Process modelling engineer for membrane and separation processes

The MESCH team at VITO develops industrially viable membrane processes for the intensification of chemical and biotechnological processes. Membranes and membrane processes are of great value in the transition towards a more sustainable chemical and biotechnological industry, because of their broad application area, low energy consumption and usefulness in chemical and biotechnological processes at every scale. 

The current approach of process development is largely built on experimental work (from lab to pilot scale). To strengthen our team of researchers and technicians (now about 20 people) we are looking for a new colleague focused on establishing model-based development and scale-up strategies for our activities, and have these strategies implemented by working across the different research and customer projects on membrane and separation processes. Exploring opportunities to apply ML/AI in such models is integrally part of this job.

This is our plan for you: 

• You will take ownership on building and applying process models for diverse membrane and separation processes. 

• You will support (at least) 3 on-going projects with immediate modelling needs. 

• You will support the creation of the modelling and data/AI roadmap for the team. 

• You will partner with academia to strengthen our know-how on ML/AI. 

• MSc and/or PhD in (bio)chemical engineering sciences; 

• In depth understanding of and passion for chemical reaction kinetics and chemical separation processes (non-negotiable requirement). 

• Experience with chemical process technology modelling and simulation software including Aspen (non-negotiable requirement) 

• Good Programming skills such as Python and C/C++. 

• Familiar with numerical solutions of PDEs/ODEs with aptitude in mathematical modelling of linear/nonlinear dynamical systems and parameter estimation. 

• You have a passion to learn/apply machine learning techniques as part of the modelling efforts. 

• You have a scientific mind and are interested in presenting your work scientifically through publications and at international forums. 

• You have a customer-oriented attitude and good oral and written communication skills. 

• You are a real team player but can also work independently. 

• Enthusiasm about engaging with other researchers and lab technicians, to discuss, optimize, analyze/process and report experimental lab/pilot work; 

• a strong interest in cooperation with other partners (industry, SME’s, institutes, universities); 

• a good proficiency in English, both written and spoken. 

Besides the job content, we offer: 

• a team of great colleagues, experts in their field, 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 processes; 

• compelling opportunities to interact with partners in industry and academia; 

• a competitive salary package. 

• a 2 year fixed term position with ambition to evolve into permanent position

VITO, one of Europe's leading research centers with 1,300 employees, turns scientific insights into groundbreaking technological innovations, AI based solutions, and policy advice. We do so with a single objective: to help the world thrive for at least a 1,000 more years.

As a science-to-technology partner, we support companies, governments, and society in their sustainability transition. With our multidisciplinary approach and unique lab, scale-up, and testing infrastructure, we create practical technological innovations. We accelerate progress towards a regenerative economy within the planetary boundaries (prioritizing electrification and circularity), smart climate solutions for resilient and secure ecosystems, and a healthy living environment harmonizing humans, industry, agriculture, and nature.

Our staff collaborate in multidisciplinary expert teams across more than 40 research domains, utilizing our unique laboratory and data infrastructure, as well as our extensive network of innovation partners. Through positive transition thinking and comprehensive techno-economic analysis, we develop solutions that are effective not only on paper but also in the complex realities of everyday life.