Jobid=0d837244e0de (0.0992)
Are you passionate about electrochemical engineering, paired electrolysis, circular chemistry and biomass valorization?
We offer a challenging PD position in our group on “Paired Electrolytic Valorization of Biomass-Derived Acids and Sugars”.
You will:
Carry out research in a large, multi-partner research program targeting electrochemical routes for biomass valorization.
Focus on paired electrolysis, coupling anodic oxidation of carboxylic acids with cathodic reduction of biomass-derived sugars to maximize energy and atom efficiency.
Develop scalable, industrially relevant electrochemical processes for bio-based chemicals, monomers, and polymer building blocks.
The world needs to accelerate in transitioning toward green, sustainable and circular chemical production methods. This also applies to production of fine chemicals and specialties. Our national research program addresses challenges such current high costs, operational stability, selectivity, scalability, sensitivity to impurities and feed variabilities as well as supply disruptions and market volatilities associated to green chemical processes. We will develop processes and electrification strategies to help industries and small-medium enterprises (SMEs) quickly adapt production processes to changing markets and conditions, while reducing costs and environmental impact.
Your research project at the University of Twente (UT)
aims to:
Develop, fabricate, and optimise electrode materials and reactor concepts for the electrochemical reduction of pyrolytic sugars (e.g. glucose, fructose).
Control process selectivity and efficiency by tuning local pH, current density, mass transport, and electrode architecture.
Perform and analyse paired electrolysis experiments, coupling sugar reduction with water oxidation or carboxylic acid oxidation.
Contribute to system-level understanding of energy efficiency, and scalability of paired electrochemical processes.
Key Collaborations and Industrial Interface
BTG Biomass Technology Group: pyrolytic sugar feeds, small-scale electrolysis testing
Nobian: electrochemical scale-up, process design, industrial engineering
TNO & Chaincraft: system integration, biomass-to-chemicals value chains
Skills and competences you will develop
Advanced electrochemical research skills, including reactor development.
Electrode and process optimisation expertise.
Experience with biomass-derived, and application-oriented electrochemical conversion.
Strong exposure to scale-up and industrial research.
Proven consortium and leadership skills, working in a multidisciplinary, international research environment.
Your profile
PhD in chemical engineering, electrochemistry, catalysis, or a closely related field.
Affinity with sustainable chemistry and biomass valorisation.
A demonstrated record of relevant publications or patents, and conference talks.
Able to work independently and as part of a greater consortium, in an interdisciplinary and internationally oriented environment.
Able to contribute to the social well-being, diversity and culture of the research group.
Strong analytical skills and experience with data interpretation and performance metrics
Fluent in English. Good communication skills and motivation to supervise students and publish results
Our offer
A full-time position for 18 months, and the flexibility to work (partially) from home. (Alternatively, if desired, we can offer a temporary contract for 32 hours, with the end date extended pro rata).
Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU).
You will receive a gross monthly salary ranging from € 4.241,- to € 5.538,-.
There are excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme.
A minimum of 232 leave hours in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours. A full-time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis.
A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid).
Free access to sports facilities on campus.
Excellent career support and courses for your professional and personal development.
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