PhD position in organic catalysis
(ref. BAP-2025-346)
Laatst aangepast: 19/06/25
cMACS forms an interdisciplinary and international team that pioneers research in catalysis, energy, spectroscopy and separations. A molecular understanding of physical and chemical phenomena during synthesis and application of catalysts, sorbents and membranes is central to allow molecular and structural design of novel materials and directed engineering of applications. The study of porous materials, membranes, films and their interfaces forms the core of this research approach at the intersection of inorganic chemistry (new materials), organic chemistry (novel reactions, polymers, kinetics), biochemistry (bio‐catalysis) and physical chemistry (molecular transport, separation and adsorption; novel spectroscopy tools) and reactor design.
cMACS aims at achieving a high societal impact by creating innovative solutions for environmental problems and contributing to a more sustainable chemical, pharma and food industry. It aims at solving emerging environmental issues related to clean energy, atom efficiency in chemical processes, mitigation or remediation of contaminated process streams, water and air pollution. The main research objectives are (1) a thorough atomic/molecular understanding of systems for catalysis, sorption and membrane separations, (2) development of technological applications based on these fundamental insights, and (3) achieving technological progress by developing novel experimental (synthesis, testing and spectroscopic) techniques and tools.
The De Vos group is part of the Centre for Membrane separations, Adsorption, Catalysis and Spectroscopy for Sustainable Solutions (cMACS). The group currently consists of 7 post-doctoral researchers and 22 PhD students under the wings of professor Dirk De Vos.
Within this context, we aim to develop new concepts for catalysis and adsorptive separations. Our research specializes in porous materials (mainly metal-organic frameworks and zeolites) and their interaction with organic molecules. We use a variety of characterization techniques such as gas sorption analysis, X-ray crystallography, solid state NMR/EPR and in situ characterization of molecular interactions using microspectroscopy (FTIR, SHG and fluorescence mapping).
Project
Current approaches for biobased synthesis of acrylate esters follow a multistep approach, starting with isolation of lactic acid as the Ca salt from fermentation broths, followed by purification, gas phase conversion of the lactic acid to acrylic acid, and finally esterification to the long alkyl acrylate esters which are most desired in many coating applications.
This PhD project, which is part of the EU-funded project Woodvalor, looks at alternative routes, in which the lactic acid is first catalytically esterified prior to the dehydration. The resulting route is expected to generate significantly less salt waste, while also being advantageous from a step economy point of view. The project will combine thorough organic catalytic work with in-depth study of catalytic materials via a range of physicochemical characterization techniques.

Profile

• Master in Bio-engineering sciences
• Master in Chemistry or equivalent by experience.

Offer

• A full-time PhD position for 4 years. The initial contract will be for one year and will be extended based on a positive evaluation.
• Excellent guidance by our dynamic, international, and multidisciplinary team.
• High-level scientific training at a top-ranked university.
• Being part of world-class research groups with access to top-class labs
• A remuneration package competitive with standards in Belgium, a country with a high quality of life and an excellent health care system.
• Ample opportunities to develop yourself in a scientific and/or industrial direction. Besides the opportunities offered by the research group, further doctoral training for PhD candidates is provided within the framework of the KU Leuven Arenberg Doctoral School (https://set.kuleuven.be/phd), which is recognized for its strong focus on both future scientists and scientifically trained professionals who will leverage their doctoral expertise and competences in non-academic contexts.
• A stay in a vibrant environment in the heart of Europe. The university is located in Leuven, a town of approximately 100 000 inhabitants, situated close to Brussels (25 km) and 20 minutes by train from Brussels International Airport. This strategic positioning, combined with the university’s strong presence, international research centers, and industry, results in a safe town with a high quality of life, welcoming to non-Dutch speakers, and offering ample opportunities for social and sports activities. The mixture of cultures and research fields is one of the ingredients making the University of Leuven the most innovative university in Europe (https://www.reuters.com/graphics/EUROPE-UNIVERSITY-INNOVATION/010091N02HR/). Further information can be found on the website of the university: https://www.kuleuven.be/english/life-at-ku-leuven

Interested?
For more information please contact Prof. dr. ir. Dirk De Vos, tel.: +32 16 32 16 39, mail: dirk.devos@kuleuven.be.
You can apply for this job no later than July 31, 2025 via the online application tool
KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.
-
Heb je een vraag over de online sollicitatieprocedure? Raadpleeg onze veelgestelde vragen of stuur een e-mail naar solliciteren@kuleuven.be
avtimer
Tewerkstellingspercentage: Voltijds
locationcity
Locatie: Leuven
timer
Solliciteren tot en met:

Please refer the Job description for details