Electrostatic Spray Drying for Encapsulation of Thermosensitive Compounds

(ref. BAP-2024-658)
Laatst aangepast: 12/11/24

You will be working at the Ghent campus of KU Leuven, as part of the Soft Matter, Rheology and Technology (SMa RT) research group. You will join a new team led by the recently appointed Prof. D’Acierno, which is part of a larger, young, international, and growing department with strong ties to industry as well as other academic institutions in Belgium, Europe, and overseas.

SMa RT is a research group within the Department of Chemical Engineering at KU Leuven. Spread across different campuses, dozens of colleagues—including Ph D students, postdocs, permanent research staff, and lab managers—work on a variety of projects related to soft and sustainable matter engineering, and (bio)chemical engineering for health and care, making it a stimulating work environment.

The Ph D will be performed within the framework of the Arenberg Doctoral School: https://set.kuleuven.be/phd. The position is full-time and fully funded for four years, which is the nominal duration of a Ph D program at KU Leuven.

Website van de eenheid

Project

We are looking for a highly motivated, enthusiastic, and communicative researcher with a Master's degree in in Chemical Engineering Technology. Both EU and international candidates are welcome to apply.
You should have obtained excellent study results and be keen on disseminating your research findings through scientific publications, conferences, and talks.
Furthermore:

• Strong interest in encapsulation technologies, process engineering, and sustainable materials is essential.
• Prior experience with the synthesis of organic molecules, spray drying, electrostatic processes, powder technology, or waste valorization is highly valued.
• Knowledge of circular economy principles and sustainable development is a plus.
• Proficient laboratory skills and experience with analytical techniques (e.g., optical microscopy, laser scattering, gas/liquid chromatography) are a significant advantage.
• Applicants should have strong English and Dutch communication skills, both written and oral.
• Enthusiasm to take care of lab sessions in the educational program Ma Engineering Technology at Campus Gent
• You are capable of working independently as well as collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.

The candidate should be willing to reside in Belgium. The workplace is in the city of Ghent, with opportunities to collaborate with the Leuven campus and the other research groups, especially the SMa RT group.

KU Leuven is currently the largest university in Belgium in terms of research funding and expenditure and is among the top European universities according to the Times Higher Education ranking, as well as the Reuters Top 100 of the World's Most Innovative Institutions. The SMa RT research group within the Department of Chemical Engineering is a key player in the field of soft matter and rheology, with a strong focus on innovative technologies and sustainability.


You will be part of a young and international team that addresses a broad range of research challenges related to advanced materials and sustainable processes.


We offer:

• A full-time and fully funded Ph D position with comprehensive social security benefits.
• Multiple benefits, including health insurance, a laptop, and funding to attend international conferences or specialized training courses.
• An initial appointment for 12 months, renewable each year upon positive evaluation by the doctoral commission, leading up to a four-year Ph D program.
• A Ph D degree in Engineering Technology upon successful completion of the program.
• Access to highly specialized doctoral training and professional development opportunities.
• An exciting and dynamic research environment with access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and equipment in the SMa RT group.
• Opportunities to collaborate on projects with industry partners and engage in public R&D initiatives with industry involvement.

The starting date is February, 1st, 2025.

For more information please contact Prof. Luc Pinoy, mail:. Luc.Pinoy@kuleuven.be

You can apply for this job no later than December 02, 2024 via the online application tool

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.

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