PhD Position Solvothermal Liquefaction of Waste to Biomaterials

Shape the future of biomaterials from waste!

Job description

We have a new PhD vacancy in our group on solvothermal liquefaction (STL) of waste to biomaterials. This PhD position is part of the newly funded national NWA-ORC project, Ab-initio Biowaste Loop (ABEL), which is funded by NWO (Dutch Research Council).

To close material loops in the Dutch bioeconomy, ABEL brings together a large multidisciplinary consortium from industry, academia, policymakers, and societal partners to tackle one of the most pressing challenges of our time: making high-value, sustainable, and circular biomaterials from low-value waste streams that can compete and even outperform traditional alternatives.

As a PhD student within the ABEL consortium at TU Delft, you will:

• Experimentally study the feasibility of a novel STL technology that is less complex and uses less energy than current ones, using a new generation of solvents and catalysts, to upcycle low-grade waste into biomaterials for many sectors of the Dutch economy. This project targets applications across agriculture, asphalt paving, aviation, construction and the built environment. Furthermore, you will incorporate the experimental data into conceptual process designs that utilize advanced process simulation models to evaluate the potential of solvent-based thermochemical processing for large-scale applications.
• Publish high-quality scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals and contribute to project reports in collaboration with the project supervisor and others.
• Participate in consortium meetings, workshops, and stakeholder events, and actively contribute to knowledge exchange and impact activities.
• Support the supervision of students where relevant and contribute to the academic life of the department.

This PhD position is a unique opportunity to help reshaping and defossilizing supply chains, material innovation, and explore how the value of biomaterials is defined and perceived across industry, society, policymakers and regulators.

Job requirements

You are strong in advanced chemical and process engineering research and enjoy hands-on experimental work. You are eager to grow your expertise and enjoy engaging with and supporting students. You need to have:

• A Masters degree in Chemical engineering, Chemistry or related field.
• Experience with material characterization techniques, e.g., elemental analysis, bomb calorimetry and gas chromatography (GC-MS).
• Familiarity with Chemical engineering and Chemistry based experimental work is considered an advantage.
• Demonstrated interest or experience in sustainability transitions, circular economy, waste management.
• A critical attitude towards results is expected, which translates into formulating new research questions.
• Ability to function both in a team and independently.
• Good communication skills; fluent in English, both spoken and written.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Faculty Mechanical Engineering

Research and education at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering focusses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and (mechanical) systems.

ME is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts: an initial 1.5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months, followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2.5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.