Exploring Slags as Carbon Sequestration Medium

31 Jan 2025
Job Information

Organisation/Company

KU Leuven

Research Field

Engineering » Materials engineering

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Belgium

Application Deadline

17 Feb 2025 - 00:00 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

38 hours/week

Offer Starting Date

3 Mar 2025

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by a EU programme

Reference Number

BAP-2025-52

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Metallurgical industries are significant contributors to CO₂ emissions, generating slags that are often poorly valorised. A variety of solutions are being explored, and the option of Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) is likely to remain an essential component of future strategies. In the CR3 Center for Resource Recovery and Recycling project (https://wp.wpi.edu/cr3/ ), we are advancing a transformative approach to decarbonize both the metallurgical and cement industries. Based on existing data demonstrating the proof-of-concept, we continue the research by allocating resources for a PhD thesis.

The objective in the PhD is to conduct investigation into the carbonation process of particular slags as a potential method for CO2 sequestration and its use a potential cement substitute. Building upon the findings from another CR3 project, the PhD aims to explore fundamental aspects of carbonation under ambient temperature and pressure conditions (e.g., in a curing chamber). The storage of CO2 in these slags might open new ways of applications (by forming beneficial phases) or lead to a stabilisation and safer disposal from a geotechnical perspective. Next to that, the ability to immobilize the metal contaminants is of paramount importance obviously and carbonation may assist in doing so. Given the abundance of similar materials in nature, there is significant potential for synthesised slags. This research holds promise for innovative approaches to carbon storage and utilization.

Within the CR3 project, we are offering a full-time PhD position (4-year fellowship) at the Department of Materials Engineering, KU Leuven. We seek a highly motivated and ambitious candidate to work on carbonation of particular slags and phases. The position will be supervised by Prof. Dr. Yiannis Pontikes and Dr. Michiel Giels, based in Leuven, Belgium, a charming historical university town centrally located in western Europe, about 30 km from Brussels.

Where to apply

Website

https://easyapply.jobs/r/Op1A2GO23x2NCOCK5Xr

Requirements

Research Field

Engineering

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Languages

GERMAN

Level

Good

Languages

DUTCH

Level

Good

Research Field

Engineering

Years of Research Experience

None

Additional Information
Benefits

• Work within an international research group focused on valorizing secondary resources for sustainable material development, extending beyond academic research to pilot-plant scale demonstration (https://www.mtm.kuleuven.be/onderzoek/semper/sremat ).
• Actively communicate and discuss project results with industry stakeholders within the CR3 consortium, fostering collaboration and alignment on objectives. Meetings are held both in the United States and Belgium, providing opportunities for global knowledge exchange and networking.
• Participation in an international and interdisciplinary project with a strong network and expertise in residue valorization research.
• Opportunities to combine academic research with pilot-plant efforts.

For more information on conditions, salary, benefits, and more please visit https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/en/phd

KU Leuven is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all talents can thrive, regardless of gender, age, cultural background, nationality, or impairments.

Eligibility criteria

• Master’s degree in materials engineering, chemical engineering, metallurgical engineering, mineralogy, geosciences, or a related field.
• Background in processing and mineralogy.
• Clear motivation and high academic performance.
• Creative, critical, analytical, and innovative mindset.
• Ability to work independently.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
• Willingness to contribute to the research group’s goals.
• Willingness to participate in teaching activities within the Department of Materials Engineering.
• Being open and a team-player is a prerequisite.

Selection process

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Yiannis Pontikes, tel.: +32 16 32 03 92, mail: yiannis.pontikes@kuleuven.be or Mr. Michiel Giels, tel.: +32 16 32 63 76, mail: michiel.giels@kuleuven.be , including CV and a motivation letter.
You can apply for this job no later than 17/02/2025 via the online application tool

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

KU Leuven

Country

Belgium

State/Province

Vlaams Brabant

City

Leuven

Postal Code

3000

Street

Leuven

Geofield

Contact

State/Province

Leuven

City

Vlaams Brabant

Street

Leuven

Postal Code

3000

E-Mail

yiannis.pontikes@kuleuven.be

STATUS: EXPIRED

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