PHD POSITION NANOSTRUCTURING THE SURFACE OF POROUS TITANIUM 3D STRUCTURES.
Mol
PhD
Description:
Within the last decade, porous metals have found their way into many industrial applications. This has been enabled among others by the recent progress made in 3D printing and other additive manufacturing technologies. Biomedical implants for bone replacement, structured catalyst architectures previously impossible to manufacture and a variety of highly designed industrial parts are just some examples.
In order to really benefit from the freedom of design, both the structural architecture and the surface characteristics of the 3D material need to be tuned towards the requirements set for a specific application. The interaction of a fluid or a gas within the porous material occurs at its surface and is typically governed by the combination of the chemical nature, morphology, porosity and roughness of the surface. As such, they are of primordial importance for the final performance of the materials.
The progress in manufacturing porous metals and the trend towards finer feature sizes of the porous architecture necessitate the development of new ways to change the surface of the porous material. One example of an alternative approach for the conventional wash- or dipcoating could be a chemical treatment like e.g. an alkali treatment. Depending on the process parameters, a wide variety of titanates with different surface morphologies can be formed by reaction with e.g. the titanium metal.
As such, this PhD project will explore innovative approaches for tuning the surface characteristics on porous titanium parts which are manufactured by an in-house developed3D micro-extrusion process.
VITO is a a leading European independent research in the areas of cleantech and sustainable development. Its research programme ‘Sustainable Materials Management’ has the ambition to accelerate the transition to a more circular economy from a materials perspective. One of our core research activities is the development of technologies for shaping powders into added value products (granulates, microspheres, 3D-structures, foams,…) for use in different industrial applications, like separation of valuable compounds, advanced catalyst materials and energy storage. Recently we invested in our technology platform to broaden the range of material compositions and architectures. The use of flow reactors for chemical applications has become a fast growing area for a wide range of reaction types. The control over fluid dynamics is outstanding in microreactors enabling the construction of highly precise controlled architectures such as spherical particles. As a post-doctoral fellow you will take an important role in the implementation of the technology for the development of uniformly shaped (hybrid) ceramic particles. The key challenges for material synthesis using a droplet micro reactor are the chemistry of the starting composition and the optimisation of the flow conditions. Particullary of interest is the use of sol-gel based systems, since they allow the synthesis of micro sized particles (1-100 µm). Flow environments (time, flow rate, pH, temperature) and junction size are the main parameters to control the droplet size and the synthesis chemistry of the final particles. In our two year post-doctoral research project we will focus on the development of novel material concepts for metal scavengers and chromatography. A well equipped lab is available for the full material characterization.
The Waste Recycling Technologies (ART) team of VITO is looking for a creative and motivated researcher to pioneer the field of “Data Science” in the field of sensor based characterisation and sorting.
As a post-doc researcher you will be part of an experienced and well-equipped research team aiming to develop advanced sorting and recycling techniques . Our team provides a clear view on how to recover resources for both industry and government. Using innovative approaches and a thorough knowledge, we strive towards a sustainable transformation of waste into high-quality products which contribute to the circular economy.
The research will focus on the development of state-of-the-art algorithms in the field of sensor based sorting through image processing, object recognition and machine learning. The algorithms will be used to quantitatively describe waste streams (metal scrap, batteries, MSWI-bottom ashes). VITO believes that through artificial intelligence and data mining, novel technologies can be developed that allow a breakthrough in the waste processing industry. The algorithms will be applied to data generated by a novel multi-sensor line scanner device (so-called ‘Characterise-to-Sort’). The prototype available at VITO consists of a conveyer belt currently equipped with dual energy X-ray transmission, 3D laser triangulation and RGB sensors.
With its research programme “Health” VITO strives to support the societal transitions to a more preventative health system. Aiming at translating health-related research even better into solutions for the medical world and policy, we would like to further enhance our expertise in molecular research by innovating in the field of data science, analytics and biomarker research. In order to achieve this, we are looking for a new colleague with omics data science expertise to strengthen our team.
As an R&D professional, you will work closely with the team on data science projects, focussing on omics data. You will be responsible for the systems biology approach by developing and using data science and bioinformatics algorithms, beyond the state of the art. Integration of classical bioinformatics techniques with machine learning and 'big data' techniques is one of the challenges.
You will work closely with the project manager, your colleagues in the project team and the client in order to determine their needs and to define client-oriented solutions within agreed time limits and budget restrictions. You will translate research results into usable advice for colleagues and the client.
You will inspire others by making the possibilities of a systems biology approach very tangible for team members within their domain.
You will take the initiative for incorporating the systems biology approach in research proposals, in consultation with management and team members.
You will present research and project results at (inter)national forums and ensure that knowledge is being transferred to team members.
You will expand your network further on an international level with research and valorisation partners with a view to exploring new opportunities for VITO in the field of preventive health.
The unit Separation- and Conversion Technology (SCT) in VITO develops technologies for the sustainability of production processes in the (bio)chemical sector, replacement of fossil resources by renewable resources as feedstock for the chemical industry, and the treatment of waste streams into high value chemicals.
The synthesis of (semi)aromatic polymers derived from renewable resources is currently attracting tremendous interest from both academia and industry, as aromatic compounds are key intermediates in the manufacture of polymers and chemicals.
VITO is co-initiator of Biorizon, an industry driven Shared Research Center, focusing on technology development for the production of functionalized biobased aromatics for performance materials, chemicals & coatings. As the leading institute, VITO coordinates the development of lignin derived bio-aromatics by its own technology and by collaboration with different technology providers. Lignin is the main source of aromatic bio-based molecules. Various phenols derivatives with a variety of chemical structures can be obtained from lignin deconstruction combined with advanced membrane separation techniques.
VITO has developed a strong expertise in the valorization of biomass through conversion of lignocellulose into value-added lignin fragments and bio-aromatic derivatives. More recently, VITO has also started to develop IP and to demonstrate how these new building blocks could be polymerized into value-added products. Depending on the bio-aromatic substrates obtained from the lignin separation processes, different chemical modifications and polymerization pathways are envisaged and developed, leading to (semi)aromatic polymers that could potentially cover a wide range of industrial applications.
We are looking to recruit one PhD graduate for a 2 years postdoctoral position to work in our lignin-derived polymers program. The work will focus on two aspects:
Synthesis of polymerizable synthons derived from lignin;
Design/characterization of lignin-derived biopolymers such as polyurethanes.
Location
Main location will be the Green Chemistry Campus in Bergen-op-Zoom, The Netherlands with regular trips to VITO’s headquarters in Mol, Belgium
DATA SCIENTIST ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR RECYCLING
Mol
R&D & Engineering
Description:
VITO has clear ambitions to further strengthen its research programme ‘Sustainable Materials Management’. We strive towards a more circular economy by developing zero-waste solutions to sustainably transform residues into resources and products.
To strengthen our research we are looking for a creative and motivated scientist or engineer to develop a VITO recycling technology based an artificial intelligence and sensor data.
As R&D professional you will be part of an experienced and well-equipped research team aiming to develop advanced sorting and recycling technologies.
The research will focus on the development of software and state-of-the-art algorithms in the field of sensor based sorting through image processing, object recognition and machine learning.
More specifically, you will develop object recognition models based on images from different types of sensors (x-ray, 3D and color).
In this development, the focus is on image pre-processing techniques such as image registration (alignment), image segmentation, image quality improvement and on deep learning models for classification.
An important aspect is to optimize the computational efficiency by making use of GPU-based algorithms.
You will integrate the models into a software framework that streamlines the process of data acquisition, model training and result visualization, which are applied to specific material streams (residues) from various industrial customers.
VITO believes that through artificial intelligence and data mining, novel technologies can be developed that allow a breakthrough in the waste processing and valorization industry. The algorithms will be applied to data generated by a novel multi-sensor line scanner device (so-called ‘Characterise-to-Sort’). The prototype available at VITO consists of a conveyer belt currently equipped with dual energy X-ray transmission, 3D laser triangulation and RGB sensors.
The VITO Data Science Hub designs, develops, tests and valorises data-intensive algorithms to improve sustainability in the areas of Energy, Materials, Chemistry, Health and Land Use. It holds a horizontal structure and operates on corporate level. This hub focuses on:
Strategy development for data science on corporate level
Multidisciplinary data-intensive projects
Supporting and coaching staff in relation to machine learning and automated data analysis
Helping to develop reusable software and working to raise the TRL (technology readiness level)
THE ROLE
You focus on designing and developing reusable software in which data science takes a central role
You work together with 5 colleagues
You advise staff from various VITO departments regarding the use of data science techniques
You participate in educating, training and coaching staff within our various VITO units
You broaden your knowledge and expertise, and remain up-to-date regarding the new developments and the data science community
You publish research results (in collaboration with PhD students) and present at international fora
You play an active part in drawing up research proposals and acquiring new projects
You help to identify new IP opportunities and valorisation initiatives
The VITO Data Science Hub designs, develops, tests and valorises data-intensive algorithms to improve sustainability in the areas of Energy, Materials, Chemistry, Health and Land Use. It’s a horizontal structure at corporate level. The Hub focuses on: • Strategy formation of data science activities at corporate level • Multidisciplinary data-intensive projects • Support and coaching of employees with regard to high-performance computing, machine learning and automated data analysis • The co-development of reusable knowledge and software and increasing the TRL (technology readiness level)
THE ROLE
You focus on opening up, harmonising and coordinating the use of available computing power at VITO in accordance with data-intensive research questions and AI applications in consultation with the data science infrastructure architect.
You will supervise and support employees within the various VITO departments with the implementation and optimisation of computationally intensive algorithms on the available computing infrastructure (GPU servers and computing clusters), both within and outside VITO.
You will design, develop and maintain qualitative and reusable AI software components to support data-intensive research and AI applications.
You will expand your knowledge and expertise and follow the trends within the deep learning, data science and distributed computing community, and experiment with new technologies to assess their potential for VITO.
You will work together with 5 colleagues within the Data Science Hub and will be prepared to further expand data science integration within VITO.
You will help organise training, education and coaching of the employees within the various VITO departments.
VITO is a leading European independent research and consultancy centre in the areas of cleantech and sustainable development. Its research programme ‘Sustainable Materials Management’ has the ambition to accelerate the transition to a more circular economy from am aterials perspective. One of our core research activities is the development of technologies for shaping materials into added value products for use in different industrial applications, like separation and recovery of valuable materials, advanced catalyst materials and energy storage.
Sol-gel chemistry covers the synthesis of materials (eg metal oxides) from solution-state precursors. This enables a variety in structure and composition of the solid product. Recent trends indicate an increase in the use of sol-gel chemistry for the development of nanoscale powders to be used as catalyst materials or supports functionalised separation beads. As a post-doctoral research fellow you will take an important role in the development of this rapidly evolving research track.
VITO has unique expertise in the shaping of powders using 3D-printing and microsphere production.
In this 2 year post-doctoral research project we aim to further develop specific sol-gel synthesis routes for metal oxides to be implemented in these innovative shaping technologies.
More specifically the chemistry of the sol-gel reaction will be tuned to optimize the kinetics towards our droplet coagulation or micro-reactor process. The aim is to control the architecture and composition of the microsphere;
Also novel sol-gel strategies for the solidification of the precursors during the 3D-printing process will be investigated;
An important aspect during this project is taking into account the scale-up of the process to relevant quantities for further testing in the various application under investigation.
As a researcher, you will contribute to the Flemish, European and international environmental policy relating to air quality.
You develop models that simulate and predict the presence of pollutants in the atmosphere. These models will be used to support the environmental policy of Flemish and foreign authorities and the industry. Urban air quality is a focus area of the team.
You are responsible for analysing model results and reporting to the client or the end user. Processing of (large) data sets therefore plays an important role.
You integrate your knowledge and expertise in collaborative projects with your fellow researchers, report the results of these and publish them in academic journals.
We are looking for a consultant with strong research skills to reinforce the energy market team. As an expert on energy markets and networks, you will be involved in a number of projects with the goal of designing a low carbon energy system. You will be in charge of acquiring new projects and writing proposals. You will be responsible for management of a task within your expertise. Topics include, but are not limited to market design (from futures to day-ahead to real time markets), local energy communities, emerging roles and tasks in the energy sector, business models for integration of flexibility in the electricity networks, and disruptive technologies in the energy sector. In your work, you will often be considering viewpoints of different stakeholders, and take into account technical, economic and regulatory aspects of the problem. You will be based in VITO/EnergyVille in Thor Park Genk.
As an expert on energy markets and networks, you will
Be involved as an expert on several international and national projects.
Identify challenges of different stakeholders in the energy markets.
Propose solutions to overcome the challenges faced by different stakeholders in the energy landscape.
Advise the relevant stakeholders based on your research findings.
Take the lead in writing offers to tenders and project proposals.
Manage tasks and projects related to your area of expertise.
Transfer your knowledge to more junior team members.
