Background

In the coming years, society will have to move towards more sustainable energy systems. In our view, there is no single solution for this problem. Rather, we expect a hybrid energy system will emerge, consisting of decentralised and centralised components. Renewable energy sources are essential in this energy system. Together with our many stakeholders, we at the Hanze University of Applied Sciences research solutions for the Energy Transition issue and use this to inform the educational programmes we offer.

Professorship

The focus of the professorship is the creation of renewable molecules as energy carriers using chemical and biological processes and technologies. Using a multidisciplinary approach, you will work with lecturer-researchers and internal and external stakeholders to realise upscaling issues and innovations for the development of renewable energy.

The research group studies issues such as how biological and (electro)chemical processes play a role in the production of green gases, how integration of different processes and technologies can be used to maximise yields and how energy production using low-value residual flows can be scaled up. But also: are there decentralised solutions in the built environment for extracting green gas? In this way, we look for sustainable and safe solutions to multiple problems.

Cooperation with other professors and their research groups is essential. For example, in the areas of system integration, legislation and regulations, knowledge dissemination and acceptance, incorporation and application of the research outcomes in the region and beyond. You also collaborate with the professors of the Research Centre Biobased Economy, where they work on the sustainable transition within the chemical industry or the application of fermentation technology for the energy and resource transition.

Contribution to education and research

Through your research, you will contribute to the educational programmes of the Hanze, especially the energy-related master degrees. You will draw up an ambitious research agenda and implement it in projects with lecturer-researchers and students. You will draw lecturer-researchers and students to your professorship. You will initiate projects for an academic doctorate or a professional doctorate. You will set up innovative practice-based research projects and procure funding. Finally, you will publish the results of your collaborative research projects.

Contribution as a research leader

You will lead a research group of students and lecturer-researchers for your professorship. With your research activities and results, you contribute to the scientific and public debate in a visible and impactful way. You are the bridge between research, education and practice in the field of renewable energy. You are able to translate abstract and fundamental research to practice-based applications. Connective leadership is your natural strength. You can prioritise, direct and coach in a sometimes demanding and constantly moving work environment. You have a demonstrable network within the professional field relevant to the professorship.

We are looking for a (bio)process technologist with a PhD in Life Sciences or Chemical Engineering or a related field. You are open-minded, broadly oriented and analytical. You have demonstrable technological knowledge of gas-based renewable energy and knowledge of biological and chemical processes related to the energy transition. You are enthusiastic about managing a team that can think outside the box. This is demonstrated by experience in leading applied and practice-oriented research projects, from idea to application and from implementation to valorisation. You have a track record of presenting and publishing in relevant platforms as well as scientific articles and recommendations. You maintain a strong and relevant network for the further development of this professorship.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years with the possibility of an extension.

We offer a challenging and varied position. You will work in an inspiring environment with an informal working atmosphere. We also pay attention to a healthy work-life balance.

• We offer an employment contract of at least 0.6 FTE, start date is as soon as possible.
• The contract is for the duration of the professorship (4 years). An evaluation will follow after the first year. The professorship will be reviewed after 4 years and can be extended following a positive evaluation.
• The salary ranges between a minimum of € 6.050,- and a maximum of € 8.445,- gross per month for fulltime employment (in line with pay scale 15 cao-hbo).
• A holiday allowance of 8% and a structural end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.
• Up to 53 annual leave days, and you can also use sustainable employment hours and work from home schemes.
• The opportunity to continuously develop your professional skills through our Hanze PL Academy.

You will work at ENTRANCE and the Institute of Life Science & Technology.
ENTRANCE is the Centre of Expertise Energy and, as a practice-based research and learning community, contributes to a robust, resilient and sustainable energy supply. Through high-quality applied research and education, ENTRANCE promotes sustainable innovations in collaboration with citizens, businesses, students, civil society organisations and governments. Based on the principle 'People in Power', ENTRANCE strives for broad societal involvement in the Energy Transition to realise a more sustainable society.

The Institute of Life Science & Technology (ILST) is an internationally oriented Institute and provides various undergraduate and graduate programmes focusing on laboratory skills and data science. The Institute serves about 1,000 students with around 120 enthusiastic employees.