PhD Catalytic Upgrading of Lignin-Derived Phenolics to Aromatics

Introduction

Are you excited about developing catalytic solutions for a circular chemical industry? We are looking for a motivated PhD candidate to work on converting lignin-derived feedstocks into valuable aromatics and specialty chemicals.
In this project, you will design and study catalytic processes that upgrade complex phenolic mixtures into targeted products using advanced bifunctional catalysts. By combining catalyst development, reaction engineering, and product analysis, you will contribute to new routes for turning renewable carbon into high-value chemicals.
The project is part of the collaborative research program HyFine, in partnership with academic and industrial partners, offering a unique opportunity to work on sustainable chemistry challenges with strong real-world relevance.

Job Description

Lignin valorization is a key challenge in the transition towards a circular and sustainable chemical industry. Depolymerized lignin streams contain complex mixtures of phenolic compounds that can serve as valuable feedstocks for specialty chemicals, yet efficient catalytic upgrading routes are still underdeveloped.
In this project, you will develop catalytic processes to convert lignin-derived phenolics into valuable aromatics and chemical building blocks. The research focuses on the selective demethoxylation and trans-alkylation of alkylmethoxyphenols using bifunctional catalysts.
You will perform catalytic experiments in continuous-flow reactors to evaluate activity, selectivity, and stability under realistic process conditions, and analyze both liquid- and gas-phase products to understand reaction pathways and overall process efficiency. Using a combination of model compounds and real lignin-derived feeds, you will investigate the influence of feed composition and operating conditions and apply systematic optimization strategies to maximize yields of desired products.
A key aspect of the project is understanding and improving catalyst stability, including identifying deactivation mechanisms and developing strategies for regeneration or improved catalyst design. The work will be carried out in close collaboration with academic and industrial partners within the consortium, ensuring strong alignment with upstream lignin processing and downstream application of the produced chemicals.

Job Requirements

• A master’s degree in chemical engineering, chemistry, or a related field
• Strong interest in heterogeneous catalysis, sustainable chemistry, and reaction engineering
• Affinity with catalytic conversion of biomass-derived feedstocks (e.g., lignin, phenolics) is highly desirable
• Experience with catalyst synthesis, catalytic testing, or analytical techniques is a plus
• A proactive, research-oriented mindset and motivation to tackle complex chemical systems
• Ability to work independently as well as in an interdisciplinary team
• Interest in collaboration with academic and industrial partners within a consortium setting
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level)

Conditions of Employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you: 

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment. 
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,059 - max. € 3,881 gross per month).  
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%. 
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process. 
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.  
• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs. 
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates. 

On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

About us

We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.

The Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry bridges science and engineering to create sustainable solutions for society. By combining expertise in molecules, materials, and processes, we drive innovations that address global challenges in energy, circularity, health and future technology. Through world-class research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and strong industry partnerships, we educate engineers and scientists who turn scientific discoveries into technologies with lasting societal impact. Together, we create chemistry for a better world.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact Emiel Hensen, [email protected] or +31 40 247 5178.

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact [email protected].

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. We give priority to complete applications.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.