KU Leuven is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow to join an exciting new project focused on developing advanced membranes for downstream purification of biopharmaceuticals. The position is based in the research group of Associate Professor Xing Yang, a leading expert in membrane technology. This project is funded by the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO) and offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of chemical engineering, materials science, and bioprocess engineering. The successful candidate will contribute to innovative research on membrane development and purification processes, with applications in the biopharmaceutical industry. The role involves both experimental and analytical work, and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams. Applicants should have a PhD in chemical engineering, materials science, or a related field, and experience in membrane technology or downstream processing is highly desirable. Strong research and communication skills are essential. The position is fully funded, with details on salary and benefits available on the KU Leuven job portal. Interested candidates should apply via the official portal and follow the application instructions. This is an excellent opportunity for postdoctoral researchers interested in advanced materials, bioprocessing, and industrial applications of membrane technology.

This postdoctoral fellow position is offered within the Group of Membrane Engineering for Sustainable Solutions at KU Leuven, supervised by Prof. dr. Xing Yang. The Yang Research Group is renowned for its work on process intensification strategies, focusing on the design of low-emission and energy-efficient separation systems. The group leverages smart responsive materials, nano/micro-structured interfaces, and advanced process system engineering, including multi-scale numerical modeling, to develop innovative solutions for sustainable bioprocessing. The research project centers on the downstream purification of biomolecules, such as monoclonal antibodies, which is a critical step in the production of biopharmaceutical therapeutics, immunodiagnostics, and vaccines. With increasing market demand, the bottleneck in biomanufacturing has shifted to downstream processing. Traditional resin column chromatography, while mainstream, struggles with low throughput and process complexity. In contrast, membrane-based chromatography offers high throughput and milder operation but remains in early development stages. The aim of this project is to develop a novel class of stimuli-responsive membranes that provide high throughput, exclusive selectivity for antibodies, and competitive binding capacity, all while simplifying process steps and reducing material consumption. The successful development of these membranes is expected to significantly advance the downstream purification of therapeutic biomolecules, streamlining processes and boosting productivity. The ideal candidate will have a PhD in Polymer Chemistry or a closely related discipline, with a strong publication record and experience in chemical engineering, membrane technology, and bioprocessing. Experience in postgraduate supervision and teaching is valued. Fluency in English and a willingness to work in an interdisciplinary, international team are essential. The position offers a two-year contract with the possibility of extension, and the salary is based on KU Leuven standards, commensurate with post-PhD experience. KU Leuven is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity, fostering a respectful and supportive research environment. For more information about the research group and project, visit the project page . To apply, submit a research and teaching statement, comprehensive CV, publication list, evidence of language proficiency (if applicable), and contact details for three referees. Applications are accepted via the KU Leuven job portal . Shortlisting begins in early March 2026 and continues until the position is filled. For inquiries, contact Prof. dr. Xing Yang at [email protected].

KU Leuven is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow to join an exciting new project focused on developing advanced membranes for downstream purification of biopharmaceuticals. The position is supervised by Associate Professor Xing Yang, a leading researcher in membrane technology, and is funded by the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO). The successful candidate will work at KU Leuven, Belgium, in collaboration with international partners and benefit from a vibrant academic environment. The research will center on innovative approaches in membrane technology, with applications in the purification processes essential for biopharmaceutical production. Candidates with expertise in chemical engineering, materials science, biotechnology, or related fields are encouraged to apply. The project offers opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge research with real-world impact in the biopharmaceutical industry. Applicants should hold a PhD in a relevant discipline and demonstrate experience in membrane technology, downstream processing, or biopharmaceutical purification. A strong publication record and excellent communication skills in English are important. The position is fully funded, with details on salary and benefits available through the KU Leuven job portal. Interested candidates should apply via the official KU Leuven portal. For more information, refer to the job posting and the supervisor's LinkedIn profile. This is a unique opportunity to advance your research career in a leading European institution.

This postdoctoral fellow position is offered within the Group of Membrane Engineering for Sustainable Solutions (MemSuS) at KU Leuven, supervised by Prof. dr. Xing Yang. The MemSuS group specializes in process intensification strategies for designing low-emission and energy-efficient separation systems, utilizing smart responsive materials with nano/micro-structured interfaces, reactive kinetics, and optimal separation units. The group leverages hybrid separation technologies—including membrane, extraction, crystallization, absorption, and chromatography—to develop Energy-Efficient Separation Systems for Sustainability (2E3S), supported by experimental research and multi-scale numerical modeling. The position is part of the IonFracMem project, funded by a European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant ( project link ). The project addresses the global challenge of recovering critical raw materials, such as lithium and cobalt, which are essential for electric vehicles and smartphones. With increasing demand and the EU's transition away from fossil fuel cars, efficient recovery of metal ions from oceans and waste batteries is crucial. The IonFracMem project aims to develop novel membranes that combine fast throughput with accurate fractionation of target ions in high purity, enabling scalable and industry-grade recovery. The successful candidate will design novel ion exchange membranes for recovering valuable ion resources from waste and natural streams. The role requires expertise in polymer chemistry, polymer processing, and electrochemical-based membrane processes (e.g., electrodialysis, electrolysis). Experience in hollow fiber membrane fabrication and upscaling membrane synthesis is highly valued. The candidate will join an international team with global research connections and contribute to cutting-edge research in sustainability and resource recovery. Applicants must hold a PhD in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Chemistry, or a related discipline, with a strong publication record and specialty in membrane technology. Additional requirements include experience in relevant fields, willingness and experience in postgraduate supervision and teaching, fluency in English, self-motivation, passion for sustainability, and strong interpersonal skills. The initial contract is for one year, with the possibility of extension, and the salary package is based on KU Leuven standards and post-PhD experience. KU Leuven is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity, fostering an ambitious and respectful research environment. Interested candidates should submit a research and teaching statement, comprehensive CV, evidence of language proficiency (if applicable), and names of three referees. Applications are accepted via the KU Leuven job portal ( apply here ). For further information, contact Prof. dr. Xing Yang at [email protected]. Shortlisting begins in early March 2026 and continues until the position is filled.