PhD Position in Sustainability Assessment and Value Chain Optimisation of Cellulose-Based Packaging Materials Ghent University in Belgium

Ghent University, a leading institution in Belgium, is offering a full-time PhD position within the Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, specifically in the Sustainable Systems Engineering (STEN) group. The research focuses on sustainability assessment and value chain optimisation of novel cellulose-based flexible packaging materials, as part of an EU-funded project. The project aims to address the urgent need for sustainable, bio-based alternatives to conventional fossil-based flexible packaging, centering on the development of regenerated cellulose films produced via novel enzymatic processes and the integration of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and digital twin technologies across the value chain.

Ghent University leads the value chain assessment work package in a large international consortium, evaluating environmental sustainability, economic feasibility, and circularity of the developed packaging solutions, and embedding these assessments within the technology’s digital twin. As a PhD researcher, you will contribute to the Value Chain Assessment, which sits at the intersection of sustainability science, process engineering, and AI-powered decision support. You will collaborate closely with your promotors, STEN colleagues, and consortium partners.

Your research tasks will include:

• Scenario development and process modelling: Defining and modelling representative value chain scenarios for upscaled production of cellulose-based films, using both conventional and data-driven, machine learning-based approaches to generate detailed mass and energy balances.
• Prospective Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and circularity evaluation: Conducting LCA of value chain scenarios, evaluating environmental impacts across production and end-of-life stages, and developing circularity-assessment methodologies.
• Techno-economic assessment and multi-objective optimisation: Performing comprehensive TEA, sensitivity analyses, and developing a Python module for multi-objective optimisation integrated with the project’s digital twin platform.

The scientific findings are expected to lead to publications in international peer-reviewed journals and presentations at international conferences, culminating in a PhD thesis.

Eligibility: Applicants must hold a master's degree in chemical engineering, bioscience engineering, civil engineering or equivalent, with degree requirements met at the start of appointment. Candidates should have an engineering background and/or affinity with assessment methodologies such as LCA, TEA, and circularity assessment. Essential skills include quantitative and/or qualitative research experience, good writing and presentation skills, proficiency in English (written and oral) in an academic context, and the ability to work independently and in multidisciplinary teams. Additional plus points include experience with LCA software (SimaPro, openLCA), process modelling software (Aspen Plus, SuperPro Designer), development and comparison of value chain scenarios, basic programming skills in Python, MATLAB, or R, and knowledge of bio-based materials, cellulose chemistry, or sustainable packaging.

Funding: The position offers a full-time doctoral fellowship for up to 48 months, with the fellowship amount set at 100% of the net salary of an AAP member, determined by family status and seniority. The grant is free of personal income tax. Ghent University staff enjoy additional benefits, including training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave, bicycle allowance, and eco vouchers.

Application Window: The application deadline is 31 May 2026. The contract will start on 01 September 2026 at the earliest.

How to Apply: Send your CV, diploma, motivation letter, and contact details of at least one reference to Prof. Pieter Nachtergaele ([email protected]) before the deadline. Mention 'PhD Application Cellulose-Based Packaging' in the email title and use the specified file naming format. Late applications will not be accepted. For more information, contact Prof. Nachtergaele.

Ghent University is committed to equal opportunities and diversity, encouraging all qualified candidates to apply.