Chemist or similar (m/w/d) for catalysis & reaction optimization of our recycling technology

SECARA
SECARA

Other Engineering, Product · Full-time

Aachen, Germany

Posted on Sep 10, 2026

What we can offer

  • Becoming core part of a sustainability scale-up to establish circular value chains for technical polymers

  • Real impact - develop the process that will divert thousands of tonnes of technical plastics from incineration

  • Hands-on - run experiments across multiple scales, from 10 mL batch to multi-liter automated reactors

  • Fast track to ownership: direct responsibility for impactful topics Further terms and conditions: Our team is currently located in Aachen

Your role

You will be working full-time on a crucial work stream for our technology:

  • Optimizing catalysis and reaction performance, improving our depolymerization process.

  • Develop and optimize heterogeneous catalyst systems for depolymerization

  • Studies across multiple orders of magnitude: from 10 mL lab scale up to multi-liter reactors (scale-up)

  • Catalyst characterization with state-of-the-art methods (XRD, BET, TPR, SEM/EDX and others)

  • Systematically optimize reaction conditions and reactor parameters to maximize monomer yield and selectivity for pure and mixed waste streams

  • Analytical characterization of reaction mixtures and products via GC, HPLC, NMR, GPC and further techniques

  • Develop reaction networks for complex input streams

  • Screen the literature and patent landscape in chemical plastics recycling and catalysis

What we are looking for

Must-haves:

  • Completed M.Sc. or PhD in Technical Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry or a comparable field

  • Solid hands-on lab experience in heterogeneous catalysis, polymer chemistry and/or (chemical)

    recycling

  • Excellent English skills in speaking and writing (team language)

  • Independent, structured working style with exceptional personal initiative

Nice-to-haves:

  • Experience with scale-up and reactor design

  • Interest in a long-term engagement to support us on our scale-up pathway § German language skills

Even if you don't match all of the requirements above, we are curious to hear why you believe you are a great fit for this role.

SECARA is an equal opportunity employer.