Postdoctoral researcher in bio-aromatics separation and recovery processes - Materialen, Textie[...]

Karlstad University; Gent; Sur place; EUR 60 000 - 80 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A leading research university in Ghent is seeking a motivated academic researcher for a project on hydroxycinnamic acids and bio-aromatics recovery from rapeseed meal. The role includes significant academic research responsibilities and requires a PhD in Chemical Engineering or a related field. The ideal candidate should have expertise in liquid-phase fixed-bed adsorption and process design, along with strong English proficiency. This position offers a competitive contract and excellent benefits such as training opportunities and generous leave policies.

Prestations

36 days of holiday leave

Bicycle allowance

Training and education opportunities

Qualifications

• Thesis-based doctorate obtained within max. 6 years.
• Expertise in liquid-phase fixed-bed adsorption experimentation.
• Familiarity with determining phase equilibria of complex mixtures.
• Strong background in conceptual process design and simulations.
• Ability to work independently with responsibility.

Responsabilités

• Conduct academic research on hydroxycinnamic acids recovery.
• Develop processes from rapeseed meal biorefinery.
• Design a recovery process for bio-aromatic components.

Connaissances

Liquid-phase fixed-bed adsorption experimentation

Phase equilibria determination

Conceptual process design

Simulation tools (Aspen Plus)

Process optimisation

Coaching and leadership skills

Excellent English proficiency

Formation

PhD in Chemical Engineering or related field

Outils

Aspen Plus

Aspen Adsorption

Description du poste

Ghent University is a world of its own. Employing more than 15,000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, as well as technical and social service provision on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities. With its 11 faculties and more than 80 departments offering state‑of‑the‑art study programmes grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its staff and students.

• Apply before: 15/02/2026 23:59 Brussels Time
• Faculty: Faculty of Engineering and Architecture
• Department: EA11 – Materialen, Textiel en Chemische Proceskunde
• Occupancy rate: 100%
• Number of positions: 1
• Type of employment: Contract of unlimited duration with clause
• Term of assignment: 1 jaar
• Wage scale: PD1 to PD4 (doctoral degree)
• Required diploma: PhD

YOUR TASKS

• At least 70% of your assignment will be spent on academic research.
• Aim: To develop hydroxycinnamic acids and other high‑value bio‑aromatics separation and recovery processes from different streams of a rapeseed meal biorefinery.
• Justification: Currently, the valorisation of rapeseed meal, a major side stream from rapeseed oil production, is largely undervalued as low‑value feed. Hence, an integrated rapeseed meal biorefinery will be investigated and evaluated. The proposed biorefinery will focus on (a) the recovery of proteins, (b) the recovery of hydroxycinnamic acids as highly‑added value biophenolics, (c) the green extraction and reductive depolymerisation of lignin into mono/di/oligomeric biophenolics, which need to be separated and purified, and (d) the versatile fermentation to produce microbial oils.
• Program: 1) Develop a hydroxycinnamic acid recovery process from the protein extract and the (depolymerized) lignin stream. 2) Identify key bio‑aromatic components to be separated from the depolymerized lignin stream. 3) Elucidate the thermodynamic behaviour of these components through simulations and experimental validation. 4) Design a recovery process for these key bio‑aromatics.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• You hold a thesis‑based doctorate in Chemical Engineering and Chemical Engineering Technology, or a related field (obtained max. 6 years ago).
• Expertise in liquid‑phase fixed‑bed adsorption experimentation.
• Familiarity with determining phase equilibria of complex mixtures, experimentally and/or theoretically.
• Strong background in conceptual process design, simulations tools (e.g. Aspen Plus and Aspen Adsorption), process optimisation and TEA.
• Ability to work independently.
• Coaching and leadership skills.
• High sense of responsibility for both project outcomes and laboratory safety.
• Excellent proficiency in English, both written and spoken.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• We offer you a contract of indefinite duration with a maximum term of 1 year.
• Your contract will start on 01/04/2026 at the earliest.
• All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full‑time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, a bicycle allowance and eco vouchers.

INTERESTED?

Apply online through the e‑recruitment system before the application deadline (see above). We do not accept late applications or applications that are not submitted through the online system.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

• CV: your CV and a transcript of your academic record (merged into one PDF file)
• Cover letter: your application letter in PDF format.
• Diploma: a transcript of the required degree (if already in your possession). If you have a foreign diploma in a language other than our national languages (Dutch, French or German) or English, please add a translation in one of the mentioned languages.
• Other documents: contact details for 3 references that we may contact, an overview of your study results.

Note that the maximum file size for each field is 10 MB.

As Ghent University maintains an equal opportunities and diversity policy, everyone is encouraged to apply for this position.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. Jeriffa De Clercq ([e-mail], [phone]). Important: do NOT send your application by email, but apply online.

Do you have a question regarding the online application process? Please read the FAQ or contact us via [e-mail].