Vacancy announcement (H2020/BBI): PhD position in the domain of environmental technology and life cycle

Transcription

1 Vacancy announcement (H2020/BBI): PhD position in the domain of environmental technology and life cycle assessment (LCA) The Research Group of Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (University of Antwerp, Department of Bioscience Engineering) is seeking to fill a full-time (100%) position (EU-/BBI-funded project SUSFERT) for a PhD student (f/m) in the domain of environmental technology and life cycle assessment (LCA) SUSFERT Project content SUSFERT addresses the massive usage of mineral fertilisers in EU agriculture, which are largely based on non-renewable resources, but are required in intensive crop production for meeting demands for food and feed. SUSFERT will develop multifunctional fertilisers for phosphorus (P) and iron (Fe) supply, which will fit into existing production processes and common EU agricultural practice. The SUSFERT innovation combines bio-based and biodegradable coatings, probiotics, and the renewable P-source struvite in at least four novel sustainable P and Fe fertiliser products, which may partly or fully replace unsustainable and resource intensive conventional ones. SUSFERT will test novel organic formulations, microgranules, granules, and liquid fertiliser products in field trials, evaluate them regarding economic potential and environmental sustainability, ensure regulatory compliance and establish industry-scale production processes (TRL 7-8). Technological concepts include 1) probiotics based on P and Fe solubilizing Bacilli and Actinobacteria; 2) microbial siderophores (Fe chelator) produced in a demonstration plant; 3) enzymatic modification of the by-product lignin for cost-effective, biodegradable controlled-release coatings and product stabilization; and 4) demonstration of struvite, a renewable P-source from wastewater, as a partial substitute of mineral P. A consortium of partners (5 large companies, 3 SME and 3 knowledge institutes) will contribute expertise along the whole value chain in biotechnology, microbiology, large-scale fermentation, fertiliser production and sales. The SUSFERT products will be fitted into the regulatory and policy context for conventional and organic agriculture in various pedoclimatic conditions in Europe and prepare rapid market entry post-project. SUSFERT is a large-scale integrated project funded by the EU H2020 BBI (bio-based industries) programme with a total budget of nearly 7 million. SUSFERT is structured along 8 work packages (WP) that focus on different research and development activities. The specific activities carried out by the University of Antwerp, and to which the PhD candidate should contribute, rest within WP1 and WP6. In WP1 it is the goal to evaluate the quality and suitability of commercially available struvite as a P source in novel SUSFERT fertilisers. In WP6 it is the goal to evaluate the sustainability of SUSFERT fertilisers using a life cycle assessment (LCA). The PhD research position The offered position is a fully funded PhD position, starting with a 1-year contract that can be extended to a total of 4 years after positive evaluation. The tentative starting date is May/June The PhD advisors will be prof. Siegfried Vlaeminck and dr. Marc Spiller. The PhD can be divided into two parts. In the first 1.5 years, the candidate will mainly focus on investigating the physico-chemical quality of

2 struvite, determine its variables as well as mechanisms to steer struvite quality towards the requirements of the fertilizer industry (i.e. Roullier Group). For this purpose, a large number of struvite samples will be obtained from producers all across Europe including information about process design and operational parameters. Eventually, this will enable the research to link these design and process variables to a resulting struvite quality. Specific research questions that may be investigated are: What is the effect of the wastewater type on the physico-chemical properties of struvite? Are process type and process operation more relevant for physico-chemical quality parameters than the wastewater type? What parameters (process/ substrate) define the ratio of calcium phosphate to magnesium ammonium phosphate (struvite)? In addition to the scientific challenges, this activity offers the opportunity to become an expert and build a European network in the wastewater processing industry (sewage treatment, slurry treatment, agroindustrial wastewater treatment) as well as in the fertiliser industry, which is very keen to gain greater insight into the quality parameters of struvite and its determining variables. The research activities will commence with engaging a wide range of struvite producers to obtain struvite samples, and verify information on wastewater and process conditions. This will be followed by laboratory analysis of the physico-chemical properties of these struvite samples and data analysis (including statistical methods). The activities will require good communication skills and close interaction with leading scientists and businesses across Europe (e.g. Austrian Institute for Technology, Roullier etc.). The challenging laboratory work does provide the opportunity to acquire hands on knowledge about state-of-the-art analytical equipment: x-ray diffraction and x-ray fluorescence amongst others. The second part of the PhD is focused on LCA. This research will contribute to answering fundamental questions not only about the sustainability of novel controlled-release fertilisers, but also about the environmental impact of each individual unit processes. Therefore, the PhD candidate will gain detailed and first-hand technological insight into the process characteristics of lignin coating production, fermentation process to produce siderophores, probiotics production, fertiliser formulation etc. The research question that will be investigated is: Are novel SUSFERT controlled-release fertilisers environmentally more sustainable than conventional controlled-release fertilisers? Answering this question will have a real practical impact, through the identification and definition of engineering improvements to the SUSFERT fertiliser production chain. Furthermore, due to the current change in legislation around controlled-release fertilisers, it is expected that the results can lead to a defined societal impact. To carry out the LCA, the PhD candidate will lead the development of a strategy to define data needs and to obtain the required data of the pilot plant production processes. On its own initiative, the candidate will pursue the acquisition of data and continuously check their quality. A significant amount of time will be committed to establishing full mass and energy balances, based on a detailed understanding of the various unit processes involved in SUSFERT fertiliser production. Subsequently, the

3 candidate will develop the LCA models in SimaPro to obtain results, including the testing of the sensitivity of the results. Profile and selection criteria You possess the following knowledge and skills: You hold, or will obtain before the starting date of this vacancy, a degree as bio-engineer, environmental engineer, (bio)chemical engineer or equivalent MSc degree. You are eager to obtain a PhD degree in the proposed research field. Demonstrable experience with LCA, preferably with the software SimaPro and the EcoInvent database is a plus. A strong background and demonstrated experience in environmental technology. Experience and knowledge about struvite production and/or analysis is a plus. You have also an excellent understanding of nutrient recovery processes from liquid waste streams and good knowledge of reuse of these nutrients in agriculture. You commit to apply for an external funding source on a cleantech research topic of your choice, for instance targeting a doctoral grant strategic basic (SB) research. This implies that compliance with the eligibility criteria as stipulated by the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO) is a plus. More information about the eligibility criteria can be found on the following website: You further possess the following skills and characteristics: Excellent interpersonal skills to work effectively and closely with scientific team members and BSc/MSc students. Experience with laboratory work, but also a passion for analyzing data, modelling (LCA and mass balances) and writing. Excellent skills for time and budget management and the ability to meet objectives within strictly set deadlines. Good interpersonal skills and the ability to manage people, even if these people may be in more senior positions. Outstanding oral and written communication skills in English. Demonstrated ability to work efficiently and independently. Outcome focused, hands-on mentality. Willingness to travel internationally for project meetings, conferences, workshops and/or research stays. You are passionate about sustainable development. We offer A full-time appointment for 1 year (expected starting date May/June 2018) with a possible extension of 3 years after positive evaluation (4 years total). An open and flexible work environment that encourages creativity, self-realisation and independent thinking. Intensive coaching and support in applications for a personal full-term (4 years) doctoral grant. A competitive salary (around 2000 EUR net/month) in the form of a scholarship (which is exempt from tax).

4 A young, dynamic, respectful, diverse and international working environment. The opportunity to work in close interaction with industrial partners. The opportunity to tutor BSc and MSc students working in your research topic. The opportunity to develop new personal competences through professional training moments, courses and workshops. A chance to make a difference and personally contribute to the development of sustainable biotechnological answers to urgent societal challenges. About the university, the research group and the city The University of Antwerp is a young, dynamic and forward thinking university which ranked 10 th in the Top 50 universities under 50 years in The European Commission has awarded the University the HR Excellence in Research quality label. Within the Faculty of Science, the University created the Department of Bioscience Engineering in 2006, recognizing a strong societal demand for research and education in the field of applied biological sciences and environmental technology. This department hosts the Research Group of Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL), holding the team headed by prof. Siegfried Vlaeminck with a key focus on cleantech solutions for the water cycle and food production chain. The team s mission is to develop cleaner biotechnological solutions and to assess the environmental sustainability of such novel treatment and production pipelines (LCA/MFA). Key application areas include nutrient recovery, slow-release fertilisers, single-cell protein, energypositive sewage treatment, short-cut nitrogen removal, high-rate activated sludge, reduction of N 2O emissions, high-rate composting and thermophilic nitrogen removal. With a sustainable circular and biobased economy as goal, the team also focusses on fully regenerative life support systems, a necessity also for long-term human spaceflights. The team is further very dynamic and international, embracing diversity evident in the 7 nationalities from 3 continents that jointly work together. Finally, the city of Antwerp is vibrant and human scale, with a very rich history and a good quality of life. How to apply? Please apply by sending an to vacatures@uantwerpen.be, before the deadline of 23 April Please make sure to mention "Application BAPFWETEF122" in the subject of your . Two application files are needed: 1. Cover Letter (max. 2 pages). This should include at least: A personal introduction highlighting your key motivation for this position. Show how each of the selection criteria is met. Commitment to submit a proposal for the FWO SB doctoral grant including a statement as to whether you meet the eligibility criteria of FWO. A confirmation of availability to start the job in May-July Your unavailabilities (if any) over the course of April/May 2018 for an interview. 2. Curriculum Vitae incl. contact data of two referees Please describe your working relationship with the referees (you will be informed before we contact the referees). Selection process

5 An appointed HR Selection Committee will review applications within days after their submission, and will invite excellent candidates for an interview. Please note that interviews may be conducted by teleconference in the first instance. An invitation to attend an interview presents an opportunity to provide further information to the Selection Committee to substantiate your claims against the selection criteria and demonstrate your capabilities. The Selection Committee will subsequently seek referee reports, if not sought prior to the interview, before making a decision to make an offer of appointment to the preferred candidate. The purpose of referee checks is to obtain, in confidence, factual information about the past work history of the candidate, as well as opinions regarding the quality of your work, behavior in the work place and suitability for the position. Referee reports may be sought orally, or for academic staff, in writing by post or e mail. If you are the preferred candidate, you will receive a written offer of appointment to the position. Do not take any action, such as resigning from your current position, before you receive a written offer of appointment. For more information Contact Dr. Marc Spiller, marc.spiller@uantwerpen.be.