TU Delft PhD Position 2026 | Bio-Based Binder Systems for Sustainable Paving Applications

TU Delft PhD Position 2026 | Bio-Based Binder Systems for Sustainable Paving Applications

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology), Netherlands invites applications for a PhD Position in Bio-Based Binder Systems for Sustainable Paving Applications. The position is part of the Ab Initio Biowaste Loop (ABEL) project, a newly funded NWA-ORC initiative supported by the Dutch Research Council (NWO), aimed at developing recyclable, high-performance bio-based materials from waste streams for sustainable infrastructure.

Position Details

Organization: TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Position: PhD Candidate

Research Area: Sustainable Materials, Biomaterials & Pavement Engineering

Project: Ab Initio Biowaste Loop (ABEL)

Funding Agency: Dutch Research Council (NWO)

Location: Delft, Netherlands

About the Project

The ABEL project brings together a multidisciplinary consortium of researchers, industry partners, policymakers, and societal organizations to develop circular biomaterials from low-value waste streams.

This PhD project focuses on the durability, recyclability, and long-term performance of bio-based binder systems for paving applications. The research aims to develop environmentally sustainable alternatives to conventional petroleum-based binders for use in road construction and other infrastructure sectors.

Applications extend across agriculture, asphalt paving, aviation, construction, and the built environment.

Research Responsibilities

The selected PhD candidate will:

• Investigate the structure–property–durability relationships of recyclable bio-based paving binders.

• Study the effects of environmental factors such as moisture, UV exposure, temperature fluctuations, fatigue, and creep on material performance.

• Perform physico-chemical and mechanical characterization under realistic environmental loading conditions.

• Apply multivariate data analysis and Artificial Intelligence techniques to develop predictive durability models.

• Utilize advanced characterization methods including:

  • Spectroscopy

  • Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA)

  • Rheology

  • Microscopy

  • Chemometric analysis

• Study interactions between bio-based components such as bio-oils and bio-chars.

• Develop Artificial Neural Network (ANN)-based models for predicting material durability and recyclability.

• Benchmark bio-based formulations against conventional petroleum-based paving binders.

• Assess compliance with industry standards for sustainable road construction materials.

Research Areas

The project combines expertise in:

• Sustainable Construction Materials

• Biomaterials

• Circular Economy

• Pavement Engineering

• Material Characterization

• Polymer & Binder Technology

• Artificial Intelligence

• Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs)

• Chemometrics

• Spectroscopy

• Rheology

• Microscopy

• Durability Analysis

• Recycling Technologies

Why Join TU Delft?

• Be part of the nationally funded ABEL research consortium addressing circular bioeconomy challenges.

• Conduct interdisciplinary research with leading experts from academia, industry, and government.

• Work on innovative solutions for sustainable infrastructure and waste valorization.

• Access world-class laboratory facilities and advanced analytical instrumentation.

• Develop expertise in AI-driven material modelling and advanced biomaterial characterization.

• Contribute to impactful research supporting the transition toward a circular and sustainable construction sector.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their application through the official TU Delft Careers Portal along with all required documents specified in the official recruitment announcement.

Applicants are encouraged to review the official advertisement carefully for detailed eligibility criteria, application requirements, and submission guidelines before applying.

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