At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct innovative research in process systems engineering for net zero polymer manufacturing.
- Company: Join Newcastle University and collaborate with Victrex, a leader in high-performance polymers.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, access to real industrial data, and a chance to make a significant impact.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth and collaboration in a dynamic research environment.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of decarbonisation efforts in the polymer industry and drive sustainable change.
- Qualifications: Must have a minimum 2:1 Honours degree in Engineering or a related field.
The predicted salary is between 19350 - 23650 £ per year.
Polymer manufacturing is highly energy intensive, and achieving net zero requires more than fuel switching. This project focuses on process systems engineering for industrial decarbonisation, specifically reducing intrinsic energy demand in polymer production through process redesign, integration, and intensification. The project is conducted in collaboration with Victrex, a global leader in high-performance polymers, and is based at Newcastle University within the EPSRC CDT in Process Industries: Net Zero (PINZ).
Project Aim
- To develop quantitative process systems engineering methods and models to identify, evaluate, and enable step-change reductions in energy consumption in industrial polymer manufacturing through system-level process redesign.
Core Research Focus
- Construct high-resolution energy and mass balance models of industrial polymer processes
- Identify key sources of thermodynamic and operational inefficiency
- Quantify opportunities for heat integration, energy recovery, and process optimisation
- Develop and evaluate alternative process configurations and plant architectures
- Investigate process intensification and advanced separations for reduced-energy operation
- Assess techno-economic trade-offs: energy vs cost vs operability vs scalability
Industrial Collaboration (Victrex)
You will work closely with Victrex engineering teams, including access to the Hillhouse manufacturing site. This provides exposure to:
- Real industrial process data
- Large-scale polymer production systems
- Operational constraints and engineering decision-making
- Direct pathways for translation of research into industrial practice
Eligibility Criteria
You must have, or expect to gain, a minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a subject relevant to the proposed PhD project. Due to the nature of this project, the candidate should have a strong background in Engineering, especially chemical engineering or another closely related engineering subject. Enthusiasm for research, the ability to think and work independently, excellent analytical skills and strong verbal and written communication skills are also essential requirements.
Contact Details
General enquiries: pinz.cdt@ncl.ac.uk
PhD Studentship - Process Industries: Net Zero - Process Systems Engineering for Net Zero Polym[...] in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Emerging Scholars Council
Newcastle University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant academic environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a strong commitment to research excellence and professional development, employees benefit from access to cutting-edge resources and opportunities for growth in the field of implementation science. Located in a dynamic city known for its rich cultural heritage and supportive community, Newcastle University provides a unique setting for meaningful and impactful work.
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