The Ameloot group is part of the KU Leuven Centre for Membrane Separations, Adsorption, Catalysis, and Spectroscopy (cMACS), which counts 6 PIs and >100 members. The study of porous materials, membranes, films and their interfaces forms the core of the research at cMACS. In this context, we study different flavors of nanoporous materials. Our research is focused on enabling applications based on these materials through a fundamental understanding of their adsorption properties.
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Responsibilities
We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to work on a cutting-edge project focused on CO2 capture and related adsorptive separations using nanoporous materials such as MOFs and zeolites. The goal is to enhance the understanding and efficiency of these processes. Specifically, the project aims to develop and implement a novel Infrared-based operando measurement setup and protocol to address current gaps in the understanding of adsorption phenomena. The selected candidate will tackle several key challenges:
Challenge 1 – Multicomponent Adsorption Experiments: While single-component adsorption data is easy to obtain and interpret, industrial applications involve gas mixtures. Predicting mixture behavior based on single-component data is challenging, and measuring multicomponent adsorption effectively and efficiently is complex, requiring innovative methodologies. IR-based techniques offer a unique opportunity to directly evaluate adsorption behavior on nanoporous materials, providing insights into these complex systems.
Challenge 2 – Adsorption Kinetics: Determining the diffusivity of molecules within an adsorbent remains a significant challenge due to limitations in current measurement methods. These methods often struggle particularly with fast-diffusing molecules and are typically restricted to large crystals, which may not reflect the conditions encountered in industrial applications.
Challenge 3 – Multicomponent diffusion data are crucial for process design (e.g., in determining the fastest adsorption bed cycle time) but exceptionally hard to obtain. Beyond the challenges of single-component studies, tracking multiple species simultaneously and across conditions adds complexity. Such experiments are rare due to hardware and modeling limitations. Not surprisingly, such research is rare to non-existent due to the limitations of currently available measurement methods. New techniques are needed to resolve real-time, multicomponent diffusion under relevant conditions.
This position offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of adsorption technology research, contributing to sustainable industrial practices and innovations in material science. You will be working together with scientists and engineers with complementary expertise in materials synthesis, gas adsorption, the characterization of porous and crystalline materials, etc. For more information on the research group, please refer to http://amelootgroup.org/ and https://twitter.com/AmelootGroup.
This project is closely associated with the ERC project 'KISSIES' (https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101045433). You will be invited to all project meetings.
Profile
We are looking for:
• A motivated candidate with a strong academic track record and a PhD in Chemical Engineering, Adsorption / Materials Science, or a related field in Science and Engineering.
• A candidate passionate about carbon capture, adsorption processes, diffusion measurements, novel materials, and technology, and willing to work as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• A researcher enthusiastic about developing new and unique measurement instruments. Bonus points if you consider yourself a 'maker' and practical problem solver, we appreciate what you are doing!
• An experienced researcher willing to guide younger colleagues starting in the field.
• Since we target real-world applications through our research, an interest in valorization (e.g., spin-off creation) is a plus.
• Since we are a highly international team, proficiency in both written and spoken English is non-negotiable.
Please consider applying if you have several of the following skills:
• Required: Expertise in IR spectroscopy
• Required: Expertise in the characterization of zeolites, MOFs, or other microporous materials
• Required: Expertise in adsorption measurements on microporous adsorbents
• Experience with / interest in measuring and analyzing diffusion phenomena is a plus
• Experience with the development of measurement setups involving gases and vapors (esp. the hardware aspects) is a plus
• Other skills that you think are relevant (please explain in your cover letter)
Offer
- A full-time postdoc position with a target duration of 2-3 years. The initial contract will be for 1 year and will be extended after a positive evaluation.
- Excellent guidance by our dynamic, international, and multidisciplinary team with access to top-class labs.
- High level scientific training at a top-ranked university.
- A remuneration package competitive with standards in Belgium, a country with a high quality of life and excellent healthcare system.
- Ample occasions to develop your profile in a scientific and/or an industrial direction.
- A stay in a vibrant environment in the hearth of Europe. The university is located in Leuven, a town of approximately 100.000 inhabitants, located close to Brussels (25 km), and 20 minutes by train from Brussels International Airport. This strategic positioning and the strong presence of the university, international research centers, and industry, lead to a safe town with high quality of life, welcome to non-Dutch speaking people and with ample opportunities for social and sport activities. The mixture of cultures and research fields are some of the ingredients making the university of Leuven the most innovative university in Europe (https://nieuws.kuleuven.be/en/content/2018/ku-leuven-once-again-tops-reuters-ranking-of-europes-most-innovative-universities). Further information can be found on the website of the university: https://www.kuleuven.be/english/life-at-ku-leuven
Interested?
Please submit your application through the KU Leuven portal. In case you have questions about this job opportunity, please contact Prof. Rob Ameloot ([email protected]) via email and mention "Postdoc multicomponent adsorption & diffusion" in the subject line.
Preferred starting date: as soon as your schedule permits
KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.
