EngD Sustainable Process Design: WBG Groningen – Reduction of carbon footprint
Apply nowEngD Sustainable Process Design: WBG Groningen – Reduction of carbon footprint
The University of Groningen is committed to strengthening the Northern Netherlands by addressing modern challenges such as energy transition and sustainability. The Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) contributes to this mission by training skilled professionals through our new EngD programme in Sustainable Process Design. This 2-year post-master design programme, closely collaborating with local companies, focuses on the direct needs of the industry.
EngD Sustainable Process Design: WBG Groningen – Reduction of carbon footprint
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What are you going to do?
The Engineering and Technology Institute Groningen (ENTEG-part of the FSE) of the University of Groningen is offering a fully funded 2-year position to Master graduates leading to the award of an EngD (Engineering Doctorate) degree. The EngD programme includes specialized EngD and professionalization courses at the University of Groningen and a design project which will be performed at Waterbedrijf Groningen and the University of Groningen. The position offered is in the context of the project Waterbedrijf Groningen (WBG)/Water Company Groningen-Reduction of carbon footprint of drinking water production plants. The appointment is for two years starting in January 2026.
The Waterbedrijf Groningen is a Dutch water company that supplies drinking water to the inhabitants of the province of Groningen and some inhabitants of the province of Drenthe in the municipality of Tynaarlo. The company was formed in 1998 and is a non-profit organization. Every year, 47 billion liters of water are supplied to 270,000 connection points. The total length of the distribution network is approximately 5.600 kilometers. In addition to drinking water, WBG also produces and supplies industrial water to big companies of Northern Dutch region.
Release of carbon dioxide and methane from the five groundwater purification plants is the largest contributor to the carbon footprint of Waterbedrijf Groningen. WBG has the ambition to reduce this footprint.
The EngD project will focus on the investigation of the most sustainable method to reduce the carbon footprint of the groundwater purification process through a techno economic evaluation of the possible options. This includes possible downstream processing and options for commercializing the captured greenhouse gases. The evaluation is followed by a functional design of the most suitable technology, which can be used for detailed engineering and construction of the solution.
The project will be executed at the University of Groningen (Zernike campus) and at Water Company Groningen.
Who are you?
We are looking for candidates who meet the following requirements:
– Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering (or related).
– Excellent marks on the Master diploma.
– Highly command of English language (verbally and written).
– B1 level Dutch is an explicit plus as the primary working language at Waterbedrijf Groningen is Dutch.
– Driver’s license B is a plus.
Applicants whose first language is not English must submit evidence of competency in English, please see University of Groningen’s English Language Requirements for details.
In addition to the selection criteria, the following personal competences/skills are important:
– Highly motivated towards the project and EngD programme.
– Creative, design, practical and analytical skills.
– Team player.
– Advanced technical knowledge.
– Background/interest in sustainability and process design.
– Knowledge of water purification processes for drinking water production.
– bility to work in an international team and collaborate with different levels of companies’ employees in a professional way.
You feel responsible for your EngD project and can work in sociable autonomy. Your proactive attitude enables you to identify bottlenecks and to approach them in a positive, problem-solving manner. You have strong communication skills and know how to get things done.
What can you expect from us?
- 232 vacation hours per year, based on a 38-hour workweek (1.0 FTE). You can also work more or fewer hours in exchange for more or fewer free hours. For example, with a 40-hour workweek, you save 96 extra free hours, and with a 36-hour workweek, you lose 96 hours.
- End-of-year bonus of 8.3% and 8% holiday allowance.
- Extensive opportunities for personal and professional development.
- Contract duration: First, you will get a temporary fulltime (1.0 FTE) position of one year with the option of renewal for another year; extension of the contract is contingent on sufficient progress in the first year with a gross monthly salary of € 3,029 per month (salary scale TOIO) for a 2-year full-time position. Preferred start date: 1 of January 2026
Where will you be working?
At the University of Groningen (RUG), researchers across all branches of science and technology work on scientific challenges and societal issues. Lecturers train their students for meaningful careers in science or beyond. Interdisciplinary research and education, knowledge sharing, and collaboration with companies, government institutions, and societal organizations are highly valued at this top 100 university. RUG aims to be an open academic community with an inclusive and safe working environment that invites you to contribute your value.
The Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) provides teaching and research across a wide range of disciplines, from physics and biology to artificial intelligence, mechanical engineering, and pharmacy. In close collaboration with partners from industry, healthcare, and society, we contribute to the urgent challenges of our time, such as energy, sustainability, digitization, and medical technology. Our community is open and informal, with more than 7,000 students, 1,000 PhD students, and 1,400 staff members from all over the world. If you would like to learn more about the Faculty of Science and Engineering, visit rug.nl/fse.
The University of Groningen (UG) is a research university with a global outlook, but deeply rooted in Groningen, City of Talent. Quality has been a top priority for over four hundred years, and with success: the university is currently in the top 100 of several influential ranking lists.
The Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) offers education and research in a wide range of science disciplines, from traditional disciplines such as physics and biology to interdisciplinary disciplines such as artificial intelligence, industrial engineering and management. The FSE is one of the largest faculties of the UG, home to 14 BSc programmes and 27 MSc programmes. Within the FSE, the Graduate School of Science and Engineering (GSSE) is responsible for hosting the faculty’s 1200 or more PhD candidates and the new EngD trainees, the majority of whom are from abroad.
Application procedure
After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation by email.
The selection committee assesses your application and you will receive a response at the latest two weeks after the closing date.
We would like to get to know each other better in a first interview, which can take place either online or on location.
We may schedule a second interview with you. Depending on the position, this interview can be complemented with an assessment or guest lecture.
After a positive interview, we will discuss the terms of employment together. When everything is completed, we are happy to welcome you at the University of Groningen!
Interested?
Does this sound like a challenge that suits you? Then apply immediately!
Do you meet our qualification criteria? If yes, you’re requested to upload the following documents:
– Motivation letter in which you indicate why you would like to work on that particular project and why you would like to start the EngD programme.
– Curriculum Vitae (CV) with passport photo.
– Proof of English proficiency.
– Master certificate with grades and courses taken (translated by the certification institute).
– Course descriptions of the Master programme of the certification institute (University) with links to the course descriptions.
– Detailed summary of the Master’s thesis.
– Two letters of recommendation from academic staff or from the last supervisor(s). The letter can be scanned and sent together with all other application documents.
Do you have any questions or need more information?
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Questions about the content of the job?
Konstanze Gier
External Collaboration Coordinator
K.Gier@rug.nl -
Questions about your application process?
Konstanze Gier
External Collaboration Coordinator
K.Gier@rug.nl
Information about applying
When scheduling meetings, we will take your schedule into account as much as possible.
The University of Groningen considers social safety important. We strive to be a university where staff and students feel respected and at home, regardless of differences in background, experiences, perspectives, and identity. For more information, see also our page about our diversity policy.
Acquisition is not appreciated.
Our selection procedure follows the guidelines of the NVP application code
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