Job Information
Organisation/Company: University of Groningen
Research Field: Engineering » Chemical engineering
Engineering » Process engineering
Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)
Application Deadline: 29 Aug 2026 - 22:00 (UTC)
Country: Netherlands
Type of Contract: Temporary
Job Status: Not Applicable
Hours Per Week: 38.0
Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme
Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description
As part of the Purifiy project, we are looking for a EngD candidate on the design of plastic pyrolysis purification processes.
Pyrolysis offers a promising path to valorize difficult-to-recycle plastic waste. However, harmful contaminants present in such waste streams (e.g., halogens, metals, and nitrogen compounds) can cause equipment corrosion, catalyst deactivation, and compromise product quality. We are developing and evaluating innovative technologies to remove these contaminants in-situ during pyrolysis and ex-situ from the resulting vapor and liquid pyrolysis products.
The EngD will perform desktop studies related to process design and optimization, techno-economic evaluations, and screening of purification technologies.
What are you going to do?
The main objective of this EngD project is to participate in the Purify project in the areas of process design, techno-economic evaluations, and (medium to high TRL) technology screening. The work mainly consists of (process) modelling and design studies and does not involve lab work. Close collaboration with PhD/postdoc research involved in the project is expected, as well as with the industrial partners.
Where to apply
Requirements
Specific Requirements
- Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering (or related).
- Excellent marks on the master's diploma.
- High command of Dutch (min B2 level) and English language (verbal 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, design, practical and analytical skills.
- Team player.
- Advanced technical knowledge.
- Good understanding of different separation technologies.
- Affinity for thermochemical processes (e.g., pyrolysis)
- Ability to work in an international team, a research and engineering environment, 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.
Additional Information
Benefits
What can you expect from us?
- 232 vacation hours per year, based on a 38-hour workweek (1.0 FTE). You can also work more or fewer hours in exchange for more or fewer free hours. For example, with a 40-hour workweek, you save 96 extra free hours, and with a 36-hour workweek, you lose 96 hours.
- End-of-year bonus of 8.3% and 8% holiday allowance.
- Extensive opportunities for personal and professional development.
Selection process
Interested?
Does this vacancy appeal to you? If so, click on the button below and apply straightaway. Please add the following documents to your application:
- A motivation letter in which you indicate why you would like to work on that particular project and why you would like to start the EngD programme.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) with passport photo.
- Proof of English proficiency.
- Master certificate (or proof of near completion MSc programme).
- List of grades and courses taken (translated by the certification institute).
- Course descriptions of the Master programme of the certification institute (University) with links to the course descriptions.
- Detailed summary of the Master’s thesis.
- Two letters of recommendation from academic staff or from the last supervisor(s). The letter can be scanned and sent together with all other application documents.
Information about applying
When scheduling meetings, we will take your schedule into account as much as possible. The University of Groningen considers social safety important. We strive to be a university where staff and students feel respected and at home, regardless of differences in background, experiences, perspectives, and identity. For more information, see also our page about our diversity policy.
Our selection procedure follows the guidelines of the NVP application code
Acquisition is not appreciated.
Additional comments
Do you have any questions or need more information?
Questions about the content of the job?
Arne Hommes (Assistant Professor): A.Hommes@rug.nl
Questions about your application process?
Konstanze Gier (External Collaboration Coordinator): K.Gier@rug.nl
Website for additional job details: https://www.academictransfer.com/363235/
Work Location(s)
Number of offers available: 1
Company/Institute: University of Groningen
Country: Netherlands
City: Groningen
Postal Code: 9712 CP
Street: Broerstraat 5
Contact
City: Groningen
Website: http://www.rug.nl/
Street: Broerstraat 5
Postal Code: 9712 CP