The mission statement of the CSCE (Sustainable Catalysis and Engineering) is to produce knowledge to foster a better understanding of the role of heterogeneous catalysis in the upcoming circular and carbon-smart economy. CSCE research covers the range of fundamental to applied catalysis research, both in chemistry and engineering.
We offer a challenging, stimulating, young and pleasant research environment where you can contribute to solving real-life problems, delivering technological innovations with clear societal and economic value. The Arenberg doctoral school program offers possibilities to follow a range of courses or trainings of your interest. We foresee a competitive remuneration and the possibility to obtain a PhD degree in Bioscience Engineering.
This PhD offers a unique opportunity to dedicate yourself to fundamental research questions in catalysis in an applied, globally relevant, and collaborative framework. Your workplace (CSCE) is an international environment with contacts with industry, and with professionally engineered and operated experimental facilities. The CSCE is embedded in the faculty of bioscience engineering of the KU Leuven, a world renowned research university (THE 43rd, QS 63rd).
Website unit
Project
The transition from fossils to renewable feedstock is crucial for long-term economic and social stability, and represents one of our time's most significant challenges. To support this shift, the European Union has introduced the "European Green Deal," setting an ambitious goal of a net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. EU aims to become the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. These targets will necessitate innovation of sustainable technologies such as utilization of renewable feedstocks, plastic waste, and CO2 recycling using renewable energy. As an abundant resource, biomass holds the potential to capture CO2 and forms products using sunlight that can replace fossils for chemicals and necessary liquid fuels (e.g., jet fuel). Achieving full utilization of lignocellulose, where all major components are converted into valuable products, is the "holistic dream" for every biorefinery scheme, though it is challenging for biomass valorization. Since each component of lignocellulose (i.e. lignin, hemicellulose, and cellulose) has significantly different features, achieving this ambitious goal requires collaborative efforts involving new methods and technologies, pioneered by different research teams with complementary expertise.
For this particular vacancy, we're looking for a motivated and independent doctoral researcher highly interested in the development of the novel and innovative catalysis for advancing Lignin-first approach through thermo-photo-catalysis.
Profile
- You are recently graduated with a master degree in chemical engineering, chemistry, or a related discipline
- You have general background and hands-on expertise in catalysis, catalysts preparation, handling high pressure reactors, and analysis of reaction products (GC, GC-MS, HPLC, NMR). A research background in photochemistry is preferred but not required.
- Your grades show academic excellence and allow direct access to the doctoral program of KULeuven
- You are highly motivated for applied chemistry research with a strong fundamental basis
- You intend to pursue a PhD degree, committing to a four year research period on the described project.
- You have an aptitude for hands-on laboratory work, and have some experience with relevant experimental research in the field from a master’s thesis (or other).
- You are able to work independently, and to report your progress in an accurate and timely fashion.
- You aim to become a valuable member of the research group, sharing your (future) expertise to support the whole research group.
- Your English is fluent, both spoken and written (please check admission requirement of KULeuven: Admission requirements)
- You can start at the latest in the period August-October 2025
Offer
- Full-time PhD fellowship for 4 years (with an evaluation after the first 9 months).
- International working environment and possibility to present your work at international conferences.
- A state-of-the-art experimental infrastructure.
- To support you during your PhD and to prepare you for the rest of your career, you will participate in the Arenberg Doctoral School doctoral training program
Interested?
Candidates can apply by submitting their CV, motivation letter and grade lists via the online application tool. Please also include when you would be available to start, and the names and contact details of at least two relevant references (preferably senior researchers) that are willing to write a letter of recommendation upon request. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
For more info on the research group: https://sels-group.eu/
We look forward to your application.
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.
