Job Ghent University - Ph.D student for research concerning the production and analysis of Biochar

The research subject is quite multi-disciplinary of nature with aspects of soil chemistry, biological degradation, environmental technology and chemical/physical analysis. The future research on biochar is embedded in the Multidisciplinary Research Partnership lead by professor Willy Verstraete and called:  “Biotechnology for a Sustainable Economy”.  It is also part of the EU-sponsored Interreg North Sea Region Programme.  This means that the PhD candidate will have responsibilities in project collaboration, management and reporting, both inside and outside the faculty. He should also be prepared to travel and collaborate with other European research institutions. There are certainly opportunities to work for a limited period in an overseas laboratory.

Despite the promises of biochar as a means of carbon sequestration and soil improvement, and the significant attention paid to the subject these days, little is known with respect to the optimal production conditions. In the process of determining the relationships between pyrolysis process conditions, biochar properties and soil amendment results, the research in the LTBC makes a first step by characterizing biochar produced at both, conditions of slow and fast pyrolysis.

LTBC is focusing on reactor and process development related to the conversion of biomass to energy, fuels and chemicals. The research is financed by the University of Ghent, The European Commission, Albemarle Catalyst Company in Amsterdam, Conoco Philips in Houston (USA), and Evonik GmbH in Marle, Germany.

We are looking for recently graduated Masters in Bioscience Engineering or Masters in Applied Engineering, last year students could apply as well. The applicants need to be strongly motivated to start and complete a Ph.D.  Applicants should have knowledge and/or interest in of (thermo) chemistry, process engineering as well as heat and mass transfer phenomena. Good communication skills (both orally and written) are required as well.

Ghent University offers good working conditions.

Ghent University, abbreviated to UGent, is one of the major universities located in the Dutch-speaking region of Belgium. Strategically located in Europe, Ghent University distinguishes itself as a socially committed and pluralistic university in a broad international perspective. Ghent University is also one of the fastest growing higher education institutions in Western Europe, in student numbers as well as in research intensity. Over 3.000 academic staff members play a significant role in the university's mission of pushing the boundaries of fundamental research and valorizing their research findings through publications, product development, and conferences.

1. Please see below attachment of IEA Newsletter publication for more details.
2. Prof. dr. ir. Wolter Prins, University of Ghent, Department of Biosystems Engineering, Coupure Links 653, +32 9 264 61 30, Wolter.Prins@Ugent.be
3. Dr. ir. Frederik Ronsse, University of Ghent, Department of Biosystems Engineering, Coupure Links 653, +32 9 264 6200, Frederik Ronsse@Ugent.be
4. Candidates from the EU are prefered.