PhD project: Plantwide Monitoring and Control of Biochemical Processes
Danmarks Tekniske Universitet
Lyngby-Taarbæk, 1 stilling
Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering – CAPEC-PROCESS Research Centre
A PhD position is available in connection with the strategic research center BIOPRO2 which is funded by Innovation Fund Denmark. DTU Chemical engineering is coordinating the center which includes 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 developing and optimizing knowledge based bio-based production industries at the plant level.
To facilitate continuous optimization of the operation in biological production processes or when processing a biological feedstock, better control and monitoring strategies need to be implemented. Such strategies should explicitly utilize advanced measurement tools and process understanding from fundamental first principles engineering models, and 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 result 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 with focus on full implementation in the industrial environment whenever possible.
This PhD project will develop a framework for plantwide monitoring and control of bioprocessing production lines. This involves sensor selection and location optimization in combination with utilizing process insights for dynamic models to achieve the best possible basis for optimal operation. Further, specific challenges for control of bioprocessing have to be indentified in relation to the classical chemical industry where the concept of plantwide control is well established. It is expected that the framework will include both decision making based on heuristics and optimization in a structured workflow.
This effort will involve bringing many developing technologies into one unified framework.
The project will include the following activities:
•Literature survey of plantwide monitoring and control of biochemical production facilities
•Modelling and dynamic simulation of a full biochemical production line
•Simulation studies to identify operational challenges and define the control problem
•Develop a framework for model based monitoring and control which effectively utilizes all available information
•Test novel findings and strategies in collaboration with industry.
•Disseminate and communicate results to 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 within process modeling of chemical and biochemical systems, simulation, optimization, 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.
Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by Assoc. Professor Jakob Kjøbsted Huusom.
We offer
We offer an interesting and challenging job in an international environment focusing on education, research, public-sector consultancy and innovation, which contributes to enhancing the economy and improving social welfare. We strive for academic excellence, collegial respect and freedom tempered by responsibility. The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) is a leading technical university in northern Europe and benchmarks with the best universities in the world.
Salary and appointment terms
The salary and appointment terms are consistent with the current rules for PhD degree students. The position is available for a period of 3 years from January 1st 2016.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Assoc. Professor Jakob Kjøbsted Huusom, e-mail jkh@kt.dtu.dk.
You can read more about DTU Chemical Engineering here.
Application
Please submit your online application no later than 1 November 2015. Applications must be submitted as one pdf file containing 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:
•A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
•Curriculum vitae
•Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (an official translation into English)
•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.
All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.
DTU is a technical university providing internationally leading research, education, innovation and public service. Our staff of 5,800 advance science and technology to create innovative solutions that meet the demands of society; and our 10,300 students are being educated to address the technological challenges of the future. DTU is an independent academic university collaborating globally with business, industry, government, and public agencies.
