EngD Position in Experimental Design and Development of a Solid-Gas Thermochemical Heat Transformer

Are you ready to make a difference in industrial energy efficiency? University of Twente is offering an Engineering Doctorate (EngD) position focused on the design and development of a solid-gas thermochemical heat transformer for industrial heat recovery applications. This is your opportunity to be part of an innovative project that addresses the challenges of energy efficiency in industrial processes by harnessing the power of thermochemical reactions.

Project Overview

Thermochemical heat transformers (TCHTs) are pivotal in capturing and converting low-grade waste heat into usable energy, significantly improving industrial energy efficiency. The core of this technology lies in the reactor, where a solid-gas reaction occurs. This project aims to design and develop a continuous reactor decoupled from the storage.

Your Role

In this dynamic, cross-disciplinary project, you will:

• Design and develop experimental apparatus and methodologies to investigate solid-gas reactions in a thermochemical heat transformer.
• Focus on optimizing the heat and mass transfer within the reactor to enhance the performance of the TCHT system.
• Collaborate closely with academic and industrial partners to translate your research findings into practical solutions.

During these two years you follow a tailor made post-master design program with a combination of education (50%) and working on a design project (50%). Additionally, the UT provides excellent facilities for professional and personal development, a holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus. On successfully completing the programme, you will receive a certified and recognized degree. You will be entitled to use the academic degree EngD and will be registered as a Technological Designer in the Dutch register kept by the Royal Institution of Engineers in the Netherlands (KIVI).

• Educational Background: Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Applied Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experimental Expertise: Proven experience in experimentation, with a focus on heat and mass transfer, and solid-gas reactor design.
• Technical Skills: A strong foundation in heat and mass transfer is essential. Expertise in reaction engineering and hands-on experience in designing experimental setups and developing test methods are highly desirable
• Analytical Abilities: Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Communication: Excellent written and spoken English skills, with a track record of writing technical reports or scientific papers.

• We offer you a contract for 24 months;
• Gross monthly salary of € 2.872,-;
• Holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, and end of year bonus (8.3%);
• Minimum of 29 holidays per year in case of fulltime employment.
• 29 holidays per year in case of full-time employment;
• A green campus with free access to sports facilities and an international scientific community;
• Employee status at the UT, including pension and health care benefits. UT is an equal opportunities employer.

The Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET) engages in education and research of Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering and Industrial Design Engineering. We enable society and industry to innovate and create value using efficient, solid and sustainable technology. We are part of a ‘people-first' university of technology, taking our place as an internationally leading center for smart production, processes and devices in five domains: Health Technology, Maintenance, Smart Regions, Smart Industry and Sustainable Resources. Our faculty is home to about 2,900 Bachelor's and Master's students, 550 employees and 150 PhD candidates. Our educational and research programmes are closely connected with UT research institutes Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Center and Digital Society Institute.

Interested candidates should contact Dr. Amir Mahmoudi at a.mahmoudi@utwente.nl for any inquiries.

To apply, please submit:

* A video (max. 2 minutes) explaining your scientific interests and why you wish to apply (provide a web URL for direct download in your CV).

* A cover letter detailing your motivation for this position.

* An up-to-date CV with academic and research achievements.

* Transcript of records for both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.

Application Deadline: January 13th, 2025

The first (online) jobinterviews will take place January 20th, 2025.