For the recently awarded project by TKI Top Sector Chemistry (ChemistryNL) on polyolefins recycling to aromatics, a post-doc position for the period of one year is available. In this project, University of Groningen and BioBTX are partnering to develop a potentially more energy-saving and cost-effective process known as hydrogenolysis. Hydrogenolysis of polyolefins produce liquid hydrocarbons, which could then be upgraded to aromatics, in particular benzene, toluene and xylenes (BTX). BTX are building blocks for high performance materials, e.g. aramid fibers used in aerospace and military applications. Ultimately, the new hydrogenolysis process to convert polyolefins to aromatics will be evaluated against BioBTX propriety Integrated Cascading Catalytic Pyrolysis (ICCP) technology.

The successful candidate will be co-supervised by dr. Jingxiu Xie, research tenure-track assistant professor, and Prof. Erik Heeres, chair of the green chemical reaction engineering unit. Close interaction between the successful candidate and BioBTX is foreseen. In this project, the candidate has to prepare catalysts with defined properties and evaluate the catalyst performance using different reactors, such as batch and continuous reactors.

Organisation
Founded in 1614, the University of Groningen enjoys an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative institution of higher education offering high-quality teaching and research. Flexible study programs and academic career opportunities in a wide variety of disciplines encourage the 36,000 students and researchers alike to develop their own individual talents. As one of the best research universities in Europe, the University of Groningen has joined forces with other top universities and networks worldwide to become a truly global center of knowledge.

The engineering research in the university is consolidated in the Engineering and Technology Institute Groningen (ENTEG). ENTEG has the capability to analyse, explore and design new technologies that are based on the integration of fundamental and engineering sciences. The research unit Green Chemical Reaction Engineering is part of ENTEG and our mission is to develop highly intensified catalytic methodology and technology for valorization of circular feedstock to chemicals and fuels.

Your profile includes:

a PhD degree in chemical engineering, catalysis, or a related field with

- prior experience with reactor engineering and operation
- prior experience with catalyst preparation and standard characterization is beneficial.

Fixed-term contract: 12 months.

We offer you, in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities:

- a salary of € 3,557 gross per month in the first year, up to a maximum of € 4,670 gross per month (salary scale 10) based on a full-time position and dependent on qualification and work experience
- a holiday allowance of 8% gross annual income
- an 8.3% end-of-year bonus and participation in a pension scheme for employees
- minimum of 29 holidays and additional 12 holidays in case of full-time employment.

The successful candidate will be employed for 1 year, starting as soon as possible.