Last application date Oct 31, 2024 00:00

Department WE13 - Department of Geology

Contract Limited duration

Degree MSc degree relevant to the position; e.g. in geology, bio-engineering, chemical engineering or equivalent.

Occupancy rate 100%

Vacancy type Research staff

Job description

Large-scale hydrogen storage is an important objective in the clean energy transition, because it can be used to store renewable energy: hydrogen can be generated at times of surplus in solar or wind energy, to be stored and used when the energy demand exceeds the renewable production. One of the most promising techniques to do this at a large scale is to inject hydrogen into pores or fractures that are naturally present in rock layers in the deep subsurface (typically deeper than 1000 m). However, actual experience of storing hydrogen in this type of geological reservoirs is very limited, and still requires fundamental scientific research. This PhD project fits within a research collaboration between Ghent University and Fluxys, the company which operates a.o. the Belgian natural gas transmission system. Currently, Fluxys stores natural gas in a karst aquifer (a fractured carbonate rock layer) at more than 1000 m depth in the North of Belgium, and now wants to investigate if this site can be transitioned to a hydrogen storage. To contribute to this, you will investigate the flow properties of hydrogen in the pores/fractures of carbonate rock samples, its reactivity with the (saline) water and minerals present in the underground reservoir, and the risk that microbial processes consume the stored hydrogen and change the hydraulic properties by biofilm clogging. This will be done by laboratory studies at UGent (Dept. Geology, Center for X-ray Tomography and Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology), using advanced experimental techniques such as X-ray micro-computed tomography, core floodings on fractured rock samples, high-pressure batch reaction tests, microbial community quantification and fingerprinting by flow cytometry and microbial community characterization by second generation sequencing. The PhD student will also interact with Fluxys on a regular basis to compare laboratory results to field tests, aiding the interpretation. The work is supported by an Energy Transition Fund grant from the Belgian federal government. As a PhD researcher your tasks are:

• Design, set-up and analyze experiments in the lab
• Share results with colleagues and discuss interpretations at lab meetings and meetings with the industry partner
• Follow the recent literature on underground hydrogen storage in porous/fractured media
• Write reports, scientific publications, and attend international conferences
• Guide research projects of BSc and MSc (thesis) students

Job profile

• You have an MSc degree relevant to the position; e.g. in geology, bio-engineering, chemical engineering or equivalent. Research experience related to hydrogeology, groundwater chemistry or microbial ecology is a plus.
• You have a strong interest in laboratory work, including building/modifying experimental setups, developing new experimental workflows, and working with state-of-the-art equipment.
• You have good data analysis skills. Knowledge of scripting or programming languages is a plus.
• You have strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• You have an excellent command of the English language (written and spoken), and good communication skills. Experience with scientific writing is a plus.
• You are a team player willing to work in an international research environment.
• You are interested in performing scientific research over different disciplines

How to apply

The offer: We offer you a fully funded PhD position with a start date preferably in the period from October to December 2023. The doctoral scholarship is initially granted for 1 year and is extended to a total of 4 years after favorable evaluation.

Interested? Send your application to Tom.Bultreys@UGent.be with the heading “Application HydrogenStorage_Last name_First name”. Please provide the following documents in your application:

• your CV and an overview of your study results (merged into one pdf file)
• your application letter
• a transcript of the required degree (if already in your possession).
• If you have a foreign diploma, please provide evidence of English language proficiency

Ghent University maintains an equal opportunities and diversity policy, everyone is encouraged to apply for this position. Candidates found fit based on CV screening will be invited for an interview upon invitation. Please include your email address and telephone number to allow us to get in contact. More information For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. Tom Bultreys (Tom.Bultreys@UGent.be; Dept. Geology) or Prof. Nico Boon (Nico.Boon@UGent.be; CMET). Additional information about the involved research groups can be found here: www.pprogress.ugent.be https://www.ugent.be/we/ugct/en https://www.cmet.ugent.be

In the DIRECT project, funded by NWO, an interdisciplinary team of academics together with solar companies and cooperatives work on solar power plants for which buildings, nature, and agriculture surrounding the solar panels contribute to the solar energy collection. The project develops a new type of nanophotonic material which collects sunlight and sends invisible infrared light towards solar panels, and thus has the potential to enable more solar energy production per area at significantly reduced cost, environmental burden, and landscape alteration. The DIRECT project is embedded in the Solar Centre of the University of Twente offering a collaborative environment for shaping the future of solar energy!

We are looking for a motivated, creative and open-minded postdoc researcher who will study the possibilities, conditions and implications of new solar configurations enhanced with light-bundling surfaces, with a view on integration into established solar uses, such as buildings, emerging uses, such as agrovoltaics and potential new uses, e.g. in hydrogen production. You will furthermore develop socio-technical scenarios to explore possible pathways with relevant stakeholders.

Your profile

We look for a highly motivated, enthusiastic researcher who is driven by curiosity and has:

• completed a PhD in Science and Technology Studies, Sustainable Transitions, Innovation Studies, or a related field, preferably an energy-related topic;
• experience in qualitative research methods including semi-structured interviews and organizing workshops;
• proven to be an team-player and is excited about working with scientists and practitioners from different backgrounds and motivated to contribute to academic and societal challenges;
• an excellent written and spoken command of English, as demonstrated by academic publications and presentations at international conferences and a good command of the Dutch language;
• good skills in managing time and research activities and experience in teaching.

Our offer

• A 2 year full-time postdoc position;
• Gross monthly salary between € 3877,- and € 5.929 (depending on experience and qualifications);
• A holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.3%;
• Excellent support for professional and personal development;
• A solid pension scheme;
• 29 holidays per year in case of full-time employment.

Information and application

Are you interested to be part of our team? For questions about the position please approach dr. Kornelia Konrad, e-mail: k.e.konrad@utwente.nl. Please submit your application before September 16, 2023, and include:

• A cover letter of at most 1.5 page A4, including a brief emphasizing your specific interest, qualifications and motivation to apply for this position;
• A full Curriculum Vitae, including the title of your dissertation and contact information for at least two academic references;
• A publication list.

About the department

You will join the Knowledge, Transformation & Society (KITES) section within the Technology, Policy & Society department. KiTeS was established in 2023 through the merger of the Science, Technology, and Policy Studies (STePS) section with the Center for Higher Education Policy Studies (CHEPS). We deliver world-class interdisciplinary research, intensive education and high-impact practical interventions and consultation. We assess technological innovation, higher education policies and socio technical change, studying the past and anticipating the future. We work towards better governance of knowledge and innovation, addressing major societal challenges together with the players in the field.

About the organisation

The Faculty of Behavioral, Management and Social sciences (BMS) aims to play a key role in understanding, jointly developing and evaluating innovations in society. Technological developments are the engine of innovation. As a technical university that puts people first, we tailor them to human needs and behavior and use social engineering to integrate them into society. We also ensure adequate governance at public and private level, and robust, inclusive and fair organizational structures. We do this by developing, sharing and applying high-quality knowledge in Psychology, Business Administration, Public Administration, Communication Sciences, Philosophy, Educational Sciences and Health Sciences. Our research and education in these disciplines revolves around tackling and solving societal challenges. The research programs of BMS are closely linked to the research of the UT institutes Mesa+ Institute for Nanotechnology, TechMed Center and Digital Society Institute.

As an employer, the Faculty of BMS offers work that matters. We equip you to create new possibilities for yourself and for our society. With us, you will become part of a leading technical university with increasing, positive social impact. We offer an open, inclusive and entrepreneurial atmosphere, in which we encourage you to make healthy choices, for example through our flexible, adaptable benefits.

As an LCA post-doc, you will join our research team and carry out diverse tasks, that include: (i) collecting and analyzing life cycle inventory data from literature; (ii) performing Life Cycle evaluations of innovative technical concepts for developed solar systems within the project; (iii) conducting literature review on environmental and social impacts of (novel) reflector technology for solar energy harvesting; (iv) communicating and discussing your work with engineers, social scientists and societal groups of interest.

Your profile

A PhD degree in quantitative data analysis and sustainability related fields, with academic or work experience in environmental data collection and LCA projects. You should have the ability to collaborate in a multidisciplinary project team involving social scientists and engineers, working independently and proactively. Engagement with our mission to fight climate change and reduce the environmental impact of green energy sources should drive your work for our project!

Our offer

We offer a position (1.0 FTE) for two years. The starting salary, depending on your experience, ranges between € 3.877 to € 5.929 gross per month (in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities), based on the job profile of Postdoc. In addition, an 8,3% end-of-year bonus and 8% holiday allowance are supplemented.

• Work in balance is very relevant for our university and our research group, a minimum of 29 holiday days in case of full-time employment is implied.
• The opportunity to grow within an interdisciplinary research group.
• Talent development programs; the occasion to develop and take your skills to the next level in a fast-paced environment.

Information and application

For questions about the position please approach dr. Laura Franco, e-mail: m.l.francogarcia@utwente.nl. Please submit your application before September 16, 2023, and include:

• A cover letter of at most 1.5 page A4, including a brief emphasizing your specific interest, qualifications and motivation to apply for this position;
• A full Curriculum Vitae, including the title of your dissertation and contact information for at least two academic references;
• A publication list.

About the organisation

The Faculty of Behavioral, Management and Social sciences (BMS) aims to play a key role in understanding, jointly developing and evaluating innovations in society. Technological developments are the engine of innovation. As a technical university that puts people first, we tailor them to human needs and behavior and use social engineering to integrate them into society. We also ensure adequate governance at public and private level, and robust, inclusive and fair organizational structures. We do this by developing, sharing and applying high-quality knowledge in Psychology, Business Administration, Public Administration, Communication Sciences, Philosophy, Educational Sciences and Health Sciences. Our research and education in these disciplines revolves around tackling and solving societal challenges. The research programs of BMS are closely linked to the research of the UT institutes Mesa+ Institute for Nanotechnology, TechMed Center and Digital Society Institute.

As an employer, the Faculty of BMS offers work that matters. We equip you to create new possibilities for yourself and for our society. With us, you will become part of a leading technical university with increasing, positive social impact. We offer an open, inclusive and entrepreneurial atmosphere, in which we encourage you to make healthy choices, for example through our flexible, adaptable benefits.

With recent advances in treatment, patients with primary brain tumors can be more effectively treated through a combination of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. With increasing long-term survival of these patients, it has become increasingly important to safeguard long-term quality of life by limiting treatment-related side-effects.

Radiotherapy in particular has been shown to affect long-term neurocognitive functioning. Novel radiotherapy techniques, such as proton beam therapy, are able to reduce the irradiation of healthy brain tissue, potentially limiting neurocognitive sequelae.

However, the radiation susceptibility of different brain regions as well as their functional importance in brain tumor survivors is still largely unknown today. Therefore, we aim to better characterize and predict neurocognitive decline using Advanced MRI techniques looking at the brain anatomy (T1w, T2 and FLAIR), structural and functional connectivity (multishell diffusion imaging and resting-state functional imaging), metabolites (spectroscopy) and vasculature (SWI, ASL and perfusion) imaging.

The ability to understand and predict neurocognitive decline in both pediatric and adult brain tumor patients, will allow us to optimize treatment and improve patient-tailored support.

You will be working in a multidisciplinary environment that includes the expertise of three expert groups. First, the research group on translational MRI, specialized in the use of advanced neuroimaging techniques such as multishell diffusion weighted and functional MRI. Second, the laboratory of experimental radiotherapy and the Particle Therapy Interuniversity Center Leuven (PARTICLE) (Prof. Dr. Maarten Lambrecht). PARTICLE is the first, and so far only, clinical proton therapy center in Belgium. Third, the researcher will be part of the pediatric oncology unit (Prof. Dr. Sandra Jacobs and Prof. Dr. Jurgen Lemiere). Since 2010, this group has been documenting the neurocognitive trajectories of all pediatric brain tumor patients, using neuropsychological test batteries at regular intervals, building a unique database. Since 2020, this research has been expanded with the use of advanced MRI.

Responsibilities

We offer a job position to a postdoctoral researcher who is knowledgeable in the combination of:

Structural, diffusion, and functional MRI

Brain tumor lesions and/or Radiotherapy

Cognitive neuroscience

Your role is to combine multimodal MRI in adult and pediatric brain tumor treated patients with neurocognitive outcome measures to evaluate the impact of different treatment options on cognitive decline and translate this towards improved treatment strategies for optimal survival and quality of life.

You will supervise at least two PhD students working on this topic.

You will be able to bring guidance in MRI analysis, interpretation of results and in writing manuscripts.

You will aid in setting out new projects within the combined research groups and acquire funding.

It is mandatory to have sufficient experience in the above mentioned 3 domains to apply for this position.

Profile

You possess a PhD or are currently in the final stages of finishing your PhD.

You have experience in setting-up, conducting and analyzing advanced neuroimaging data, preferably including studies performed in clinical populations with brain pathology.

You have (partial) knowledge of

Functional and diffusion MRI analysis

Graph theory

Brain lesion segmentation

Neuropsychological testing

You have a strong interest to apply state-of-the-art neuroimaging techniques to solve current clinical challenges

You are a team player and like to guide master and PhD students

With your multidisciplinary vision, you will oversee current neuroimaging projects and set-out new projects, including multicenter studies.

You are pro-active in acquiring additional funding in order to expand the current research lines.

(Research) experience in the fields of oncology, radiotherapy or medical physics is considered an advantage

Offer

We offer a fulltime postdoc appointment for the first year, which can be renewed for at least 2 additional years based on yearly evaluation.

You will receive a salary according to KU Leuven Barema 44 (https://admin.kuleuven.be/personeel/wedde/graadbarema/ap/barema44.pdf).

You will be part of a unique multidisciplinary team across three research groups and will be part of the Medical Imaging Research Centre (MIRC), located at the heart of the University Hospitals Leuven university hospitals.

Interested?

For more information on the contents of the function, please contact:

Prof. dr. Stefan Sunaert (stefan.sunaert@kuleuven.be)

Prof. dr. Sandra Jacobs (sandra2.jacobs@uzleuven.be)

Prof. dr. Maarten Lambrecht (Maarten.lambrecht@uzleuven.be)

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.

Are you enthusiastic about exploring scientific challenges with an industrial  application perspective?

Extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUVL) is the latest generation of the semiconductor manufacturing technology powered by laser-produced-plasma light sources. These EUV light sources emit in a broad range of wavelengths spanning from soft x-rays to visible. A quantitative spectral characterization capability of such a broad wavelength range recently become available using a proprietary transmission grating spectrometer developed by XUV optics group (https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0073839). The calibration of the charge-coupled-device (CCD) that are used as detectors in such a spectrometer is sensitive to the operation conditions of the light source. Cross-calibration of the CCD with other type of detectors such as photodiodes and investigating the light sources with time resolution provides wealth of information that is otherwise not accessible.

We are looking for a motivated and skilled post-doctoral researcher to carry out research on the fundamental physics questions on the calibration sensitivity and time-dependent spectral evolution of the EUV light source. Methods to enable inline calibration and time-resolved operation is to be developed in the project with the support of technical staff. Specifically, aim is to design multilayer spectral filters based on Bragg’s condition and deposition these designs using magnetron sputtering to enable cross-calibration of the CCD response and the photodiode response.

The XUV Optics Group at Twente has started a new multidisciplinary research program on these topics. We develop forefront fundamental research, relevant to high tech applications (www.utwente.nl/xuv/). The research will take place in a state-of-the-art thin film laboratory within the MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology at the University of Twente, in collaboration with various academic and industrial partners. The XUV group has a track record in developing thin film physics and holds several records in functional film properties, including the reflectivity of thin film multilayer optics.

Challenge

Your goal is to develop the fundamental physics understanding on time-resolved and calibrated spectroscopy of EUV light sources. This includes:

• Understanding the sensitivity of detector calibration to the operation conditions of the EUV light source,
• Designing and developing multilayer spectral filters/coatings to enable online calibration at various wavelengths,
• Analyzing the properties of the developed filters/coatings using characterization techniques such as AFM, XRD, XRR and SEM,
• Understanding the time-dependent evolution of the spectral emission of the EUV light sources.

Your profile

Your profile:

• You have a doctoral degree in physics, materials science, optics, laser physics, solid state or surface physics or a related field.
• It is a plus to have lab experience with vacuum systems, plasma, spectroscopy, thin film deposition and/or analysis setups.
• You are an excellent team player in an enthusiastic group of scientists and engineers working on a common theme.
• You are creative, like to push boundaries, and are highly motivated to address a major science challenge in thin film physics.
• You are fluent in English and able to collaborate intensively with industrial and academic parties in regular meetings and work visits.

Our offer

• You will be appointed on a fulltime position for 2 years.
• The position is available immediately.
• The university offers a dynamic ecosystem with enthusiastic colleagues in a stimulating scientific environment.
• The post-doc salary is between € 3.877,- and € 5.090,- gross per month depending on experience and qualifications.
• The offer further involves: a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.3%.
• A solid pension scheme.
• A minimum of 29-day holidays.
• Numerous professional and personal development programs.

Information and application

Your reaction should include:

• an application/motivation letter, emphasizing your specific interest and motivation for this particular position,
• a detailed CV, containing your publications list, contact details of referees, and an academic transcript of  M.Sc. education and doctorate

An interview and a scientific presentation will be part of the selection procedure. For detailed information, you can contact Dr. Muharrem Bayraktar at m.bayraktar@utwente.nl, +31 53 489 3910. Please apply via the “Apply Now” button below.

About the department

The University of Twente stands for life sciences and technology. High tech and human touch. Education and research that matter. New technology which leads change, innovation and progress in society. The University of Twente is the only campus university in the Netherlands. We have a strong focus on personal development and give scope for carrying out pioneering research. The Faculty of Science & Technology works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders.

The XUV Optics group is embedded in the MESA+ Institute (www.mesaplus.utwente.nl), which is one of the largest nanotechnology research institutes in the world, delivering competitive and successful high-quality research. The institute employs 500 people of which 275 are PhD’s or PostDocs. With its unique NanoLab facilities the institute holds 1250 m2 of cleanroom space and state-of-the-art research equipment.

The University of Twente is an equal opportunity employer which values diversity. We do not discriminate on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability status. Because of our diversity values we do particularly support women to apply.

About the organisation

The Faculty of Science & Technology (Technische Natuurwetenschappen, TNW) engages some 700 staff members and 2000 students in education and research on the cutting edge of chemical technology, applied physics and biomedical technology. Our fields of application include sustainable energy, process technology and materials science, nanotechnology and technical medicine. As part of a people-first tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally and is strengthened by the many young researchers working on innovative projects with as doctoral candidates and post-docs. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.