EngD BioBTX – Optimization of the ICCP process

EngD BioBTX – Optimization of the ICCP process

Job description

The University of Groningen is committed to strengthening the Northern Netherlands by addressing modern challenges such as energy transition and sustainability. The Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) contributes to this mission by training skilled professionals through our new EngD programme in Sustainable Process Design. This 2-year post-master design programme, closely collaborating with local companies, focuses on the direct needs of the industry.

The Engineering and Technology Institute Groningen (ENTEG-part of the FSE) of the University of Groningen is offering a fully funded 2-year position to master graduates leading to the award of an EngD (Engineering Doctorate) degree. The EngD programme includes specialized EngD and professionalization courses at the University of Groningen and a design project which will be performed at BioBTX and the University of Groningen. The position offered is in the context of the project BioBTX-Optimization of the ICCP process. The appointment is for two years starting latest in September 2025.

BioBTX is a circular chemistry technology developer that makes it possible to replace fossil resources for biomass & plastic waste. They use these renewable resources for the production of drop-in chemicals and aromatics to enable the production of sustainable and future proof materials.

BioBTX developed a unique and commercially attractive integrated catalytic pyrolysis process (ICCP) that maximizes BTX yield and minimizes operational costs. Without biobased and renewable aromatics, the options for sustainable materials are very limited; with these renewable aromatics however, it is possible to achieve truly green and sustainable materials for the entire society and industry.

Its proprietary ICCP technology consists of two processing steps: (1) pyrolysis of biomass and plastics into hydrocarbon vapors, and (2) catalytic upgrading of these vapors towards valuable aromatics and other products. By dividing the process into two steps, BioBTX can optimize the technology and extensively research both steps.

The EngD project will focus on optimizing BioBTX’s ICCP process through technology evaluation and modeling, as well as feasibility studies. This may include optimizing material efficiency, equipment/reactor designs, and integrating energy recovery systems to reduce environmental impact and production costs. More details on the specific project goals will be given at the beginning of the project.

The project will be executed at the University of Groningen (Zernike campus). Part of the work might be conducted at BioBTX’s premises, which is also located at the Zernike campus.

Organisation

The University of Groningen (UG) is a research university with a global outlook, but deeply rooted in Groningen, City of Talent. Quality has been a top priority for over four hundred years, and with success: the university is currently in the top 100 of several influential ranking lists.

The Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) offers education and research in a wide range of science disciplines, from traditional disciplines such as physics and biology to interdisciplinary disciplines such as artificial intelligence, industrial engineering and management. The FSE is one of the largest faculties of the UG, home to 14 BSc programmes and 27 MSc programmes. Within the FSE, the Graduate School of Science and Engineering (GSSE) is responsible for hosting the faculty’s 1200 or more PhD candidates and the new EngD trainees, the majority of whom are from abroad.

Qualifications

We are looking for candidates who meet the following requirements:

• Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering (or related).
• Excellent marks on the master diploma.
• Highly command of English language (verbally and written).

Applicants whose first language is not English must submit evidence of competency in English, please see University of Groningen’s English Language Requirements for details.

In addition to the selection criteria, the following personal competences/skills are important:

• Highly motivated towards the project and EngD programme.
• Creative and design skills.
• Team player.
• Ability to work in an international team and collaborate with different levels of companies’ employees in a professional way.

You feel responsible for your EngD project and can work in sociable autonomy. Your proactive attitude enables you to identify bottlenecks and to approach them in a positive, problem-solving manner. You have strong communication skills and know how to get things done.

Conditions of employment

The University of Groningen offers you in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities:

• A salary, depending on work experience and qualifications, with gross monthly salary of € 2,872 per month (salary scale TOIO) for a full-time position.
• A holiday allowance of 8% gross annual income.
• An 8.3% end-of-the-year allowance.
• A full-time position (1.0 FTE). The successful candidate will first be offered a temporary position of one year with the option of renewal for one year. Prolongation of the contract is contingent on sufficient progress in the first year.
• You will receive a certified Engineering Doctorate (EngD) degree after completing the programme successfully and recognition by the Royal Institution of Engineers in the Netherlands (KIVI).

Preferred start date: not later than 1 September 2025

The University of Groningen strives to be a university in which students and staff are respected and feel at home, regardless of differences in background, experiences, perspectives, and identities. We believe that working on our core values of inclusion and equality are a joint responsibility and we are constructively working on creating a socially safe environment. Diversity among students and staff members enriches academic debate and contributes to the quality of our teaching and research. We therefore invite applicants from underrepresented groups in particular to apply.