PhD position in Process Systems Engineering

We are seeking a highly motivated Ph.D. student with an interest in Process Systems Engineering and Process Intensification to join our group at TU Delft.

Intensified fluid separations for downstream processing.

The aim of this project is to investigate and develop novel eco-efficient fluid separation technologies (based on process intensification principles) for the downstream processing of (bio)fuels and bio-based chemicals. In order to become economically viable, (bio)refineries need to drastically reduce the large costs (over 50%) of separation and purification steps.

The design of novel intensified processes is currently the product of creativity rather than the result of applying systematic procedures for identification of process intensification opportunities at an early conceptual design stage. In this respect, the project will develop novel and systematic approaches for identifying opportunities and targets for thermal process intensification. In addition, a PI matrix could be developed to match PI technologies with the driving forces present in chemical processes and eventually provide a methodology for identifying PI opportunities and selecting the most appropriate PI technologies.

Moreover, a systematic approach will be developed to optimise fluid separation sequences with heat integration by eliminating the usual simplifying assumptions and simultaneously including all the design degrees of freedom, such as complex columns (side-strippers, side-rectifiers, side-stream columns; prefractionation, including Petlyuk columns and dividing wall columns), and column operating conditions (feed condition; pressure; condenser type). Heat integration will be explicitly addressed for a complex sequence optimisation by generating a detailed heat exchanger network (HEN) configuration that accounts for practical constraints, via a matrix representation (rather than using Pinch Analysis).

The mathematical models for the optimisation are formulated as a mixed integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) problem, in which a process superstructure is proposed to represent automated sequences, a transportation model for heat exchanger network (HEN) synthesis, and is solved by a simulated annealing (or similar) algorithm to target the minimum energy / operating cost. Separation sequences are screened using shortcut models, then rigorous simulations are carried out to evaluate the efficiency of the overall PI approach in terms of key technical and economical performance indicators as well as sustainability metrics.

 This PhD position has a duration of four years, with an ideal start date of January 2023 (negotiable)

We are looking for candidates that meet the following criteria:

• Master’s degree in a relevant field such as chemical engineering or biotechnology
• Prior experience with process simulations and intensified separation technologies
• Creative, open-minded, independent and proactive;
• Excellent theoretical, analytical, and simulation skills;
• Great team player, willing to learn and collaborate;
• Good English communication and writing skills.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements .

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2541 per month in the first year to € 3247 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation.

• A start date of January 2023 (negotiable)
• A full-time employment for four years.

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

With more than 1,000 employees, including 135 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,400 passionate students, the Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem. Focusing on key enabling technologies, such as quantum- and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology and materials for energy storage and conversion, our faculty aims to provide solutions to important problems of the 21st century. To that end, we train students in broad Bachelor’s and specialist Master’s programmes with a strong research component. Our scientists conduct ground-breaking fundamental and applied research in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Engineering Physics. We are also training the next generation of high school teachers and science communicators.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Applied Sciences.

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. Tony Kiss .

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply before 30-10-2022 via the application button and upload:

• a motivation letter (max 1 A4 page)
• a CV (max 3 A4 pages)
• Bachelor’s and Master’s transcript / grade report
• the names and contact details of three references
• Master’s certificate (diploma)
• Proof of English language proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS/CAE) (if applicable: For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements .)

The available position will be filled as soon as possible (i.e. once a suitable candidate is found). This means that the selection of candidates will already start before the application deadline. 

You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.

We are seeking a highly motivated Ph.D. student with an interest in Process Systems Engineering and Process Intensification to join our group at TU Delft.

Intensified fluid separations for downstream processing.

The aim of this project is to investigate and develop novel eco-efficient fluid separation technologies (based on process intensification principles) for the downstream processing of (bio)fuels and bio-based chemicals. In order to become economically viable, (bio)refineries need to drastically reduce the large costs (over 50%) of separation and purification steps.

The design of novel intensified processes is currently the product of creativity rather than the result of applying systematic procedures for identification of process intensification opportunities at an early conceptual design stage. In this respect, the project will develop novel and systematic approaches for identifying opportunities and targets for thermal process intensification. In addition, a PI matrix could be developed to match PI technologies with the driving forces present in chemical processes and eventually provide a methodology for identifying PI opportunities and selecting the most appropriate PI technologies.

Moreover, a systematic approach will be developed to optimise fluid separation sequences with heat integration by eliminating the usual simplifying assumptions and simultaneously including all the design degrees of freedom, such as complex columns (side-strippers, side-rectifiers, side-stream columns; prefractionation, including Petlyuk columns and dividing wall columns), and column operating conditions (feed condition; pressure; condenser type). Heat integration will be explicitly addressed for a complex sequence optimisation by generating a detailed heat exchanger network (HEN) configuration that accounts for practical constraints, via a matrix representation (rather than using Pinch Analysis).

The mathematical models for the optimisation are formulated as a mixed integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) problem, in which a process superstructure is proposed to represent automated sequences, a transportation model for heat exchanger network (HEN) synthesis, and is solved by a simulated annealing (or similar) algorithm to target the minimum energy / operating cost. Separation sequences are screened using shortcut models, then rigorous simulations are carried out to evaluate the efficiency of the overall PI approach in terms of key technical and economical performance indicators as well as sustainability metrics.

 This PhD position has a duration of four years, with an ideal start date of January 2023 (negotiable)

We are looking for candidates that meet the following criteria:

• Master’s degree in a relevant field such as chemical engineering or biotechnology
• Prior experience with process simulations and intensified separation technologies
• Creative, open-minded, independent and proactive;
• Excellent theoretical, analytical, and simulation skills;
• Great team player, willing to learn and collaborate;
• Good English communication and writing skills.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements .

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2541 per month in the first year to € 3247 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation.

• A start date of January 2023 (negotiable)
• A full-time employment for four years.

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

With more than 1,000 employees, including 135 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,400 passionate students, the Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem. Focusing on key enabling technologies, such as quantum- and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology and materials for energy storage and conversion, our faculty aims to provide solutions to important problems of the 21st century. To that end, we train students in broad Bachelor’s and specialist Master’s programmes with a strong research component. Our scientists conduct ground-breaking fundamental and applied research in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Engineering Physics. We are also training the next generation of high school teachers and science communicators.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Applied Sciences.

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. Tony Kiss .

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply before 30-10-2022 via the application button and upload:

• a motivation letter (max 1 A4 page)
• a CV (max 3 A4 pages)
• Bachelor’s and Master’s transcript / grade report
• the names and contact details of three references
• Master’s certificate (diploma)
• Proof of English language proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS/CAE) (if applicable: For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements .)

The available position will be filled as soon as possible (i.e. once a suitable candidate is found). This means that the selection of candidates will already start before the application deadline. 

You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.