→ Apply before 01/06/2025 (DD/MM/YYYY) 23:59 (Brussels Time)
→ Faculty of Engineering and Architecture
→ Department: EA11 - Materialen, Textiel en Chemische Proceskunde
→ Occupancy rate:100%
→ Number of positions: 1
→ Type of employment: Contract of unlimited duration with clause
→ Term of assignment: 1
→ Wage scale: PD1 to PD4 (doctoral degree)
→ Required diploma:PhD
ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY
Ghent University is a world of its own. Employing more than 15,000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, as well as technical and social service provision on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities. With its 11 faculties and more than 80 departments offering state-of-the-art study programmes grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its staff and students.
YOUR TASKS
At least 70% of your assignment will be spent on academic research.
Aim: To develop a separation and purification process for a pilot-scale reactor effluent containing high-value bio-aromatics, ensuring the production of various product streams that meet the required specifications for end-use applications.
Justification: Lignin, a macromolecule with high potential as a renewable feedstock, offers a sustainable pathway for the production of aromatics. Various strategies have been explored to break down lignin into valuable bio-aromatics, but these processes typically yield complex mixtures that require further separation for practical applications. However, the design of effective separation trains is challenging due to the limited knowledge of the thermodynamic properties of these bio-aromatics. As part of a major international research initiative involving multiple partners, a rapid, one-step, sustainable depolymerization technology will be investigated. This technology aims to convert the lignin within the black liquor from a pulping plant, into targeted aromatic chemicals. Alongside optimizing and scaling this process to the pilot scale, a dedicated separation and purification process will be designed and constructed. The resulting bio-aromatic samples will be used for testing in the development of four end products: fine chemicals, coatings, plasticizers, and fuel components.
Program: 1) Identify key components in the reactor effluent to be separated. 2) Elucidate the thermodynamic behaviour of these components through simulations and experimental validation. 3) Design a separation and purification process to produce bio-aromatic streams that meet end-user specifications.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
You hold a thesis-based doctorate in Chemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering Technology, Chemistry, or a related field (obtained max. 6 years ago. This term of 6 years is determined by the date written on the above-mentioned required diploma).
Expertise in determining the thermodynamic behavior of complex mixtures.
Experience with Gaussian and COSMO-RS simulations is recommended.
Familiarity with ASPEN-PLUS simulations is a plus.
Knowledge of thermodynamic models such as PC-SAFT, UNIFAC, and others, is beneficial.
Interest in the experimental acquisition of phase equilibria data.
Ability to work independently.
Coaching and leadership skills.
High sense of responsibility for both the project as well as lab safety.
Excellent proficiency in English, both written and spoken.
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
We offer you a contract of indefinite duration with a maximum term of 1 year.
Your contract will start on 1/09/2025 at the earliest.
Your remuneration will be determined by salary scale PD1. Click here for more information about our salary scales.
All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, a bicycle allowance and eco vouchers.. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits.
INTERESTED?
Apply online through the e-recruitment system before the application deadline (see above). We do not accept late applications or applications that are not submitted through the online system.
Your application must include the following documents:
In the field ‘CV’: your CV and a transcript of your academic record (merged into one pdf file)
In the field ‘Cover letter’: your application letter in pdf format.
In the field ‘Diploma’: a transcript of the required degree (if already in your possession). If you have a foreign diploma in a language other than our national languages (Dutch, French or German) or English, please add a translation in one of the mentioned languages.
In the field “other documents”: Contact details for 3 references that we may contact
Note that the maximum file size for each field is 10 MB.
As Ghent University maintains an equal opportunities and diversity policy, everyone is encouraged to apply for this position.
MORE INFORMATION
For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. Jeroen Lauwaert [email protected]). Important: do NOT send your application by email, but apply online.
Do you have a question regarding the online application process? Please read the FAQ or contact us via [email protected] or +32 9 264 34 36
