FACULTY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING:

Carbon Sources and Conversion Sustainable Carbon Sources
In order to fill a fixed-term position in part-time, full-time (39.83 hours/week) at the earliest possible date, we are looking for 1
Research Associate (m/f/x)
Carbon Sources and Conversion at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, develops sustainable technologies for utilising carbon from renewable, industrial, and domestic sources. Our research aims to close anthropogenic carbon cycles by converting underutilised carbon streams into valuable products. We combine fundamental scientific research with process engineering to develop ecologically and economically viable solutions. Our work is interdisciplinary, integrating expertise in catalysis, biomass conversion, and CO₂ utilisation.
We are looking for a motivated PhD candidate (m,f,x) to develop innovative methods for the selective depolymerization and functionalization of lignin. The project explores pathways to convert lignin into value-added products. The candidate will investigate fundamental aspects of lignin transformation at the laboratory scale, including work with high-pressure reactors and advanced instrumental analytics to characterise biomass-derived oligomeric intermediates and polymeric materials. The goal is to establish a strong scientific and engineering foundation for future industrial-scale applications in sustainable carbon valorisation.
Scope: part-time, full-time
Duration: fixed-term, 3 years
Start: at the earliest possible date
Apply by: 2025-07-08

• Conducting experimental work on the conversion of lignin into value-added products using high-pressure reactor systems
• Performing chemical functionalisation of lignin and optimising reaction conditions and catalyst performance
• Characterising lignin feedstocks, intermediates, products, and catalysts using advanced analytical techniques (HPLC, GC, NMR, IR, UV-Vis, titrimetry)
• Developing research plans, documenting experimental results, and determining kinetic and reaction engineering parameters
• Assembling modular laboratory setups using standard glass components for typical chemical conversions
• Supporting the conversion of a batch-operated steel high-pressure reactor to continuous operation
• Contributing to process simulations and data modelling as required