Job offer

1. Preliminary modelling and theoretical evaluation of the proposed processing stages membrane in terms of: ammonia recovery, management of process wastes, water recovery, energy consumption, opex and capex estimations.
2. Experimental evaluation (lab scale) of the different technologies (steps in the processing scheme) to achieve the NH3 with the quality to be used in cracking systems.
3. Generation of high-quality experimental data for scientific publications, model validation and eventually collaboration with the partners developing digital twins within the project.
4. Collaboration in the design and operation of the pilot to be tested on-site, generation of data and technoeconomic analysis of the results.
5. Dissemination of the PhD’s results in conferences and high rank international scientific journals.

We are looking for a motivated PhD student to develop HARMONI will develop a systemic solution to enable the integration of HTPIs into the green energy grid as intelligent energy hubs, with a primary focus on Cement Plants. This dynamic solution is designed to cope with the fluctuations of the energy inputs by efficiently converting intermittent RES into the stable, high-temperature heat required for cement production. The PhD will be developed within the framework of the PILAR II: GLOBAL CHALLENGES &EUROPEAN INDUSTRIAL COMPETITIVENESS, CLUSTER 4: DIGITAL, INDUSTRY AND SPACE ((HORIZON-101294365-HARMONI). HARMONI builds upon an existing symbiosis between cement manufaturer, CEMEX, and wastewater treatment provider ADA. Currently, sludge generated by ADA is dried at CEMEX using waste heat, and the dried sludge is subsequently used as fuel in CEMEX’s clinker process, leaving behind an ammonium rich effluent. HARMONI will demonstrate a process to recover NH3 from this effluent as an energy, Master Degree or equivalent, Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field Engineering » Industrial engineering

Education Level Master Degree or equivalent, * An outstanding MSc degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Environmental Engineering or Mechanical Engineering

• Data mining, analysis, visualization and programming skills are highly valued
• Research experience on ion exchange, sorption, membrane processes and/or thermodynamic processes are highly valued
• Interest for technological developments, modelling efforts and building laboratory prototypes
• An integrative and cooperative personality with excellent communication and social skills
• Fluency in English - written and oral

Languages ENGLISH

Level Good

Languages SPANISH

Level Good

Research Field Engineering » Chemical engineeringEngineering » Materials engineeringChemistry » Applied chemistry

Years of Research Experience 1 - 4, MSc degree (or equivalent) in Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, or a related discipline.

The degree must qualify the applicant for admission to a doctoral programme at the host university.

Strong academic record.

Demonstrated interest in the research topic.

Good written and spoken English (minimum B2 or equivalent).

Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary and international team.

Selection process

Selection criteria; Applications will be evaluated based on:

Academic excellence

Relevance of previous research experience

Motivation and fit with the project, i) Letter of Motivation, in English, covering the following aspects: reasons for applying to the PhD position, skills and abilities that make the applicant a good candidate, motivations to carry out research abroad, professional interests and expectations. Maximum one page.

ii) Curriculum Vitae, in English, detailing academic studies, professional career, publications and other relevant achievements;

iii) Copy of academic qualification(s) - original and translated to English - clearly stating the name of the University issuing the degree, the date of graduation, the final score; copies of official transcripts (marksheets) of academic courses attended to obtain each degree (BSc, MSc or equivalent) - in original language and translated in English - and corresponding Grade Point Average; any other document considered useful (e.g., University Diploma Supplement) to assess the eligibility of the University Degree - in original language and translated in English

iv) Max two Reference Letters, in English, printed on letterhead and duly signed

the candidate will benefit from a salary comparatively higher than those offered to PhD candidates in Spain. However, salary will be negotiated on individual qualifications and experience basis., Contract: Employment contract from Barcelona TECH UPC for a full-time position of postdoc researcher for 36 months, with a monthly salary to be negotiated based on experience).

dense renewable carrier. To overcome traditional NH3 combustion challenges, HARMONI will develop technologies for the dynamic on-site cracking of NH3 to produce a tailored ammonia-hydrogen (NH3-H2) fuel blend with superior combustion properties. Novel cracking and combustions solutions will be integrated via a data-driven, AI-enabled site optimiser system. This first of a kind solution will simultaneously decarbonise industrial heat, and couple significant thermal energy demands to the electricity grid, leading to valuable grid balancing services.