EngD Sustainable Process Design: Circolide – Biobased specialty chemicals

Department

Faculty of Science and Engineering

Organisation

Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, University of Groningen, V25.0280

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 Circolide and the University of Groningen. The position offered is in the context of the project Circolide – Scaling of sustainable production and purification methods of biobased specialty chemicals. The appointment is of one year with the option of renewal for one year.

Circolide is at the forefront of green chemistry, dedicated to revolutionizing the industrial production of a wide range of platforms and specialty chemicals derived from renewable biomass, CO2, and plastic waste. They specialize in the development of sustainable chemical solutions that reduce reliance on fossil-based resources and minimize environmental impact.

The chemical industry is undergoing a transformation to reduce its reliance on fossil-based feedstocks and transition toward sustainable production methods. Biobased specialty chemicals, derived from renewable biomass sources, offer an environmentally friendly alternative with applications in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, materials, and fine chemicals. However, the challenge lies in scaling these processes from laboratory research to industrial production while maintaining efficiency, cost effectiveness, and environmental benefits. Key barriers include the complexity of biomass feedstocks, energy-intensive separation techniques, limited catalytic efficiency, and the need for precise reaction control.

As part of the EngD, you will focus on developing and optimizing reaction pathways for the sustainable production of biobased specialty chemicals, followed by the design and scale-up of efficient processes. This project addresses these challenges by integrating advanced chemical engineering principles such as process intensification, separation optimization, catalysis, flow chemistry, and reactor design. The goal is to develop scalable, efficient, and sustainable production methods that can be implemented in the chemical industry while minimizing waste and energy consumption.

The EngD position will take place at the Circolide Laboratories on the Zernike Campus, Groningen (NL) and at the RUG, Groningen (NL).

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.

Requirements

We are looking for candidates who meet the following requirements

- Master’s degree in chemical engineering, polymer science (or related) and expertise in Green Chemistry & Engineering Principles, polymer chemistry (is a plus) and understanding of organic chemistry and biomass conversion processes.
- Deep passion for green chemistry and green engineering, aiming to contribute to the advancement of sustainable technologies.
- 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 EngD project and programme.
- Eager to apply your knowledge to real world challenges and actively work towards creating a more sustainable and circular future.
- Creative and (experimental) design skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Keenness to learn and stay updated on green chemistry advancements.
- Entrepreneurial character.
- Ability to work in an international team and collaborate with different levels of companies’ employees in a professional way.

You have a keen interest in green chemistry/engineering and sustainable technologies. You feel responsible for your EngD project and can work both independently and in teams. 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

Contract length: 24 months.

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 a 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

Consider our website for more information about the conditions of employment at the University of Groningen: https://www.rug.nl/feb/organization/work-with-us/terms-benefits/terms-of-employment?lang=en

Job Application

Please provide the following application documents: - Motivation letter in which you indicate why you would like to work on that particular project and why you like to start the EngD programme. - Curriculum Vitae (CV) with passport photo. - Proof of English proficiency. - Master certificate with 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. You can submit your application until 18 May 11:59pm / before 19 May 2025 Dutch local time (CEST) by means of the application form (click on “Apply” below on the advertisement on the university website). The time and day of the interview with the potential candidates will be announced after the application deadline. 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. For more information, see also our diversity policy webpage: https://www.rug.nl/about-ug/policy-and-strategy/diversity-and-inclusion/ Our selection procedure follows the guidelines of the Recruitment code (NVP): https://www.nvp-hrnetwerk.nl/nl/sollicitatiecode and European Commission's European Code of Conduct for recruitment of researchers: https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/charter/code Unsolicited marketing is not appreciated.

Additional information

For additional information, please contact:

Dr Konstanze Gier, EngD Coordinator Sustainable Process Design
[email protected]

In your application, please always include the job opening ID V25.0280

Digital application form