Postdoctoral Candidate in Heterogeneous Catalysis: We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Candidate with a PhD in heterogeneous catalysis, chemistry, chemical engineering, or related fields. The candidate should possess expertise in liquid phase upgrading of bio-based chemicals, catalyst preparation and characterization, GC analytics, kinetic studies, and mechanistic studies. Experience in biomass valorization, biorefinery, and bio-based chemistry is appreciated. The successful candidate will work on a project focused on producing bio-based solvents for the agro-chemical industry using metal-based heterogeneous catalysts.
Postdoctoral Candidate in Heterogeneous Catalysis for Bio-based Solvent Production
Designation: Postdoctoral Candidate
Research Area: Heterogeneous Catalysis, Bio-based Solvent Production, Agro-chemical Industry
Location: UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve (Group of Prof. Damien Debecker) and MINAGRO, Mont-Saint-Guibert (Under the lead of Arnold De Maere)
Eligibility/Qualification:
- PhD in heterogeneous catalysis, chemistry, chemical engineering, or related fields (PhD diploma before April 15, 2024).
- Focus on liquid phase upgrading of bio-based chemicals is a plus.
- Expertise in catalyst preparation and characterization, GC analytics, kinetic studies, mechanistic studies is a plus.
- Experience with biomass valorization, biorefinery, and bio-based chemistry.
- Relevant experience in industrial/applied chemistry.
Job Description: The candidate will work on catalyst development, characterization, testing, and optimization for the production of bio-based solvents. Responsibilities include involvement in process up-scaling, potential transfer to continuous flow mode, and preliminary assays on the formulation and testing of industrially relevant products. The position involves working half time in an academic lab and half time at the company, providing an opportunity to work on both applied and fundamental aspects of the project.
Timeline:
- Co-application for BEWARE funding in early April 2024 (post-doctoral candidate, academic partner, industrial partner).
- Decision early summer 2024.
- Project starts in September 2024.
- 3-year project.
Salary: Approximately €5000/month gross (~€3000/month net) + mobility allowance and social security benefits.
How to Apply: Send a CV and a short motivation letter to damien.debecker@uclouvain.be. Interviews for selected candidates will be organized in early March.
Last Date for Apply: Applications deadline: March 15, 2024. (If no suitable candidate is found, the deadline will be extended)
