Sustainable Process Design EngD Position at the University of Groningen

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 Circolide and the University of Groningen. The position offered is in the context of the project Circolide – Scaling of sustainable production and purification methods of biobased specialty chemicals. The appointment is of one year with the option of renewal for one year.

Circolide is at the forefront of green chemistry, dedicated to revolutionizing the industrial production of a wide range of platforms and specialty chemicals derived from renewable biomass, CO2, and plastic waste. They specialize in the development of sustainable chemical solutions that reduce reliance on fossil-based resources and minimize environmental impact.

The chemical industry is undergoing a transformation to reduce its reliance on fossil-based feedstocks and transition toward sustainable production methods. Biobased specialty chemicals, derived from renewable biomass sources, offer an environmentally friendly alternative with applications in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, materials, and fine chemicals. However, the challenge lies in scaling these processes from laboratory research to industrial production while maintaining efficiency, cost effectiveness, and environmental benefits. Key barriers include the complexity of biomass feedstocks, energy-intensive separation techniques, limited catalytic efficiency, and the need for precise reaction control.

As part of the EngD, you will focus on developing and optimizing reaction pathways for the sustainable production of biobased specialty chemicals, followed by the design and scale-up of efficient processes. This project addresses these challenges by integrating advanced chemical engineering principles such as process intensification, separation optimization, catalysis, flow chemistry, and reactor design. The goal is to develop scalable, efficient, and sustainable production methods that can be implemented in the chemical industry while minimizing waste and energy consumption.

The EngD position will take place at the Circolide Laboratories on the Zernike Campus, Groningen (NL) and at the RUG, Groningen (NL).