CHASE YOUR FUTURE

Join leading scientists from all over the world, grow your scientific and technological skills, work in crossfunctional teams:

An open research environment focusing on topics of paramount importance, challenging scientific work with strong industrial involvement, and professional development opportunities await you.

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OPEN POSITIONS

Master Thesis in Chemistry and Process Engineering

Recycling of Commodity Polymers

We are seeking skilled and motivated young scientists with a finished BSc degree in the field of Chemistry, Physics, Polymer- or Process Engineering for pursuing their diploma/master thesis on a part-time basis (10 to 20h/week), limited to 12 months, to strengthen our team at the headquarters in Linz with immediate entry.

This master thesis focuses on the field of recycling of polymers. The goal will be to improve existing methods and establish new techniques in terms of solvent-based recycling of polymers. The effectiveness of a cleaning procedure should be evaluated, starting with technological aspect in lab-scale, which can be transferred to a scaled-up setup with the focus on the processability on future industrial relevant scale applications.

Reference number: 019

Application: until 15.01.2026

We are looking forward to receiving your application (cover letter, CV, academic certificates, employment references), including the reference number of this job posting, to the following email address: personal@chasecenter.at

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PhD Thesis in Chemistry and Process Engineering

Chemical Recycling of Commodity Polymers

We are seeking a skilled and motivated young research scientist with a finished diploma or master's degree in the field of Chemistry, Polymer or Process Engineering for pursuing the PhD thesis on a part-time basis (30h/week), limited to 36 months, to strengthen our team at the headquarters in Linz with immediate entry.

You will be working in the field of solvent supported recycling of polymers. The goal will be to improve existing methods and establish new techniques in terms of recycling polymers. The technological aspects of the cleaning process should be investigated and evaluated on laboratory scale but also focused more on processability on a relevant scale for future industrial applications.

Reference number: 020

Application: until 30.11.2025

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Master Thesis in Chemistry and Chemical Technology

Modeling the Depolymerization of Polyhydroxyalkanoates

in Melt Hydrolysis

This master thesis explores the kinetics of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) depolymerization during melt hydrolysis, with a focus on building upon and refining existing simulation-assisted kinetic models. By leveraging detailed data on depolymerization products, this project aims to enhance the predictive accuracy of simulation assisted kinetics model, particularly for low molecular weight and water-soluble depolymerization products. Moreover, the nuances of the type of polyhydroxyalkanoates on the depolymerization outcome in conjunction with depolymerization kinetics will underpin the research of bio polyester recycling.

Reference number: 021

Application: until 15.01.2026

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Master Thesis in Chemistry and Polymer Technology

Advanced Bio Polyester Depolymerization Setup

This master thesis focuses on developing and implementing a new reaction setup for the depolymerization of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) in melt hydrolysis. Based on the knowledge of previous in-house results, this project aims at utilizing advanced lab facilities for the chemical depolymerization of selected biopolymers. In parallel, the gained insights are compared with existing kinetic models and used for the further development of such with focus on new polymer structures. The research project aims at enhancing the overall depolymerization efficiency and product selectivity and will support the development of a Digital Twin for chemical recycling of PHAs.

Reference number: 022

Application: until 15.01.2026

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Master Thesis in Chemistry and Polymer Technology

Process Development for Starch Hydrolysis

This master thesis focuses on developing a new process for the hydrolysis of a biopolymer. Based on existing literature and available methods a thorough understanding of the behaviour of processed starch properties shall be investigated. Depending on the accuracy and precision of the acquired data, a model of key properties shall be described to enable the simulation of the system throughout a range of process parameters and reactor designs. The project starts with this feasibility study, followed by the build-up of in-depth understanding of the system, leading to a pilot plant design, based on the model predictions. The research project aims at enhancing energy efficiency and product quality aspects compared to the state-of the art processes.

Reference number: 023

Application: until 15.01.2026

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Master Thesis in Chemistry and Chemical Technology

Design of Experiment in Optimization of Constituents in High-Entropic Oxides for CO₂ Hydrogenation to Methanol

This thesis focuses on the synthesis and optimization of high-entropy oxides (HEOs) as heterogeneous catalysts for CO₂ hydrogenation to methanol. First, a novel shaping and synthesis method for HEO catalysts will be investigated, followed by a structured design of experiments (DoE) approach. An initial coarse DoE will be conducted to screen and evaluate the influence of each constituent, simplifying the vast compositional space. Based on these findings, a refined DoE will then target the most impactful constituents for further optimization. Once an optimal composition is determined, activation protocols will be studied to enhance catalytic performance in CO₂ hydrogenation.

Reference number: 024

Application: until 15.01.2026

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