Within Membrane Surface Science (MSuS) and Membrane Process Technology (MPT), both part of the Department of Membrane Science & Technology (MST) of the University of Twente, the Netherlands (www. membrane.nl), we have a vacancy for a PhD student. The vacancy is part of an MSCA network and is in collaboration with Lund University (LU), Sweden.
In the transition away from a fossil fuel-based society, it is critical to come to alternative sources for the chemical building blocks required for our day-to-day products. Biorefinery is a general term for the production and subsequent purification of the required biobased molecules. Unfortunately, the separations in biorefinery can be difficult, due to the high complexity of the streams and their relatively diluted nature. Membrane technology holds great promise as an energy-efficient separation method that can work under the required mild conditions. Unfortunately, membrane fouling is a major challenge and is currently limiting many membrane processes.
As part of the prestigious Marie Sklodowska-Curie Action (MSCA) Mem-Fast (Membranes as Enablers for Future Biorefineries), this PhD project will work on understanding and alleviating fouling of membranes in biorefinery applications. This project will study membrane fouling using artificial and real biorefinery streams, combined with state-of-the-art fouling identification methods (Reflectometry, ATR-FTIR, SEM-XPS and OCT) and membrane fouling models. Here we will build up complexity, starting from relatively simple systems and working towards the true complexity of bio- refinery streams. This approach will allow elucidation of fouling mechanisms specific to biorefinery applications, but also contribute to a better understanding of more general consequences of fouling. Based on the created understanding, process conditions and cleaning approaches in biorefinery processes will be optimised to minimise fouling and maximise selectivity.
The PhD student in this project will be part of the Mem-Fast doctoral network, a larger network of universities and companies in Europe, that will host 11 PhD students. The group of students will receive training together via various summer- and winter schools. Moreover, they will establish collaborations across universities and companies. For this project you will be spending part of your project in industry (Alfa-Laval, 4 months) and at our partner university, LU (Sweden, 7 months).
As part of the PhD program, you would have the opportunity to receive further education within the Twente Graduate School. Furthermore, you may actively contribute to the teaching program, e.g. by supervising BSc and MSc assignments and teaching assistance.
It is important to note that for this vacancy there are geographical requirements. The Mem-Fast program follows the general MSCA mobility requirement that the candidate may not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the Netherlands for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the call deadline.
Your profileAre you interested in this position? Please send your application via the 'Apply now' button below before 12-04-2024, and include:
Questions regarding these positions can be directed to Prof. Wiebe M. de Vos ([email protected], phone: +31 53 489 4495).
About the departmentThe Membrane Science and Technology department, often referred to as Twente Membranes, consists of several chairs focused on the development of new membrane materials and modules, membrane characterization, transport phenomena near and through membrane surfaces and the development of membrane processes and applications. The MST department has a history in membranes research of more than 50 years, and is internationally recognized as a leading department in membrane science and technology. The department boasts an impressive track record of over 250 PhD graduates, over 1000 peer reviewed scientific publications and over 40 granted patents.
About the organisationThe Faculty of Science & Technology (Technische Natuurwetenschappen, TNW) engages some 700 staff members and 2000 students in education and research on the cutting edge of chemical technology, applied physics and biomedical technology. Our fields of application include sustainable energy, process technology and materials science, nanotechnology and technical medicine. As part of a people-first tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally and is strengthened by the many young researchers working on innovative projects with as doctoral candidates and post-docs. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.
Want to know more? Vos, W.M. de (Wiebe)Full Professor
Vos, W.M. de (Wiebe)Full Professor
Do you have questions about this vacancy? Then you can contact Wiebe for all substantive questions about this position and the application procedure. For general questions about working for the UT, please refer to the chatbot.
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