EngD position: Designing electrically-driven separation processes for proteins

About the role

We are seeking a creative and analytical EngD researcher to design innovative separation processes that use electric fields as an additional driving force for recovering valuable proteins from agrifood waste streams. This position is part of the ReCoVR consortium, which includes 5 academic institutes, 14 industrial partners, and 2 support organisations. Your work will directly contribute to a circular economy by developing green, electrification-based separation technology with a technology readiness level of 6.

Your responsibilities

• Design a scalable prototype for a novel electrically-driven protein separation process, combining knowledge of electrostatic interactions, fluid dynamics, and machine design.
• Evaluate separation efficiency in terms of yield, purity, and energy usage, while also considering product functionality and compatibility with existing processing lines.
• Guide the design process through both computational simulations and experimental work.
• Collaborate closely with the industrial partner and active participate in consortium meetings.
• Share research outcomes via consortium updates, reports, and possibly scientific publications.

Your qualities and background

We welcome candidates from diverse backgrounds who are passionate about bridging food science with equipment design and modelling. You should be comfortable working hands-on with both hardware and software, translating experimental and computational results into real-world equipment design.

• A Master’s degree in chemical engineering, food process engineering, bioprocess engineering, or a related field with strong computational skills.
• A creative mindset and excellent analytical and communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary, international team.
• English proficiency at C1 level (an internationally recognised certificate may be required).

What we offer

• A fully funded EngD position (1-year contract, extendable to 2 years upon good performance).
• Gross monthly salary of €3,029 (full-time, 38 hours/week) according to the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU, scale TOIO).
• Excellent pension scheme and tailored course programme.
• An international, open working environment on the greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands.
• Support for visa applications, partner job search, housing, and schooling for international staff. Certain categories may qualify for a partial tax exemption on salary for the first five years.

How to apply

Submit your application through our website (only applications received via the official portal will be considered). You must include the following documents in a single PDF of no more than 3 pages:

• A motivation letter (max. 1 page).

Please also complete the mandatory additional information form (accessible from the vacancy page) to help us assess your qualifications. Do not attach grades/transcripts at this stage – they will not be considered. Applications exceeding 3 pages will not be processed.

Application deadline: 17 August 2026 (23:59 CET).

Contact

For more information about the position, contact Patrick Wilms (Assistant Professor) via email: [email protected]. For procedural questions, contact Evelien Janssen (Corporate Recruiter) at [email protected].

Original vacancy