PhD position Production of Renewable and Biobased aromatics

We are pleased to share the recent receipt of funding for a European Union European Just Transition Fund (JTF) project. Within the framework of this initiative, we presently seek a qualified PhD candidate to contribute to our endeavours.

The primary objective of this project is the development and demonstration of advanced technology designed to process diverse input streams encompassing both biomass and plastic waste. The ultimate goal is the production of biobased aromatics (BTX) and other high-value chemicals, thereby making substantial contributions to environmental sustainability, waste reduction, and the stimulation of economic growth.

The successful PhD candidate will be supervised by Professor Erik Heeres, Chair of the Green Chemical Reaction Engineering unit. A collaborative and interdisciplinary approach is anticipated, involving close interaction between the candidate and both BIOBTX, a start-up company, and the Technical University of Eindhoven, under the supervision of Professor H. Kuipers.

The scope of responsibilities for the PhD candidate includes conducting experimental catalyst and process studies within a dedicated bench-scale unit. The focus will be on optimizing the yield of the desired products through intelligent catalyst design, refinement of reaction conditions, and comprehensive investigations into reaction kinetics and networks.

This opportunity is not merely an academic pursuit; it represents a chance to contribute significantly to transformative research. If you are committed to advancing knowledge in the field and are prepared to engage in pioneering work, we invite you to apply for this position. Your participation will be instrumental in shaping a sustainable and impactful future.

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 34,000 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 seeks at performing excellent research and guiding directed at 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 master degree, preferably in chemical engineering
- skilled experimentalist
- affinity with catalysis.

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

- a salary of € 2,770 gross per month in the first year, up to a maximum of € 3,539 gross per month in the fourth and final year for a full-time working week
- a full-time position (1.0 FTE) for 4 years
- a holiday allowance of 8% gross annual income
- an 8.3% end-of-the-year allowance
- a position for four years; first, you will get a temporary position of one year with the option of renewal for another three years; prolongation of the contract is contingent on sufficient progress in the first year to indicate that successful completion of the PhD thesis within the contract period is to be expected. A PhD training program is part of the agreement and you will be enrolled in the Graduate School of the Faculty of Science and Engineering.