The University of Aruba, in collaboration with KU Leuven (Belgium), and facilitated with funding from the European Development Fund (EDF), is seeking to expand its research and teaching capacity in bio-environmental engineering, technology, engineering, informatics, and data sciences. In 2019 the curriculum of the new academic bachelor in sciences, technology, and engineering and mathematics (STEM) opened its doors and will graduate its first bachelor's in 2022. This three-year program consists of a 180 European credits program with a focus on sustainable development in small island states. A 90 credit master program will start in 2022. For this new STEM sciences program, the University of Aruba and the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Leuven are currently looking for an outstanding:
JUNIOR RESEARCHER (1,0 fte)
The research will study the development of a model for optimization of the thermal valorization of indigenous fuel in Aruba including fluid mechanics, heat- and mass transfer and thermodynamics. The small island states are largely dependent on fossil fuels for their energy production. Furthermore, their economies heavily rely on import and tourism, amongst others resulting in a high energy and material consumption per capita. In the light of climate change, resource depletion and the dependency on other countries, this is not a sustainable situation. Therefore, this PhD project will focus on the use of indigenous fuels, which are locally abundant calorific materials, for energy production. However, indigenous fuels have often lower caloric values and are chemically and physically more heterogeneous than fossil fuels, making their thermal valorization more complex. Therefore, the aim of this PhD is to develop a process model, including fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer and thermodynamics to simulate and optimize the thermal valorization of indigenous fuels. With this model, the influence of different process parameters, such as air flow rate, conversion temperature, etc. can be studied to give physical insights in the thermal conversion process, allowing to increase its efficiency and control formation of pollutants.
We are looking for a highly motivated and scientifically excellent candidate in mechanical engineering with a problem-solving attitude to work in a collegial environment pervaded with intellectual rigor. Strong communication skills complemented with innovative and analytical thinking are important assets. Applicants must hold a MSc in a related field including Engineering Technology or Mechanical Engineering of an accredited university, have an affinity with sustainable development through sciences and engineering, and have an ambition to contribute to sustainable development. Familiarity with or shown interest in the challenges of small island states would be considered an asset, but is not obligatory. Eligible candidates should at least have a Master's degree with distinction or a Master's degree with a scientific publication in an international peer-reviewed journal. The individual we are looking for will spend time at the University of Aruba and at the Department of Mechanical Engineering of the KU Leuven in Belgium. The successful applicant is expected to assist with teaching and mentoring of Bachelor students, and therefore should be fluent in English.
Candidates will be registered as research students of KU Leuven and receive excellent educational training and coaching as well as research training and supervision by both KU Leuven (Department of Mechanical Engineering: https://www.mech.kuleuven.be/en) and the University of Aruba (https://www.ua.aw/sisstem/). The University of Aruba will offer you an exciting new opportunity for a four-year contract, on the condition that the research proposal is approved in the first year. The contract provides an attractive benefits package including APFA pension, additional health insurance, and a competitive wage. After successful completion of the PhD program, junior researchers are eligible for senior academic positions in the program.
Interested?Submit through the Apply button on the right your motivation letter (max. 1 page), resume (max. 2 pages), a scientific achievements track-record (max. 2 pages), PDF-scans of your diplomas and transcripts of academic records, and attestation of the level of English, and three names of referees.
If you need further information regarding the position, please contact us at stem@ua.aw and/or prof. Maarten Vanierschot, maarten.vanierschot@kuleuven.be. One (or more) job interviews, a medical exam, an assessment test, and a certificate of good conduct are in accordance with our rules of application and a standard part of our recruitment and selection procedure.
Candidates with a demonstrated strong affinity for Aruba and the Caribbean and for challenges in small island states are strongly encouraged to apply, but this link is not mandatory for the position.