PhD Process Intensification for Efficient Biomass Valorization

Are you passionate about sustainability and sustainable process engineering? Are you motivated by the challenge of advancing the valorization of biowastes into sustainable chemicals and materials? Do you thrive in a highly innovative, creative and multicultural environment, and want to lead the way towards a sustainable future? If all these sounds fascinating, then this PhD position may be something for you!

Information
How can we selectively convert complex lignocellulosic biomass into high-value platform chemicals with high efficiency and minimal waste? Achieving this demands innovative reactor and process concepts that steer reaction pathways by incorporating advanced catalysis, intensifying transport phenomena, and integrating reaction and separation in a single system. In this project, you will tackle the fundamental challenge of controlling selectivity in multi-step biomass conversions through smart multi-catalyst, multi-reactor design.

You will contribute to the Sustainable Process Engineering (SPE) program of the Sustainable Process Engineering group at Eindhoven University of Technology (see our website). Within this collaborative and internationally connected team, you will work at the interface of catalysis, reaction engineering, and process intensification. You will closely collaborate with national and international partners specializing in biomass conversion.

Your research will focus on designing and optimizing integrated reactor concepts that combine sequential catalytic reactions with in-situ separation. Using a multi-scale approach, you will couple catalyst development, kinetic and mass-transfer studies, and reactor modeling with experimental validation. The goal is to realize a compact, efficient reactor system.

Your work contributes directly to the transition from fossil-based to renewable chemical production. By enabling efficient valorization of non-edible biomass, you help develop circular, decentralized, and sustainable chemical processes that reduce carbon emissions and dependence on petroleum resources.

You will join a supportive, diverse, and interdisciplinary research environment where you can develop technical expertise in catalysis and reactor engineering, strengthen your modeling and experimental skills, and grow as an independent researcher. You will present your work at international conferences, collaborate across disciplines, and contribute to impactful scientific publications.

• A master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related disciplines. Experience with biomass conversion and catalysis engineering will be positively considered.
• We are looking for a talented, motivated and enthusiastic researcher. Analytical skills, initiative and creativity are highly desired.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and interested in collaborating with industrial partners.
• You are a naturally curious person who is eager to learn more and has a strong interest in research.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are a prerequisite.
• We prefer candidates with a good team spirit, who like to work in an internationally oriented, social environment.
• The project will involved collaboration with leading industrial partners.

An interview, a scientific presentation and a writing assignment are part of the selection procedure.

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,059 - max. € 3,881).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate, for you and, if applicable, your partner.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Prof. Fernanda Neira D’Angelo (e-mail: m.f.neira.dangelo@tue.nl, phone: 31 40 247 8281.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact Marjolein von Reth, HR-advisor, m.w.v.reth@tue.nl.

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

The PhD candidate will work in the Sustainable Process Engineering Group. Check our website: www.tue.nl/spe