EngD: Sustainable Process Design – Optimizing Biopolymer Extraction (1.0 FTE)

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 successful candidate will first be offered a temporary position of one year with the option of renewal for one year. The EngD programme includes specialized EngD and professionalization courses at the University of Groningen and a design project which will be performed at Paques Biomaterials and the University of Groningen. The position offered is in the context of the project Paques Biomaterials – Optimizing the Full Scale Extraction of Natural Biopolymers.



The company, Paques Biomaterials, converts organic residues, such as food waste and wastewater, into natural biopolymers that can replace plastics in day-to-day life. These biopolymers, called PHBVs, are marketed under the name Caleyda® and have superior biodegradability. Paques Biomaterials uses an innovative fermentation approach to produce the PHA with bacteria. The PHA is subsequently harvested through green solvent extraction.



Paques Biomaterials will build its first Caleyda® (PHBV) Extraction Plant (CEP) in Emmen, to be ready in 2028. This plant will receive biomass containing PHBV and purify PHBV that will be formulated as powder or pellets. This will be the first of its kind to demonstrate the overall Caleyda® production concept and business case.



The EngD trainee will evaluate the first Caleyda® extraction plant design and, via conceptual design, modelling or experiments, work towards an improved design and operation protocols to boost efficiency and output of the plant. In parallel, technological strategies and conceptual designs will be developed for improving the final formulation of Caleyda® as powders and pellets, making them tuned to different polymer processing techniques. After, the EngD will also use the knowledge gathered to work on the conceptual design of a Caleyda® extraction.



The project will be executed at the Paques Biomaterials Office in Emmen (NL) and at the RUG, Groningen (NL).



Organisation



The University of Groningen (UG) is a research university with a global outlook, but deeply rooted in Groningen, City of Talent. Quality has been a top priority for over four hundred years, and with success: the university is currently in the top 100 of several influential ranking lists.

The Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) offers education and research in a wide range of science disciplines, from traditional disciplines such as physics and biology to interdisciplinary disciplines such as artificial intelligence, industrial engineering and management. The FSE is one of the largest faculties of the UG, home to 14 BSc programmes and 27 MSc programmes. Within the FSE, the Graduate School of Science and Engineering (GSSE) is responsible for hosting the faculty’s 1200 or more PhD candidates and the new EngD trainees, the majority of whom are from abroad.

Requirements:

We are looking for candidates who meet the following requirements:

- Master’s degree in (bio) chemical engineering, polymer science (or related) and expertise in downstream processing and polymer technology. Experience with extraction techniques, such as solvent- or mechanically based methods, is desirable, along with knowledge of bioplastics processing, including drying, compounding, and pelletization.

- Excellent marks on the master diploma.

- Highly command of English language (verbally and written).



Applicants whose first language is not English must submit evidence of competency in English, please see University of Groningen’s English Language Requirements for details.



In addition to the selection criteria, the following personal competences/skills are important:

- Highly motivated towards the project and EngD programme.

- Creative and (experimental) design skills.

- Problem-solving skills.

- Team player.

- Ability to work in an international team and collaborate with different levels of companies’ employees in a professional way.



You have a keen interest in sustainable materials. You feel responsible for your EngD project and can work in sociable autonomy. Your proactive attitude enables you to identify bottlenecks and to approach them in a positive, problem-solving manner. You have strong communication skills and know how to get things done.

Salary Benefits:

The University of Groningen offers you in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities:

- A salary, depending on work experience and qualifications, with gross monthly salary of € 2,872 per month (salary scale TOIO) for a full-time position.

- A holiday allowance of 8% gross annual income.

- An 8.3% end-of-the-year allowance.

- A full-time position (1.0 FTE). The successful candidate will first be offered a temporary position of one year with the option of renewal for one year. Prolongation of the contract is contingent on sufficient progress in the first year.

- You will receive a certified Engineering Doctorate (EngD) degree after completing the programme successfully and recognition by the Royal Institution of Engineers in the Netherlands (KIVI).



Preferred start date: not later than 1 September 2025



Consider our website for more information about the conditions of employment at the University of Groningen: https://www.rug.nl/(...)f-employment?lang=en

38 hours per week

Broerstraat 5