Research position in carbon dioxide removal technology (ref. BAP-2023-252)

KU Leuven is one of the top 50 universities in the world, and has been ranked as the most innovative university in Europe, and 7th in the world (Reuters, 2019). The New Materials research group at Campus Bruges belongs to the Department of Materials Engineering. The group is divided in two subgroups, ProPoliS concentrates mainly on polymer processing, whereas the Interfacial and Surface Engineering Research group (iR group) has two main research themes, one on carbon capture, utilization and storage, and one on the development of functional materials for sustainable solutions (in construction and health-related applications).

Responsibilities

Significant carbon dioxide emissions by fossil fuel burning have already caused an average temperature increase of about 1 °C since the industrial revolution. Besides mitigating the carbon dioxide emissions, we need to make efforts in removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Several carbon removal techniques have been reported, such as afforestation and reforestation, biochar, soil carbon sequestration, enhanced weathering, ocean fertilisation, bioenergy with carbon capture and storage and direct air carbon capture and storage. The technological understanding of these carbon dioxide removal methods needs to be improved, and the mechanisms for the integration of these methods into commercially feasible frameworks needs to be established.  

The goal of the research project is to define the gaps in current technical knowledge regarding enhanced weathering as carbon dioxide removal strategy, and to fill those gaps by further experimental laboratory work and short field trials. The results can then be used to model CO2 abatement, and associated costs and impact.

We are looking for a first-class,motivated, hard-working researcher, who will conduct innovative research in the field of environmental engineering. The ideal candidate has excellent engineering and geochemical laboratory skills, and a strong interest in carbon dioxide removal technology.

Successful completion of the research project will result in a number of scientific international journal papers. Results from the research will be published in international scientific journals, and will be presented at conferences and to interested companies and potential users.

Profile

The candidate:

-         Holds a European master degree in engineering technology, chemical engineering, environmental engineering, geochemistry or equivalent and ranks within the top 10% of his/her class

-         Has a strong interest and knowledge in the field of carbon dioxide removal and geochemistry

-         Has strong communication skills and is willing to present their research results at national and international conferences, and on social media, as well as writing research papers for publication in international peer-reviewed journals

-         Is willing to help in teaching activities and co-supervision of undergraduate projects

-         Is willing to write a PhD fellowship proposal

-         Is flexible, has good time management skills and self-discipline, can work independently as well as in a team

-         Has a creative, critical,analytical and innovative mindset

-         Is very fluent in English both spoken and written

-         Experience as a researcher or in industry is a plus

-  Having authored or co-authored peer-reviewed publications is a plus

Offer

We offer a fulltime one year contract, and the research could be continued if the candidate obtains a FWO PhD fellowship.Your main working place is the Brugge campus.

The KU Leuven pursues a policy of equal opportunity and diversity.

Start date: October 1st 2023

Interested?

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Veerle Vandeginste, tel.: +32 50 66 49 32, mail: veerle.vandeginste@kuleuven.be.

You can apply for this job no later than May 31, 2023 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.