1 PhD position on New Technology for Suspension Separation in Netherlands | Wageningen UR (University & Research centre)

Job description

We are looking for a PhD who will explore the principle of deterministic ratchet sieve technology and will translate this principle to separate and fractionate industrially relevant particle suspensions. Typically, aqueous suspensions with particles between 5 and 100 micron in diameter will be separated using this technology. The technology employs obstacles positioned in a flow device such that suspended particles are deflected from the fluid streamlines on the basis of their size. The PhD will perform experimental work and computational fluid dynamics simulations to gain deeper understanding of the suspension flow behaviour in such a ratchet device. Subsequently, the PhD will translate this insight into design rules and contribute to the construction of an actual prototype separation device. Finally, the prototype separation device will be evaluated for recovery of valuable particle solids fractions with simultaneous removal of water (for example algae harvesting or spent grain or starch granule refining). The PhD project will be carried out at Wetsus, Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, in Leeuwarden with academic supervision of Prof. Remko Boom and Dr. Maarten Schutyser from Wageningen University, Laboratory of Food Process Engineering.

Requirements

For this position we request a candidate who is strongly motivated to conduct research in the area of separation science and has an excellent Master degree (Msc level, recognized as such in The Netherlands) on chemical engineering or applied physics. Preferably, the candidate has specific experience in the areas of separation science, multiphase flow and fluid dynamics. Finally, the candidate should have excellent communicative skills in English language (both orally and in scientific writing) as you will be part of a research team with strong interaction with industry.

Conditions of employment

We offer you a temporary position for a period of 1.5 years with extension of 2.5 years after successful evaluation. Gross salary per month €2083,- in the first year rising up to €2664,- per month in the fourth year.

We not only offer a competitive salary but also good (study) leave and a pension of the ABP Pension Fund.

Contract type: Temporary, Onbekend

Organisation

Wageningen UR

Wetsus is the Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology in the Netherlands. Wetsus aims at conducting breakthrough research in the area of sustainable water technology and realizes this via PhD projects. Wetsus creates a unique environment in which multidisciplinary collaboration between companies and research institutes in Wetsus results in innovations that contribute significantly to the solution of the global water problems. This project will be part of the theme Advanced Waste Water Technology.

The Laboratory of Food Process Engineering is part of the Agrotechnology & Food Sciences Group and Wageningen UR. Our laboratory has a long history in separation technology research and aims at finding processes that are significantly more sustainable, producing foods that combine excellent taste with better nutrition.

The Agrotechnology & Food Sciences Group is part of Wageningen UR where fundamental and applied sciences complement each other. As an important European player, we carry out top-level research and work alongside authoritative partners within the international business world as well as the government on “Healthy food in a biobased society”. We have a crucial role in innovations within the market. Entrepreneurship and professionalism are what define us. In short, we are an interesting, international employer of stature.

Wageningen University and Research centre

Delivering a substantial contribution to the quality of life. That's our focus – each and every day. Within our domain, healthy food and living environment, we search for answers to issues affecting society – such as sustainable food production, climate change and alternative energy. Of course, we don’t do this alone. Every day, 6,500 people work on ‘the quality of life’, turning ideas into reality, on a global scale.

Could you be one of these people? We give you the space you need.

For further information about working at Wageningen UR, take a look here.

Acquisition regarding this vacancy is not appreciate

Additional information

For more information about this position, please contact Dr. Maarten Schutyser, Assistant Professor, telephone number +31 317488629.

For more information about the contractual aspects, please contact Bart Schaap, HR advisor, telephone number +31 317486148.

Application deadline: 1 January 2014