Job description
Are you excited about applying mathematical modelling, optimization and control to accelerate the energy transition? In this PhD project, you will develop advanced Process Systems Engineering methodologies for the design and operation of flexible CO2 utilisation processes powered by intermittent renewable energy. You will work at the interface of chemical engineering, optimization, sustainability assessment and industrial implementation.
The transition towards a sustainable chemical industry requires new process concepts that can efficiently convert captured CO2 into valuable products while operating under fluctuating renewable energy supply. Such systems must be able to cope with variations in electricity availability and price while maintaining economic viability and environmental performance.
In this PhD project, you will develop advanced Process Systems Engineering (PSE) methodologies to support decision-making in the design and operation of electrified CO2 utilisation processes. Central to the research is the development of superstructure-based models that represent alternative process configurations and conversion pathways. These models will be integrated across multiple scales, ranging from reactor-level phenomena to complete process systems.
You will formulate optimization and control frameworks for flexible and dynamic operation, enabling processes to respond effectively to changing renewable energy availability. The developed methods will be translated into practical decision-support tools that help quantify techno-economic, environmental and sustainability trade-offs. The project combines mathematical modelling, process simulation, optimization, dynamic systems analysis and sustainability assessment.
You will become part of the Process Systems Engineering group within the Sustainable Process Technology cluster of the University of Twente. The group offers a collaborative, international and supportive research environment with strong expertise in modelling, optimization, control and digitalization of chemical processes. Through close interaction with industrial partners, you will ensure that the developed methodologies address real-world challenges and contribute directly to the future of sustainable process industries.
Your profile
- You hold, or will shortly obtain, a Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Systems and Control, Applied Mathematics, or a related discipline.
- You have a strong interest in mathematical modelling, optimization and process systems engineering.
- You possess excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
- You are interested in contributing to the energy transition and sustainable chemical industry.
- Experience with programming (e.g. GProms Python, MATLAB, Julia or similar) is an advantage.
- Experience with optimization, process simulation or control is considered a plus.
- You enjoy working both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- You are proficient in spoken and written English.
Our offer
- Opportunity to work on a highly relevant research topic at the forefront of the energy transition.
- Collaboration with leading industrial partners active in sustainable process development.
- Access to state-of-the-art modelling, optimization and simulation tools.
- An international and stimulating research environment within a leading Process Systems Engineering group.
- Opportunities to present your work at international conferences and publish in leading scientific journals.
- A personalised training and development programme through the Twente Graduate School.
- A full-time position for four years, with a qualifier in the first year, and the flexibility to work (partially) from home.
- Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU).
- You will receive a gross monthly salary ranging from € 3.059,- (first year) to € 3.881 ,- (fourth year).
- There are excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme.
- A minimum of 232 leave hours in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours. A full-time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis.
- Free access to sports facilities on campus.
- A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid).
Information and application
Are you interested in this position? Please send your application via the 'Apply now' button below before July 19, and include:
- A cover letter (maximum 2 pages A4), emphasizing your specific interest, qualifications, motivations to apply for this position.
- A Curriculum Vitae, including a list of all courses attended and grades obtained, and, if applicable, a list of publications and references.
- An IELTS-test, Internet TOEFL test (TOEFL-iBT), or a Cambridge CAE-C (CPE). Applicants with a non-Dutch qualification and who have not had secondary and tertiary education in English can only be admitted with an IELTS-test showing a total band score of at least 6.5, internet. TOEFL test (TOEFL-iBT) showing a score of at least 90, or a Cambridge CAE-C (CPE).
For more information regarding this position, you are welcome to contact Prof.dr.ir. Edwin Zondervan, e.zondervan@utwente.nl
About the department
The Laboratory of Process Systems Engineering (PSE) is part of the Sustainable Process Technology cluster within the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Twente. Our research focuses on the development of advanced methods for modelling, simulation, optimization, control and decision support for sustainable chemical and energy systems.
We are an international and collaborative team of PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers and academic staff who work closely together and regularly exchange ideas. The group maintains strong connections with industry and academic partners, ensuring that research combines scientific excellence with practical relevance. We offer an open, supportive and informal working atmosphere in which initiative, creativity and personal development are encouraged.
About the organisation
The Faculty of Science & Technology (Technische Natuurwetenschappen, TNW) engages some 700 staff members and 2000 students in education and research on the cutting edge of chemical technology, applied physics and biomedical technology. Our fields of application include sustainable energy, process technology and materials science, nanotechnology and technical medicine. As part of a people-first tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally and is strengthened by the many young researchers working on innovative projects with as doctoral candidates and post-docs. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.
