PhD Position Modelling and Optimization of Processes to Recycle Low-grade Biogenic Waste

Job description

As the Netherlands phases out fossil feed stocks, carbon becomes a critical raw material for everyday materials (e.g., plastics, asphalt, composites, batteries). While renewable carbon can come from biogenic waste, low‑grade biowaste is often wet/contaminated and is therefore typically downcycled (e.g., low‑value compost/animal feed) or incinerated, which also creates problematic bottom and fly ash residues and can spread persistent contaminants. This leaves a major gap: how to valorize low‑grade waste into high‑value products beyond biofuels/biogas at industrially‑relevant scales?

The NWA‑ORC funded consortium project ABEL addresses this challenge by combining technology development with process modelling and assessment across the waste value chain. The members of the consortium include four other research universities, two universities of applied sciences, and companies across the value chain of biomass. In this PhD project, you will develop state‑of‑the‑art methodologies to:

• Design and scale up novel processes for the valorization of low‑grade biowaste.
• Model transition pathways for the ABEL technologies to integrate into existing or new value chains.
• Minimize energy and resource use through efficient heat exchange, waste heat recovery and optimised process conditions.
• Assess and reduce environmental impacts such as greenhouse gas emissions.
• Validate models with literature and consortium data and in case studies defined by the consortium.

The ideal candidate will be an ambitious, proactive, reflective and results‑driven researcher. We are looking for the following:

• MSc degree in chemical engineering or a similar field (essential).
• Strong background in chemical process modelling and design (essential).
• Prior experience with process optimisation (desirable).
• Prior experience with techno‑economic analysis and life‑cycle assessment (desirable but not required).
• Strong collaboration, communication and writing skills.

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4‑year period of employment in principle, in the form of two employment contracts. An initial 1.5‑year contract with an official go/no‑go progress assessment within 15 months is followed by a second contract for the remaining 2.5 years, conditional on satisfactory performance.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch universities, ranging from €3,059 to €3,881 gross per month from the first to the fourth year based on a full‑time contract (38 hours), plus 8 % holiday allowance and an end‑of‑year bonus of 8.3 %.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline‑related and research skills.

Flexible work schedules can be arranged. A relocation support programme is available through the TU Delft HR unit, offering information and assistance to help you settle in the Netherlands.

If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact

A. Somoza‑Tornos via

A.Somoza Tornos.