As a Flemish, internationally recognized research centre, VITO aims to accelerate the transition to a sustainable world. The MESCH team at VITO develops industrially viable membrane processes for the intensification of chemical processes in industry.

Membranes and membrane processes are of great value in the transition towards a more sustainable chemical industry, because of their broad application area, their low energy consumption, and their usefulness in continuous chemical processes at every scale. Our approach allows companies to de-risk their developments by demonstration of relevant and economically viable membrane-based separation processes.

Our recently developed technology consists of designing novel hybrid materials derived from the union of polymer and ceramic substances bearing well-designed and useful functionalities, for use as smart, target-oriented membranes in industrially relevant liquid-based separations. The resulting hybrid membranes combine the best of two worlds: the superior overall properties of ceramics and the tunable surface properties offered by the polymer layer. With this goal in mind, we are currently aiming to bring this technology to maturity in collaboration with recent VITO spin-off membrane company.

To strengthen our team of researchers and technicians (now about 20 people) we are looking for a new colleague for the execution of projects on hybrid membrane development in close collaboration with a Flemish start-up company.

For this we opened a post-doc position for a 1-year contract, potentially extendable to 2 years.

This is our plan for you:

• Together with our team, you will support the execution and follow-up of projects on hybrid membrane development, characterization and testing with model liquid streams if needed.
• Based on the basic workplans, you will plan, execute, supervise and coordinate membrane developments, by designing experiments, execute these and then perform the analysis of the various test results. Reporting of the results is also a part of the job.

• A PhD in organic chemistry, polymer chemistry or in chemical oriented engineering
• A track record of applied knowledge on inorganic surface-initiated polymerization or any related polymerization with substantial synthesis and characterization skills.
• Ideally, an applied knowledge of membrane separation processes of liquid streams.
• Ideally, a good knowledge of inorganic material characterization.
• Enthusiasm about both experimental lab work as well about processing of data and reporting
• Teamplayer skills
• A strong interest in cooperation with other partners (industry, SME’s, institutes, universities)
• A good knowledge of English, both written and spoken

Offer

• A competitive salary package
• A team of nice colleagues, experts in their fields, who will guide, support and interact with you
• A front-row seat to witness the development of technical solutions for a sustainable world
• Access to state-of-art equipment for membrane modification and application
• Interesting opportunities to interact with partners in industry and academia
• You will be part of an organization with an international reputation, known for its advanced technological research and scientific consultancy