motivation letter with a statement of skills and research interests
- a transcript of followed courses + grades
- the names and contact information of 2 references
- an English language certificate (IELTS or TOEFL) or equivalent if not native English or native Dutch.
KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.