→ Apply before 14/06/2026 (DD/MM/YYYY) 23:59 (Brussels Time)
→ Faculty of Engineering and Architecture
→ Department: EA11 - Materialen, Textiel en Chemische Proceskunde
→ Occupancy rate: 100%
→ Number of positions: 1
→ Type of employment: Contract of unlimited duration with a 4 year clause
→ Term of assignment: HEU.PRJ.2025.0009.01
→ Wage scale: WM1 to WM4 (master degree)
→ Required diploma: Master
ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY
Ghent University is a world of its own. Employing more than 15,000 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 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.
YOUR TASKS
At least 90% of your assignment will be spent on academic research in preparation of a doctoral dissertation
Objective: The PhD research aims to elucidate the kinetics and reaction mechanisms of lignin depolymerisation processes, through the development of a comprehensive kinetic model. The ultimate goal is to enable a rational fine‑tuning of reaction conditions to steer product selectivity and process performance.
Context: This PhD project focuses on a novel ultra‑fast, non‑catalytic lignin depolymerisation strategy. Unlike conventional catalytic or thermal depolymerisation approaches, this process operates on extremely short time scales and does not rely on catalysts, resulting in specific reaction pathways and product distributions. Due to the rapid nature and intrinsic complexity of the process, the underlying reaction kinetics and mechanisms remain largely unexplored. A detailed kinetic analysis and mechanistic understanding are therefore essential to identify the dominant reaction pathways and to enable the rational fine‑tuning of reaction conditions toward targeted product formation and improved process control.
Within this PhD project, you will:
Design and perform kinetic experiments to study lignin depolymerisation under controlled reaction conditions.
Quantify reaction rates, product formation, and intermediate species as a function of operating parameters
Develop and validate a kinetic reaction model describing the depolymerisation behaviour.
Use the kinetic model to elucidate the dominant reaction mechanisms and support the optimisation of reaction conditions.
Disseminate research results through scientific publications and conference presentations.