Postgraduate research position: Valourisation of fruit processing residues into high-value products.

Location: Department of Chemical Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch Degree level: Full-time, research-based Masters degree in Chemical Engineering An opportunity is available for scholarship-funded postgraduate research in Chemical Engineering at Masters level, focused on the assessment of processing methods for citrus fruit residues into valuable organic chemicals, biomaterials and/or bioenergy. Compositional analysis of the available residues will be combined with simulations of alternative process/product options to identify those that are technically and financially most attractive as investment opportunities. These aforementioned postgraduate project falls within the Bioresource Engineering research group at the Department of Chemical Engineering, Stellenbosch University. This research group has broad and in-depth collaborations within the local agroprocessing, based on meaningful expertise with a range of chemical, biochemical and microbial processing methods for plant biomass materials, to ensure that the research approaches and outputs remain relevant to industrial practice. Successful postgraduate candidates will be exposed to a network of industry participants, which hold the promise of future career development. Successful candidates will be offered a minimum bursary of ZAR150 000 per year of study, for two years of Masters studies, and can start postgraduate work either July 2024 or January 2025. Requirements to apply: Applicants for the Masters must have good academic record (preferably with a course aggregate of >65%) and hold a bachelors degree in Chemical Engineering from an accredited tertiary institution. Candidates with BTech, diploma or advanced diploma qualifications will not be considered for these positions. Previous experience in bioprocess development and/or biomass processing will be a definite advantage but is not required. Preference will be given to South African citizens and permanent residents who display academic excellence. Application documents: Interested candidates should provide a cover letter, CV, complete academic transcripts, and contact details of at least three academic references. All documents should be merged into a single PDF and attached to the application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications can be sent to Prof. JF Gorgens at jgorgenssun.ac.za. Stellenbosch University reserves the right not to fill the position.

Location: Stellenbosch, ZA

Posted Date: 4/6/2024