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PhD Sustainable ways combining reactions & separations using ionic liquids & supercritical dioxide
By team | April 25, 2007
Delft University of Technology
Job description
3 x PhD Student
The project is carried out as an interdisciplinary one between three groups and two faculties: the Biocatalysis and Organic Chemistry group (Applied Sciences Faculty), the Physical Chemistry and Molecular Thermodynamics group (Applied Sciences Faculty) and the Laboratory of Process Equipment (3mE Faculty).
Ideally future sustainable production processes will use non-volatile solvents as reaction media and green solvents for the separation of products and catalysts. TU Delft has developed a method of combining reactions and separations, resulting in reduced waste production and energy consumption. Ionic liquids are unique because they are non-volatile, while they can be tuned to meet all the demands imposed by reaction conditions and reagents. Using these ionic liquids can be complemented by supercritical dioxide for product removal. This technique is also denoted as the miscibility switch and TU Delft has acquired a patent for its invention. The aim of this project – financed by SenterNovem – is to investigate three processes which can be conducted using this technique.
The three PhDs will collaborate to investigate a number of processes using this miscibility switch technique. Central to this research is the use of chemo and enzymatic catalysts in ionic liquids. Because of the novelty of the ionic solvents, the thermodynamic description of the relevant chemical systems forms an important part of the process research. Finally the complete process is investigated in a dedicated experimental set-up in the equipment design group, based on the chemistry and the thermodynamic data. Each PhD will study all aspects of the project, but the emphasis for individual projects can differ depending on the reaction to be studied. These three aspects are: the stability of the enzyme in the ionic liquid; the thermodynamic model employed; and the integrated process, equipment and product aspects.
Requirements
University Graduate
The applicant should have a Master’s degree in chemistry or (bio)chemical technology. He or she must be willing and able to work in a strongly multidisciplinary environment with an emphasis on organotransformations, thermodynamics and separation technology. Affinity with at least two out of these three fields is recommended.
Delft University of Technology is a bilingual institution; a good command of English (written and spoken) is thus essential, while a good command of Dutch is also preferred.
Organization
Delft University of Technology
Delft University of Technology is a multifaceted institution offering education and carrying out research in the technical sciences at an internationally recognised level. Education, research, and designs are strongly oriented towards social applicability. TU Delft develops technologies for future generations, focusing on sustainability, safety, and economic vitality. At TU Delft you will work in an environment where technical sciences and society converge. TU Delft comprises eight faculties, the assistant staff office, unique laboratories, research institutes
and schools.
Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering
The Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering, abbreviated as 3mE, delivers committed engineers and PhD students and carries out boundary-breaking scientific research in mechanical, maritime and materials engineering. 3mE is a perfect example of a dynamic and innovative faculty, with a European ambition, visibly contributing to society.
Faculty of Applied Sciences
The Faculty of Applied Sciences is a large, research-oriented faculty providing excellent, challenging education and conducting pioneering, cutting-edge fundamental natural sciences research of great societal relevance.
It provides a world-class training ground for future leaders in scientific professional practice and research. With more than 60 different nationalities studying and working together, the environment is enriched and culturally diverse.
Conditions of employment
Estimated maximum salary per month: eur 2000 - 2500
Maximum salary amount in Euro’s a month 2502
Employment basis: Temporary for specified period
Duration of the contract: 48 months
Maximum hours per week: 38
Additional conditions of employment:
The extent of this position is a maximum of 38 hours per week (1 FTE). This position has a temporary employment basis of one year (12 months). The estimated PhD starting salary is € 1,956 per month gross, with a maximum of € 2,502 gross (based on a full-time appointment and depending on experience). Benefits and other employment conditions are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
The successful candidate will be employed by the TU Delft for a fixed period of four years (48 months). Within nine months from the start of the PhD research, the PhD candidate will present his or her proposal to a scientific committee. If the proposal is approved, the appointment will be extended for another three years within which he/she is expected to write a dissertation leading to the Dr title (PhD thesis).
TU Delft strives to increase the number of women in higher academic positions; women are thus especially encouraged to apply.
Additional Information
Additional information about the vacancy can be obtained from:
Prof. G.J. Witkamp,
Laboratory of Process Equipment, Department of Process and Energy
Telephone number: + 31 (0(15) - 27 836
E-mail address: g.j.witkamp@xs4all.nl
Dr. C.J. Peters,
Physical Chemistry and Molecular Thermodynamics, Department Chemical Engineering
Telephone number: + 31 (0)15 – 27 8266
E-mail address: c.j.peters@tudelft.nl
Or additional information can be obtained through one of the following links.
About the organization
About the function
Further details on the position can also be obtained through Prof. I.W.C.E. Arends, Biocatalysis and Organic chemistry, Department of Biotechnology. Phone: + 31 (0)15 – 27 84423, e-mail: i.w.c.e.arends@tudelft.nl.
Application
You can apply for this job before 30-05-2007 by sending your application to:
Delft University of Technology, Faculty of Applied Sciences,
Department of Biotechnology
Prof. I.W.C.E. Arends
Julianalaan 136
2628 BL Delft
The Netherlands
E-mail address: i.w.c.e.arends@tudelft.nl
To apply, please send a detailed CV together with a letter of motivation.
When applying for this job always mention the vacancy number: BT07-016
http://www.vacaturesindelft.nl/international/vacature.php?Id=613&Cat=14
Topics: Biochemistry, Chemistry, Full Scholarship, Marine Engineering, May 2007, Netherlands, PhD Degree |
June 27th, 2007 at 06:12
[...] The applicant should have a Master’s degree in chemistry or (bio)chemical technology. He or she must be willing and able to work in a strongly multidisciplinary environment with an emphasis on organotransformations, thermodynamics and … …more [...]
July 2nd, 2007 at 18:50
[...] The Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering, abbreviated as 3mE, delivers committed engineers and PhD students and carries out boundary-breaking scientific research in mechanical, maritime and materials engineering. … …more [...]