Energy and water supply system technology (ref. BAP-2023-236)

Organisation/Company

KU Leuven

Research Field

Engineering » Materials engineering

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Belgium

Application Deadline

25 May 2023 - 22:09 (Africa/Abidjan)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

KU Leuven is one of the top 50 universities in the world, and has been ranked as the most innovative university in Europe, and 7th in the world (Reuters, 2019). The New Materials group at Campus Bruges belongs to the Department of Materials Engineering. The group is divided in two subgroups, ProPoliS concentrates mainly on polymer processing, whereas the Interfacial and Surface Engineering Research group (iR group) focuses on the development of novel and advanced materials through modification of material interfaces for several application domains (energy, construction, transport, health). The research is part of a collaborative project amongst several academic institutes and industry, and is funded through a Belgian federal science policy defence-related research action. The goal of the entire project is to develop an energy and water supply system technology of mobile Belgian defence units. The focus of the specific research position is on a comprehensive review of mobile water treatment systems, and on the latest innovative battery systems.

Sustainability is more critical than ever because of the current challenges of environmental pollution and finite resources. Fossil fuel resources are dwindling, and importantly, burning of fossil fuels has been a main contributor to the massive increase in the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere, causing global warming. The action of transitioning towards renewable energy resources still requires capturing and converting CO2, as well as solutions to deal with the huge energy storage need linked with the use of intermittent energy resources such as solar and wind energy and for mobile applications.

The goal of the research project is to develop an energy and water supply system. The focus of the research position is on the environment, batteries and water supply system technologies. Water treatment systems will be evaluated for the production of potable and sanitary grade water from natural water resources, and water filtration systems for the generation of high purity deionised water. Moreover, a review will be made of the latest eco-friendly battery system technologies. The technologies should focus on mobile units to supply water and energy for tens to hundreds of people in remote settings, for example where basic supply is discontinued due to a disaster.

We are looking for a first-class, motivated, hard-working researcher, who will conduct innovative research in the field of water treatment and energy storage. The ideal candidate has excellent engineering and chemical laboratory skills, and a strong interest in both water filtration and batteries.

Successful completion of the research project will result in a number of scientific international journal papers, and the research will be presented at conferences and to interested companies and potential users.

The candidate:

-         Is a NATO country citizen, and holds a European master degree in engineering technology, chemical engineering or equivalent and ranks within the top 10% of his/her class

-         Has a strong interest and knowledge in the field of water treatment and energy conversion and storage

-         Has strong communication skills and is willing to present their research results at national and international conferences, and on social media, as well as writing research papers for publication in international peer-reviewed journals

-         Is willing to help in teaching activities and co-supervision of undergraduate projects

-         Is willing to write a PhD fellowship proposal

-         Is flexible, has good time management skills and self-discipline, can work independently as well as in a team

-         Has a creative, critical, analytical and innovative mindset

-         Is very fluent in English both spoken and written

-         Experience as a researcher or in industry is a plus

-         Having authored or co-authored peer-reviewed publications is a plus

We offer a fulltime two year contract, and the research could be continued if the candidate obtains a FWO PhD fellowship. Your main working place is the KU Leuven - Brugge campus.

The KU Leuven pursues a policy of equal opportunity and diversity.
 

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Veerle Vandeginste, tel.: +32 50 66 49 32, mail: veerle.vandeginste@kuleuven.be .

You can apply for this job no later than May 25, 2023 via the online application tool

KU Leuven seeks to foster an environment where all talents can flourish, regardless of gender, age, cultural background, nationality or impairments. If you have any questions relating to accessibility or support, please contact us at diversiteit.HR@kuleuven.be .

Research Field

Engineering » Mechanical engineering

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

KU Leuven

Country

Belgium

City

Leuven

Postal Code

3000

Street

Parijsstraat 72b

Geofield

Website

https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/jobs/60212440

City

Leuven

Website

http://www.kuleuvencareers.be

Street

Parijsstraat 72b Leuven

E-Mail

rekrutering@kuleuven.be