Student Assistant (f/m/non-binary) – In the field of modeling and evaluation of different sorting and recycling processes for plastic waste

ANTS searches and analyses in research and teaching for solutions and methods to make anthropogenic material flows recyclable. Thus, we aim to develop a raw material management at the product and material level as well as to demonstrate and to implement it by means of practical examples. With its previous expertise, the department is one of the leading research institutions in Europe in the field of mechanical and sensor-based processing technology. The ANTS combines the modelling and evaluation of processing and recycling processes with a view to entire product systems and life cycles in the sense of a circular economy and complements this expertise by technical implementation and demonstration.

We are seeking a motivated student assistant current studying at a university or university of applied sciences to support the FSC² research project focused on the development of a detailed model of different sorting and recycling processes for plastic waste. The project aims to model various sorting and recycling processes considering the composition of the input material, i.e. plastic waste, with regard to its type, quality, and quantity. Based on the modeled material quality, the resulting recyclates will be linked to potential reuse options. The project includes both the development and implementation of suitable modeling approaches as well as the systematic analysis of process and material parameters.

To be successful in this role, you should possess the following:

• Interest in material cycles and life cycle analysis
• High motivation and strong communication skills
• Analytical thinking and attention to detail
• Interest in plastic recycling and material flow analysis
• Ability to work independently and willingness to collaborate in a team
• Good English skills
• Basic knowledge of material flow analysis, life cycle assessment, and Python is an advantage

• Support our scientific staff by independently conducting literature research, preparing and analyzing experimental data, and creating scientific figures
• Helping with (the preparation of) experiments in the laboratory and corresponding data collection
• Taking up general tasks
• Optional: Contributing to the development of a life cycle assessment model in Python

The successful candidate will be employed as a student assistant.
The position is to be filled at the earliest possible date and offered for a fixed term of 1 year.
A long-term cooperation is highly desired.
This is a part-time contract position.
The standard weekly hours will be 8 hours.
The salary is based on the RWTH Guidelines for Student and Graduate Assistants.
The position corresponds to a pay grade of 14.50 euros per hour.

RWTH is a certified family-friendly University. We support our employees in maintaining a good work-life balance with a wide range of health, advising, and prevention services, for example university sports. Employees who are covered by collective bargaining agreements and civil servants have access to an extensive range of further training courses and the opportunity to purchase a job ticket.
RWTH is an equal opportunities employer. We therefore welcome and encourage applications from all suitably qualified candidates, particularly from groups that are underrepresented at the University. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability or age. RWTH is strongly committed to encouraging women in their careers. Female applicants are given preference if they are equally suitable, competent, and professionally qualified, unless a fellow candidate is favored for a specific reason.
As RWTH is committed to equality of opportunity, we ask you not to include a photo in your application.
You can find information on the personal data we collect from applicants in accordance with Articles 13 and 14 of the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) at http://www.rwth-aachen.de/dsgvo-information-bewerbung.