EngD Sustainable Process Design: Henkel – Mastication Process Optimization

Department

Faculty of Science and Engineering

Organisation

Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, University of Groningen, V25.0462

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 Henkel and the University of Groningen. The position offered is in the context of the project Henkel-Mastication Process Optimization. The appointment is for two years starting in January 2026.
Henkel is a German multinational chemical and consumer goods company headquartered in Düsseldorf, Germany. The Dutch division - Henkel Adhesive Technologies is the world's leading manufacturer of adhesives, sealants and functional coatings for industrial customers as well as consumers and craftsmen and operates from Scheemda, The Netherlands. Henkel tries to enable sustainability through material science and scientific know-how in adhesives, sealants and coatings. Based on their in-depth understanding of their customers' and consumers', they focus strongly on impactful solutions in the areas of Climate, Circularity and Safety.

The EngD project will focus on optimization of the mastication process through comprehensive analysis and optimization, with a particular emphasis on slow-speed, high-shear mechanisms. The primary goal is to enhance process efficiency, reduce operational cycle times, and guide future design improvements in mastication equipment.
This work will directly contribute to technological advancements in the mastication process.

The primary objectives include, but are not limited to:

1. Detailed characterization of mastication process
2. Cycle time reduction
3. Design parameter optimization

The project will be executed at the University of Groningen (Zernike campus) and at the company Henkel located in Scheemda.

Organization
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 Mechanical Engineering (or related)
- Expertise in industrial manufacturing
- Excellent marks on the master diploma
- Highly command of English language (verbally and written)
- B1 level Dutch is a plus

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:
o highly motivated towards the project and EngD programme;
o creative, design, practical and analytical skills;
o team player;
o Environmental and safety awareness
o Project management
o Advanced technical knowledge
o ability to work in an international team 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.

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 gross monthly salary of € 3,029 per month (salary scale TOIO) for a 2-year full-time position
- A fulltime position (1.0 FTE)
- 8% holiday allowance
- 8.3% end-of-the-year allowance
- Entitlement to a minimum of 29 holidays per year for full-time employment
- First, you will get a temporary position of one year with the option of renewal for another year; extension 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.

Preferred start date: 1st of January 2026

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

You may apply for this position until 28 September 11:59pm / before 29 September 2025 Dutch local time (CEST) by means of the application form (click on "Apply" below on the advertisement on the university website). 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 would 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. 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/?lang=en 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 V25.0462

Digital application form