A PhD position is available within the project “Model based Monitoring of Bio-Processing Plants” at Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering – CAPEC-PROCESS research centre, Denmark.
Department: This PhD position is available in connection with the strategic research center BIOPRO2 which is funded by InnovationsFonden. DTU Chemical engineering is coordination the center which included Novo Nordisk, Novozymes, Dong Energy, CP Kelco and Chr. Hansen as industrial partners as well as other research departments at DTU and Copenhagen University). The BIOPRO2 center aims at develop and optimize knowledge based bio-based production industries at the plant level.
To facilitate continuous optimization of the operation in biological production processes better control and monitoring strategies needs to be implemented. Such strategies should explicitly utilize advanced measurements tools and chemometric methods as well as the process understanding from fundamental models and from the knowledge base within the engineering departments of the production companies. The target is both the biological process which is at the heart of the production line and the downstream processing steps which results in the final product. Understanding the dynamic interconnections between these steps is essential to obtain smooth operation and reduce the cost of operation in terms of energy, water and other resources. This effort implies that the control of the whole production line needs to be considered as well as the individual processing steps. Case studies will be developed in collaboration with the partner companies for development and validation.
Project: This PhD project will develop new and improved technology for process monitoring of industrial processes with specific focus on pushing research results into working applications. The aim is a framework which systematically utilizes all available information from measurements (online, ad-line and offline) and through soft-sensors and chemometric methods in combination with first principle process models. This effort will involve bringing many developing technologies into one unified framework.
The project will include the following activities:
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Literature survey of monitoring of biochemical production facilities
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Modelling and dynamic simulation of a full biochemical production line
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Analyse different sources of online, ad line and offline measurement and diagnostic technologies in relation to real time monitoring in an industrial context.
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Develop a framework for model based monitoring which effectively utilize all available information
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Test novel findings and strategies in collaboration with industry.
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Disseminate and communicate results for industry and academia.
Qualifications
Candidates should have a master’s degree in chemical and biochemical engineering or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to the master’s degree in engineering. Beside a strong commitment for research, the PhD student should preferably have experience with in process modeling of chemical and biochemical systems, simulation, control and statistical data analysis as well as experience with programming. Proficiency of spoken and written English is required as well as good communication and self management skills.
Approval and Enrolment
The scholarships for the PhD degree are subject to academic approval and the candidates will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes of DTU. For information about the general requirements for enrolment and the general planning of the scholarship studies, please see the DTU PhD Guide.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Associate Professor Jakob Kjøbsted Huusom, tel: +45 4525 2801, e-mailjkh@kt.dtu.dk.
You can read more about DTU Chemical Engineering here.
Deadline: May 13, 2015
Application
Applications must be submitted as one pdf filecontaining all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link “Apply online,” fill in the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one pdf file. The file must include:
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A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
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Curriculum vitae
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Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (an official translation into English)
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Excel sheet with translation of grades to the Danish grading system (see guidelines and excel spreadsheet here)
Candidates may apply prior to obtaining their master’s degree, but cannot begin before having received it.
Apply online: