We invite applications for a postdoctoral researcher position on sustainability assessment of lignin-based products. The researcher will work in a research project within the framework of the Chemelot InScITe LIBERATE project. Chemelot InSciTe is a research and technical validation institute. Within the biobased program, the LIBERATE project aims to realize the first pilot scale plant for the so-called 'lignin-first' approach, a novel route to produce not only cellulose, but also an aromatic oil directly from woody biomass. These fractions can serve as a feedstock for many fuels and chemicals and will be evaluated by interested third parties. Parallel to these R&D activities, an depth techno-economic and sustainability assessment will be made. The project partners are TU Eindhoven, Vertoro and Maastricht University. The project partners also seek collaboration with other public and private partners to establish new value chains for lignin-based products.

The postdoctoral researcher will be employed by Maastricht University. The successful candidate will be responsible for the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and further sustainability assessment of lignin-based products. She/he will be in the lead for the work package on sustainability of the LIBERATE project. This work package includes LCA studies, techno-economic analysis, multi-objective optimization, on economic, environmental and social parameters, and global value chain analysis. Activities of the postdoctoral researcher include the advancement of methods for LCA and sustainability assessment of biobased products. She/he will be a lead contributor to peer reviewed publications, technical reports, conference proceedings and in-depth interactions with research and industrial partners on this topic. In addition, the postdoctoral researcher will take responsibility for some managerial and teaching activities within the research group Sustainability of Materials.

The successful candidate will work in the research group Sustainability of Materials of the Aachen-Maastricht Institute for Biobased Materials. The mission of the research team is to provide suitable instruments and sustainability impact assessments to guide the transition from a fossil-based economy to a biobased economy. It is a relatively young international team of sustainability experts with various backgrounds. In addition to the scientific challenges, this position offers the opportunity to build an international academic and professional network in the field of sustainability of biobased products and to gain experience in management, teaching as well as supervision of students and PhDs.

Our ideal candidate:

• has a PhD degree in chemistry, chemical engineering or a related field within the past 5 years, with experience in environmental impact assessment, preferably Life Cycle Assessment;

• has an excellent background in biobased chemicals/materials and sustainability assessment;

• has excellent interpersonal skills to effectively and closely work with scientific team members, project team members, PhDs and BSc/MSc students;

• has proven experience with publishing scientific work in refereed international scientific journals;

• has outstanding oral and written communication skills in English;

• has demonstrated ability to work efficiently and independently;

Fixed-term contract: 1 jaar.

• The postdoctoral appointment will be for 15 months with the possibility to extend the contract after this period;

• The salary is competitive, and will be set in scale 10 or 11 of the collective labour agreement of the Dutch Universities (expected minimum € 2.709,- and maximum € 4.978) for a full-time job (38 hours/week), depending on qualifications and work experience. In addition, there is an 8% holiday and 8.3% year-end allowance;

• We offer an attractive package of fringe benefits such as, reduction on collective health insurance, substantial leave arrangements, parental leave packages, attractive retirement benefits and application for attractive fiscal arrangements for employees from abroad;

• We offer you a stimulating working environment with excellent facilities for professional and personal development;

• Our international network has researchers coming from a variety of disciplines, but we are an academic community linked by a biobased materials value chain approach. We provide you with a collaborative, entrepreneurial research environment with innovative and cross-disciplinary research;

• The position is embedded in a lively and creative working environment at the Brightlands Chemelot Campus in Geleen;

• The terms of employment of Maastricht University are set out in the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities (CAO), supplement with local UM provisions. For more information on terms of employment, please visit our website www.maastrichtuniversity.nl > Support > UM employees.

Maastricht University

Maastricht University is renowned for its unique, innovative, problem-based learning system, which is characterized by a small-scale and student-oriented approach. Research at UM is characterized by a multidisciplinary and thematic approach, and is concentrated in research institutes and schools. Maastricht University has around 18,000 students and 4,300 employees. Reflecting the university's strong international profile, a fair amount of both students and staff are from abroad. The university hosts 6 faculties: Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Faculty of Law, School of Business and Economics, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience.

https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/research/school-oncology-and-developmental-biology

AMIBM

Maastricht University and RWTH Aachen University have established a European cross-border research institute focusing on the development of advanced biobased materials: the Aachen-Maastricht Institute for Biobased Materials (AMIBM). AMIBM is located on the Brightlands-Chemelot Campus in the Netherlands, Province of Limburg, and strives for excellence in applied and translational research by creating synergies between academia and industry. AMIBM offers a unique approach covering the entire biobased materials value chain, including raw materials (feedstock), building blocks, polymers (materials) and the end products derived from them (applications) and sustainability evaluations over the whole value chain.