PhD position on a biorefinery process to isolate chitin from insects

This position for a PhD student forms part of the research on insect biorefinery being conducted jointly by ‘Insect Production and Processing’ (Prof. Mik Van Der Borght) and the ‘Center for Sustainable Catalysis and Engineering’ (Prof. Bert Sels). The Research Group for Insect Production and Processing (IP&P) addresses biological and biochemical challenges within the emerging industrial insect value chain. Their multidisciplinary research encompasses improvements in insect production, the biological and chemical safety of insects, new insect processing methods, and the isolation and application of valuable products derived from insects. Their research utilizes a diverse range of technologies, including biological strategies and novel chemical and physical extraction processes. The ‘Centre for Sustainable Catalysis and Engineering’ (CSCE) investigates the use of new processes and heterogeneous catalysis for the emerging circular and carbon-smart economy. The CSCE develops completely new processes that minimize environmental impact. Over the years, the CSCE has developed unique biorefinery expertise for the production of valuable chemicals from lignocellulosic biomass.
KU Leuven is an education and research oriented institution that consistently ranked among the top universities in Europe. The IP&P research group is located at KU Leuven - Campus Geel, in a green and rural environment.
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Project

Black soldier fly larvae efficiently convert low-grade organic waste streams into their own biomass, rich in valuable lipids, proteins and chitin. The latter is an extraordinary raw material, which can also be converted to chitosan, with a range of applications from aerogel to wound dressings. Existing refining processes to isolate this chitin have significant shortcomings as they are inadequate to produce high-quality products and generate significant amounts of waste. To tackle these issues, IP&P and CSCE have developed a cutting-edge, environmentally sustainable biorefinery process for the production of high-quality chitin and chitosan. The objectives of this PhD are twofold: to optimize our biorefinery process, and to gain fundamental understanding of the chemical reactions taking place.
Position:

• This PhD project requires the student to focus on the further development of an innovative biorefinery process for the production of chitin and chitosan. Simultaneously, the student will seek to gain fundamental insight into the chemical reactions taking place during this process;
• You will participate in a multidisciplinary collaboration between the research groups IP&P (Geel) and CSCE (Leuven). Your main workplace will be Campus Geel.
• You will actively work on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in the field of organic and process chemistry;
• You will publish scientific papers related to your research;
• You will receive training (e.g. use of reactors, UPLC-MS, ...) and the opportunity to participate in courses, workshops and conferences;
• You will be expected to take on a limited number of tasks in support of teaching and research activities.

Profile

• You are a highly motivated candidate having an academic master's degree recognized by the EU in one of the following disciplines: chemistry, bioscience engineering, engineering science: chemistry engineering technology: chemistry or related fields;
• You have excellent study results;
• You have a sound knowledge of organic chemistry, organic structure determination and chromatography.
• Experience in design of experiments is a plus;
• You have a strong interest in green chemistry and biorefinery;
• You are hands-on with a creative, critical and analytical attitude;
• You have excellent oral and written English communication skills;
• You are eager to work in an international, multidisciplinary and diverse team;
• You are willing to conduct your research at both the KU Leuven Campus in Geel (your main workplace) and Leuven (Celestijnenlaan, Heverlee);
• You are willing to compete for externally funded research scholarships.

Offer

We are offering a full-time position for a PhD student with a competitive salary for four years, starting on 1 October 2024, or as soon as possible after that date. Our dynamic and multidisciplinary team will provide comprehensive support to help you successfully obtain your PhD degree and pursue a high-quality education at a top university, with excellent teaching and training opportunities. You will work closely with experts from different fields in well-equipped laboratories with state-of-the-art equipment. You will have the opportunity to participate in conferences, build your own network and gain experience in dissemination skills.
Website Research Group for Insect Production and Processing
Website Center for Sustainable Catalysis and Engineering

Interested?

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Mik Van Der Borght, tel.: +32 14 72 13 08, mail: mik.vanderborght@kuleuven.be.

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