Postdoc Control Engineering for Increased Biogas Production

Postdoc Control Engineering for Increased Biogas Production

Advancing AD control for real world applications.

Job description

Interested in recovering biogas from chicken manure to the current and future energy demand of society? In MAPH+, we will examine how various operational parameters could be used to steer anaerobic digester performance towards more biogas. Do you like developing kinetic models and control solutions to boost bioreactor performance? Would you like to apply your expertise and deepen your collaboration with industry in lab and full scale digesters? The Civil Engineering and Geosciences Faculty of Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) offers a PostDoc where you will solve a practical, integrative, and complex problem in cooperation with the private project partners. As a PD candidate, you have the opportunity to focus on this project and develop yourself for your next career step.

We offer a 14-month PD, aligned with the RVO research project MAPH+ in which your tasks will be:

• Conduct literature study.
• Support setting up a Design of Experiments (DoE) to determine the most influential parameters for your models.
• Develop a virtual continuous reactor (2-phase ADM including hydrolysis and toxicity functions) for exploring input/output relationships (using simple sensitivity analyses or, if necessary, more advanced methods such as Monte Carlo analysis).
• Collaborate with technicians on Biomethane Potential tests and supportive assays.
• Deliver an interim report, including literature review and DoE data analysis.
• Deliver a reactor simulation tool with a user-friendly interface and training (for use in MATLAB/Python version).
• Develop and validate a control strategy in collaboration with the private partner.
• Deliver the final report and interim reports, including recommendations for upscaling.

Job requirements

• Relevant PhD degree in Environmental Sciences/Engineering/Microbiology, Chemical and systems and control engineering, or a related field.
• Fluency and effective communication in English, both written and oral.
• Expertise in kinetic modelling of anaerobic digestion.
• Expertise in Model predictive control applications on anaerobic digestion and able to translate those to a user friendly interface for industry.
• Experienced in advanced system identification approaches (like switched box jenkins systems) applied to complex biological wastewater treatment modelling.

The following skills are preferred:

• Affinity with various bioreactor designs (CSTR, raceway pond) and control.
• Understanding of microbial lab work.
• Ability to explain control engineering concepts using biotechnological definitions.
• Pro-active communication skills and a desire and ability to work well in a team.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences

The Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences (CEG) is committed to outstanding international research and education in the field of civil engineering, applied earth sciences, traffic and transport, water technology, and delta technology. Our research feeds into our educational programmes and covers societal challenges such as climate change, energy transition, resource availability, urbanisation and clean water. Our research projects are conducted in close cooperation with a wide range of research institutions. CEG is convinced of the importance of open science and supports its scientists in integrating open science in their research practice. The Faculty of CEG comprises 28 research groups in the following seven departments: Materials Mechanics Management & Design, Engineering Structures, Geoscience and Engineering, Geoscience and Remote Sensing, Transport & Planning, Hydraulic Engineering and Water Management.

Conditions of employment

We offer you a program where you will solve a practical, integrative, and complex problem in cooperation with the poultry sector and an engineering company.

• Duration of contract is 14 months.
• A job of 38-40 hours per week.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

Additional information
For more information about this vacancy, please contact Dr. Ralph Lindeboom (r.e.f.lindeboom@tudelft.nl), Prof.dr.ir. M.K. De Kreuk (m.k.dekreuk@tudelft.nl).