Call for applicants
1 PhD position in the EU Horizon 2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Project C-PlaNeT
Applications are invited for 1 PhD positions (“Early Stage Researcher”) to be funded by the Marie-Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network “C-PlaNeT – Circular Plastics Network for Training” within the Horizon 2020 Programme of the European Commission. C-PlaNeT is a consortium of high-profile universities, research institutions and companies located in Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Denmark and Greece.
The Laboratory of Petrochemical Technology, at the University of Thessaloniki has an open position as a PhD student in valorizing pyrolysis gases back to monomers.
The position is part of the EU ITN program C-PlaNeT, and is a double degree PhD in collaboration with KU Leuven.
The objective of the PhD is to develop highly selective and active heterogeneous catalysts based on reducible metal oxides as well as of immobilized homogeneous moieties on oxidic supports
Subobjectives:
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Advanced characterization of catalysts
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Mechanistic and kinetic studies of metathesis
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Cleaning of the gases from Cl impurities
The valorization of non-condensable gases formed during pyrolysis of polyethylene and polypropylene wastes is the main target of this ESR. The gaseous olefins will be converted via cross-metathesis in the presence of heterogeneous catalysts and or homogeneous moieties immobilized on oxidic supports. Catalysts formulations showing high activity and selectivity in converting ethylene and or butenes to propylene will be further refined in terms of composition and operating variables to maximise the yield to the desired olefin. The effect of impurities in the non-condensable stream will be also explored. Reaction conditions optimization and kinetic modelling as well as reactor configuration will be part of the work.
Qualifications
Candidates should have a Master of Science or Master of Engineering in Chemical Engineering, Master of Science in Chemistry preferably in Chemical Technology or related topic
We expect the candidate to have:
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Experience in materials (catalyst) synthesis
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Relevant Diploma or Master theses on catalytic reactions/processes
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Expertise in advanced characterization techniques (SEM, TEM, XPS, TP)
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Communication and organization skills
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Fluent in written and spoken English
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Strong team player skills and enthusiasm about working self-dependently in interdisciplinary environments
Key dates
Application deadline: 15.11.2021
When you apply for this position, your application may be circulated within the consortium members as part of the hiring process.
Application
Please submit your online application no later than 15 November 2021 (23:59 local time) via e-mail alemonidou@cheng.auth.gr including:
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A detailed CV listing education, work experience, publications, relevant other activities, …(Europass format obliged, https://europass.cedefop.europa.eu/documents/curriculum-vitae)
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Motivation: a) why you want to do a Ph.D.?; b) why are you applying for this specific topic (ESR 12)?
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A language certificate (IELTS min. 7, TOEFL internet-based min. 90 or similar level as proven by other tests), if available
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At least one recommendation letters (academic reference)
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Transcript(s) of previous academic records
This is a re-advertisement. As the ITN program have already started, availability for immediate hire will be considered positively.
Candidates may apply prior to obtaining their master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.
Applications and enclosures received after the deadline will not be considered.
Applicants need to fully respect three eligibility criteria (to be demonstrated in the CV):
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Early-stage researchers (ESR) are those who are, at the time of recruitment by the host, in the first four years (full-time equivalent) of their research careers. This is measured from the date when they obtained the degree which formally entitles them to embark on a doctorate, either in the country in which the degree was obtained or in the country in which the research training is provided, irrespective of whether or not a doctorate was envisaged.
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Conditions of international mobility of researchers: Researchers are required to undertake trans-national mobility (i.e. move from one country to another) when taking up the appointment. At the time of selection by the host organisation, researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of their host organisation for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to their recruitment. Short stays, such as holidays, are not taken into account.
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English language: Network fellows (ESRs) must demonstrate that their ability to understand and express themselves in both written and spoken English is sufficiently high for them to derive the full benefit from the network training.
Secondment and internship
Each ESR must participate in:
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An academic secondment (min. 6 months) to one of the partner universities, wherein they will acquire complimentary skills such as a specific scientific expertise, the use of unique equipment or the exploration of a different scientific discipline entirely.
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At least one training internship (min. 2 months) at one of the non-academic partners, wherein they will be able to taste the industrial perspective, consider upscaling of technology or frame their research against existing business models.
Selection procedure
The selection and recruitment processes of the ESRs will be in accordance with the European Charter and Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers. The recruitment process will be open, transparent, impartial, equitable, and merit-based. There will be no discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religion or belief, disability or age.
Benefits and salary
The successful candidates will receive an attractive salary in accordance with the Marie-Skłodowska-Curie Action regulations for Early Stage Researchers. The exact (net) salary will be confirmed upon appointment and is dependent on local tax regulations and on the country correction factor (to allow for the difference in cost of living in different EU Member States). The salary includes a living allowance, a mobility allowance and a family allowance (if married). The guaranteed PhD funding is for 36 months (i.e. EC funding). In addition to their individual scientific projects, all fellows will benefit from further continuing education, which includes internships and secondments, a variety of training modules as well as transferable skills courses and active participation in workshops and conferences.
For further information, please contact the central secretariat (c-planet@ugent.be).