Research technician, 3D printing upcycled biomaterials.
TU Delft’s department of sustainable design engineering is in search of a research assistant / technician for sustainable additive manufacturing (green 3D printing), for 1.5 - 2 years. Specifically, ambient temperature extrusion of upcycled biomaterials (DIW) to replace printing by extruding melted plastic (FFF/FDM). Like in this paper: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/18/3/1223. This position will be working for Dr. Jeremy Faludi, sometimes with student teams, sometimes with outside collaborators, and sometimes alone.
Duties will be to:
- mix and 3D print different material recipes, including ingredients such as sawdust, oyster shells, microcrystalline cellulose, alginate, water glass, xanthan gum, starch, lignin, and many more.
- experiment with different printer settings, slicing, and even software/hardware modifications as needed.
- measure the success of materials and printer settings by measuring printed part strength, dimensional accuracy, overhang angle, bridging length, surface finish, and aesthetic factors.
- print eye-catching and useful objects to demonstrate the potential for commercial applications replacing plastics.
Candidates must have extensive experience with desktop 3D printing, especially modifying G-code and firmware and slicer settings. Candidates should ideally have experience with DIW of upcycled materials, including a portfolio of prints and different materials they have printed with; or at least some experience mixing and making biomaterials. Knowledge of chemistry or materials science a bonus. Any level of formal education considered. Prefer candidates already nearby Delft, Netherlands, but relocation to Delft could be considered for a rock star candidate.
TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.
At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.
Challenge. Change. Impact!
Faculty Industrial Design Engineering
Matching the evolution of people with the speed of the revolution of technology. This is the focus of the Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering (IDE). Delft designers act as a bridge between advances in technology and the needs of people, organisations and society to create products, services and systems with purpose.
IDE is a leader in design research across the application areas of mobility, sustainability and health, as well as its development of design tools and methods. A 350-strong research team and over 2,000 students work together in our inspiring hall, labs and studios.
In close cooperation with industry, the public sector and NGOs we rehearse possible futures in research and education to design for a complex future.
Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering.
Conditions of employment
- Duration of contract is 1,5 years. Temporary
- A job of 32-40 hours per week.
- A salary based on Scale 08 of the CAO for Dutch Universities with a salary between €3382 - €4484 gross per month based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.
- An excellent pension scheme via the ABP.
- The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year.
- Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages.
- Flexible working week.
- Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget.
- Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses.
- Partially paid parental leave
- Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program.
Additional information
For more information about this vacancy, please contact Jeremy Faludi J.Faludi@tudelft.nl
Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 30 May 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:
You can address your application to Jeremy Faludi.
Please note:
- You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
- As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest. You can find more information about this assessment on our website about knowledge security.
- Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.
