The TENMIP-project aims to develop concepts to create very tight, low swelling robust nanofiltration or reverse osmosis membranes for organic solvents with a MWCO<300 Dalton, which are also applicable at elevate temperature. These membranes will then be tested with the separation of process mixtures containing small differences between the components (size, shape, polarizability, complexibility) as present in industry, in order to evaluate their economic feasibility. This is why Huntsman, Shell, Solsep, UTwente, KU Leuven, VITO, ECN, and ISPT have joined forces in the ISPT-coordinated ‘Testing and Evaluation of Nanofiltration Membranes in Industrial Processes’-project (TENMIP).
A position is available for a strongly motivated postdoc at the membrane technology group of the Faculty of Bioscience Engineering of KU Leuven, Belgium (http://www.biw.kuleuven.be/m2s/cok/Groups/membrane-technology).
We can offer:
- A position in a stimulating, interdisciplinary scientific environment, as part of an ambitious, international and dynamic team, with both academic and industrial targets
- Access to world-class research facilities (https://set.kuleuven.be/chemtech_nanocentre)
- Very international research group
- Your responsibilities will be broad, varied and dynamic
- You will have your own dedicated research project on in-situ characterisation of membrane formation, but will also be involved in the daily co-supervision a group of PhD and/or master students working in your broader field of expertise
- This specific research project is industry-driven with a very broad international user committee, and is situated in the field of solvent resistant and solvent tolerant nanofiltration
Profile:
- PhD in physics, chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science or nanotechnology with a strong interest in the physico-chemistry of membrane materials
- Any of following specialisations during PhD or working experience:
o Preparation of polymer-based membranes via phase inversion and/or interfacial polymerisation
o Membrane separations
- Interest in both the fundamental understanding of membrane preparation and in the development of new membrane applications
- Strong publication record in high-impact journals
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Ability to work in an interdisciplinary, international and collaborative environment
- Team-player, motivated and eager to learn
- Being able to organise and prioritise own workload
- Being able to write research projects and to effectively disseminate outcomes through papers, presentations and patents
- Enthusiasm and self-motivation
- Being able to achieve own objectives and overcoming obstacles
- No-nonsense approach with an eye for opportunities
Interested?
Duration: 1 year, extended for at least 1 more year after positive evaluation. Further extensions will be applied for via additional funding opportunities during your stay or even already before arrival. Starting date: as soon as possible.
For more information please contact Prof. dr. ir. Ivo Vankelecom, tel.: +32 16 32 15 94, mail: .
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 .