Researcher Project engineer 'BaReFOOD’ – ‘Barrier strategies for Recycled polyethylene in FOOD packaging’

Background
As a Research / Project Engineer, you will be working within two research groups of the IUMAT research institute: MPR&S and ACC (https://www.uhasselt.be/nl/instituten/iumat). Within MPR&S and ACC, you will be part of a team of approximately ten researchers and technicians, each with their own area of expertise, as well as PhD candidates working on related research projects. You will work under the supervision of two academic coordinators, one from each research group. In addition, you will collaborate closely with the German research partners involved in the CORNET project.

Job content
For the international CORNET/TETRA research project BaReFOOD, we are looking for an enthusiastic Project Engineer to help drive the development of safe and functional food packaging based on post-consumer recycled polyethylene (PCR PE).
The new European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) requires the use of recycled plastics in food-contact-sensitive packaging from 2030 onwards. While this legislation creates significant opportunities for a circular economy, companies still face major challenges related to food safety, contaminants, migration behaviour, and the functional performance of recycled materials.
Within the BaReFOOD project, you will collaborate with Flemish and German companies and research institutions to develop innovative and recyclable barrier structures containing PCR PE, investigate the migration of potential contaminants, and translate scientific knowledge into practical guidelines for companies active in the plastics, recycling, and food industries.

Profile

• Master in industrial sciences, master in engineering sciences, master in (applied) sciences (or equivalent)
  Final-year students are (likewise) encouraged to apply.
• You are collegial and can work well in a team;
  
• You have a proactive and independent working attitude;
• You can report clearly, both orally and in writing, in Dutch and in English;
• You have analytical and critical thinking skills; 
• You have knowledge/skills in chemistry, materials and in engineering;
• You have a strong interest in application‑oriented research;
• You can cooperate with other stakeholders (e.g. companies) to develop an optimal solution.

Offer
You will be appointed and paid as Researcher.
We offer you a full time appointment from October 1, 2026 for a period of 1 year, with a possible extension until August 31, 2028.

Selection procedure
You can only apply online up to and including 29 July 2026.
The selection procedure consists of a preselection based on application file and an interview.

Further information
Prof. dr. ir. Mieke BUNTINX, +32-11-292155, [email protected]
Prof. dr. Wouter MARCHAL, +32-11-268392, [email protected]

For questions about the selection procedure, please email [email protected].