Advanced process analytics researching the formation and structure of unique lignin oligomers – Joint PhD Position KU Leuven – Maastricht University

The mission statement of the CSCE (Sustainable Catalysis and Engineering), led by Prof. Dr. Bert Sels, is to produce knowledge to foster a better understanding of the role of heterogeneous catalysis in the upcoming circular and carbon-smart economy. CSCE research covers the range of fundamental to applied catalysis research, both in chemistry and engineering. https://sels-group.eu/

The research group “Analytics in System Imaging” of Prof. Dr. Maarten Honing, at the University of Maastricht, is dedicated to the design and development new mass spectrometry-based methodologies for the time and molecular structure resolved analysis of (bio)chemical processes. https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/m.honing

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Project

The overall objective of this research project is to create a more fundamental understanding of the chemistry of the RCF biorefinery depolymerization process (KU Leuven) and the most important factors controlling the lignin product quality output. This fundamental understanding will be achieved by combining KU Leuven unique biorefinery expertise producing novel lignin products and the in-house analytics of them, and the advanced analytical techniques at University Maastricht. Indeed, it is a major objective of this research project (Maastricht University) to develop advanced ion mobility spectrometry-based methodologies to profile the RCF lignin oligomers, able to separate and quantify the high number of structural isomers. Combination of the complementary expertise’s of biomass conversion, chemical engineering and process analytics will enable a highly improved and more detailed insight in the effective and efficient depolymerization of lignin oil to valuable biobased chemicals. 

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Offer

Interested?

Candidates can apply by submitting their CV, motivation letter and grade lists via the online application tool. Please also include when you would be available to start, and the names and contact details of at least two relevant references (preferably senior researchers) that are willing to write a letter of recommendation upon request. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

For further questions: csce.applications@kuleuven.be.

For more info on the research group: https://sels-group.eu 

We look forward to your application.

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