Job description

ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY

Ghent University is a world of its own. Employing more than 8,000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, as well as technical and social service provision on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities. With its 11 faculties and more than 80 departments offering state-of-the-art study programmes grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its staff and students.

THE RESEARCH PROJECT

Can we use the energy from sun and wind to make renewable molecules at sea? With MuSE (Molecules at Sea) we want to investigate this opportunity.
This MuSE project aims to study and solve the technical and scientific obstacles for producing and importing offshore renewable molecules (H2, methanol, methane…) with a direct connection to offshore energy production (wind or solar parks). This consortium will also take the socioeconomic
and legal framework into account during the design phase and thus contribute to a circular economy based on renewable energy and sustainable chemical production.

This project will focus on fundamental research in 6 areas:

1. Energy integration with offshore energy production
2. Direct air capture
3. CO2 extraction from seawater
4. Hydrogen production from seawater
5. Production of green molecules
6. Certification of (renewable) hydrogen and other green molecules

The project has a duration of 3 years. The MuSE project is financed by the ETF (Energy Transition Fund). The ETF mission is to encourage and support energy research, development and innovation within the Belgian federal energy competences (including renewable energies in the North Sea, biofuels, nuclear energy applications, security of supply and grid balancing).

YOUR TASKS

• You are the project leader, you are the face of the project and the single point of contact for the researchers, the companies in the advisory board and the policy makers funding the project.
• You are responsible for the coordination of the project, e.g. organizing of consortium meetings, workshops, external communication, etc.
• Yearly reporting to FPS Economy
• Half of the time, you are involved in the research tasks as a senior researcher.

Job profile

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• You hold a PhD in electrochemistry, chemical engineering, bio-chemical engineering, bioengineering or mechanical engineering
• Excellent communication skills in English – both oral and written.
• You have a particular interest in the topic
• Experience in the field of electrolysis/solid oxide electrolysis/green hydrogen production/CCU is recommended
• You are a good communicator and have excellent organization skills
• Multidisciplinary collaboration (engineering, economics, chemistry,…) does not scare you.
• You are open to interacting with industry.
• You are a networker by nature and get energy out of working in a complex working environment with many stakeholders.
• You take initiative.
• You are a team player.
  

What can we offer for you

We offer you a contract of 3 years.

Your contract can start on 1/11/2022 at the earliest.

Your remuneration will be determined by salary scale PD1 to PD4 (if you hold a doctorate). Click here for more information about our salary scales.

All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, a bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits (in Dutch).

How to apply

Email your application to Prof. dr. ir. Kevin Van Geem (Kevin.VanGeem@UGent.be) or dr. ir. Louis Sileghem (Louis.Sileghem@UGent.be) before the application deadline (see above). We do not accept late applications.

• Your application must include the following documents:
• your CV and an overview of your study results (merged into one pdf file)
• your application letter in pdf format
• a transcript of the required degree (if already in your possession). If you have a foreign diploma in a language other than our national languages (Dutch, French or German) or English, please add a translation in one of the mentioned languages.
• a reference letter, an overview of your study results, …

As Ghent University maintains an equal opportunities and diversity policy, everyone is encouraged to apply for this position.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. dr. ir. Kevin Van Geem (Kevin.VanGeem@UGent.be) or dr. ir. Louis Sileghem (Louis.Sileghem@UGent.be)