Postdoctoral Opportunity: Heterogeneous Catalytic Processes at Ghent University, Belgium

Ghent University is seeking a motivated postdoctoral researcher to join the Laboratory for Chemical Technology (LCT) to work on advanced heterogeneous catalytic processes for sustainable chemical production.

Postdoctoral Opportunity: Heterogeneous Catalytic Processes at Ghent University, Belgium

Job Overview

• Designation: Postdoctoral Researcher
• Research Area: Heterogeneous Catalysis & Chemical Reaction Engineering
• Location: Zwijnaarde, Ghent, Belgium (Department: EA11 – Materialen, Textiel en Chemische Proceskunde)
• Last Date to Apply: 12/07/2026 (23:59 Brussels Time)

Position Details

Eligibility & Qualifications

• Required Degree: PhD in Chemical Engineering.
• Core Expertise: Strong background in heterogeneous catalysis, including catalyst synthesis, physicochemical characterization, and catalytic testing.
• Technical Skills: Experience with process-oriented analysis and simulation (e.g., Aspen Plus).
• Soft Skills: Strong data analysis and scientific writing abilities; ability to work independently and collaborate with academic/industrial partners.
• Language: Excellent command of English (oral and written).
• Logistics: Must be living in Belgium or prepared to relocate during the research term.
• Preferred (not mandatory): Experience with kinetic/microkinetic modelling and programming tools (Python, MATLAB).

Job Description

The researcher will contribute to two complementary research projects under the supervision of Prof. Mark Saeys:

1. CO2 Hydrogenation: Reaction optimization for methyl formate synthesis using a novel heterogeneous catalyst and process modelling for configuration optimization.
2. Alkylamine Synthesis: Conducting a literature review on catalytic mechanisms, designing/conducting experiments for ethylamine synthesis (from ethanol and ammonia), and developing kinetic models for reaction network identification.
3. Communication: Translating experimental/modelling results into process design guidelines, and contributing to group reports, publications, and presentations.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted exclusively through the official Ghent University e-recruitment system. Please ensure your application includes:

• CV: Your curriculum vitae and academic transcript (merged into one PDF).
• Cover Letter: A formal application letter in PDF format.
• Diploma: A transcript of the required degree (plus translations if not in English, Dutch, French, or German).

Note: The maximum file size for each field is 10 MB. For inquiries, you may contact Prof. Mark Saeys at mark.saeys@UGent.be, though applications must be submitted online.

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