项目介绍

2024年12月28日

The research group of Prof. Michiel Dusselier is looking for a motivated student to start a PhD taking part in a research program dedicated to green CO2 conversion.

Website van de eenheid

Project

The available position is for a PhD researcher at the Center for Sustainable Catalysis and Engineering (CSCE) within the faculty of Bioscience Engineering at KU Leuven, Belgium. The duration of the position spans 4 years, subject to a positive evaluation at the 9-month mark, with contracts renewed annually.

In this role, the doctorate student will delve into the close collaboration with leading academic institutions of Belgium, where he/she will be responsible for the catalysis part, specifically for the CO2-to-methanol reaction, and possibly for the tandem CO2 conversion to hydrocarbons in the latter stages of the project. The aim of this research is to investigate how the new method of material production (patented, developed by the partners) can affect catalytic performance examined by often referred metrics, such as (intermediate) product space-time yield, olefin/paraffin ratio, and/or hydrocarbon selectivity. While the central emphasis of the research lies in the field of green chemistry and catalysis, an operando control of reaction conditions via surface resonance modulations will be equally explored (DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.9b01606). We gladly suggest to the applicant to get familiar with our previous works, since the Dusselier Group boasts a significant track record in this research domain this domain: One Step Methanol-Mediated CO2 Conversion to Gasolin (DOI: 10.1021/acs.energyfuels.4c03013), Reshaping the Role of CO2 in Propane Dehydrogenation (DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.2c01374), and Enhancing the Acidity Window of Zeolites (DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c08123).

Communication will be a vital aspect of this role. The successful candidate will be expected to effectively communicate their work through papers and presentations, both internally and externally. Additionally, training will be provided to enhance these communication skills.

Beyond the research responsibilities, the selected candidate will also take on supplementary roles, including teaching and conducting seminars for students (partial requirements accounted for receiving PhD degree).

Profile

• The candidate should hold a Master’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related fields.

• Familiarity with the field of (heterogeneous) catalysis is a must have.

• Familiarity with (microporous) material synthesis and/or electrochemistry is highly desirable.

• Practical experience with standard characterization tools (e.g., GC, XRD, TGA, TPD, FTIR, etc.) is a definite advantage.

• The candidate should demonstrate a strong interest and enthusiasm for mechanistic studies and fundamental research, while also being open to applicative research.

• The ability to work autonomously as well as collaboratively within a highly engaged and ambitious research team is crucial.

• Proficiency in spoken and written English is essential. If the candidate’s Master’s degree was not obtained from an English or Dutch-taught program in a country where English or Dutch is an official language, an official test result indicating B2-level proficiency in English or Dutch is required. 

For English proficiency, acceptable documentation includes:

o IELTS: Overall score of at least 7, with no subscores below 6.5.

o TOEFL: Minimum score of 94, with no subscores below 22

o Other on a case by case basis.

Offer

We are offering a PhD position in an intellectually challenging environment of young and dynamic researchers. KU Leuven is a research-intensive, internationally oriented university that focus on fundamental as well as applied scientific research. 

Interested?

We are offering a PhD position in an intellectually challenging environment of young and dynamic researchers. KU Leuven is a research-intensive, internationally oriented university that focus on fundamental as well as applied scientific research. 

For specific questions or more information, please contact Dr. Gleb Ivanushkin, BUT, importantly, use the online KU Leuven application LINK. 

You can apply for this job no later than February 28, 2025, via the online application tool.

KU Leuven seeks to foster an environment where all talents can flourish, regardless of gender, age, cultural background, nationality or impairments. If you have any questions relating to accessibility or support, please contact us at diversiteit.HR@kuleuven.be

You can apply for this job no later than February 26, 2025 via the online application tool

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.

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