Patrick Meares Prize - Updates
In 2015, the EMS received a donation from the late Patrick Meares, one of the pioneers of membrane science. From his will, one can read “...with the request, but without imposing any binding trust, that the sum be used to establish a prize to be awarded biannually to a deserving young membrane scientist based on criteria to be established by agreement between the Board and the Council of the Society."
With this in mind, the EMS Council established the Patrick Meares Prize for the best Ph.D. thesis work on Membrane Science.
Award: 1500 Euros
Deadline: 31 March 2024
All the information about eligibility and how to apply can be found here.
PhD in Chemical Engineering on membrane processes for sugar applications, Lund University, Sweden
PhD in Chemical Engineering on membrane processes for sugar applications, Lund University, Sweden
Description of the workplace
Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world’s top universities. The University has around 45 000 students and more than 8 000 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition.
The Department of Process and Life Science Engineering (PLE) covers a wide range of industrially relevant research, including e.g. plant-based meat analogues, carbon capture and formulation and purification of biopharmaceuticals. The Membrane group (https://www.membranegroup.lu.se/) at PLE is the most established Membrane Group in Sweden and has with MemLab – the Industrial membrane process research and development centre – an excellent infrastructure to develop and optimize membrane processes from lab to pilot scale.
Subject description
The project is a collaboration with Nordic Sugar A/S. Nordic Sugar A/S as part of the Nordzucker Group with production facilities in Europe and Australia is one of the worldwide leading sugar manufacturers from beet and cane and also a producer of bioethanol and animal feed.
Thus the project is to be carried out in close cooperation with industry and aims to reduce the lime usage in beet raw juice purification by developing a process for the clarification of raw beet juice using ultrafiltration as a key separation unit. The ultrafiltration process will first be optimized on lab-scale with regards to membranes and process conditions including cleaning and pre-treatment. Potential post-treatment processes to improve sugar concentration and purification on lab-scale will also be investigated. The optimized process is then to be scaled-up to industrial pilot scale based on which an economical evaluation and life cycle assessment will be carried out for the full-scale process.
Curious ??? More information is available under:
PhD in Chemical Engineering on membrane processes for sugar applications (varbi.com)
Postdoc development of polymeric and hybrid membranes, Vito, Mol, Belgium
Job description
As a Flemish, internationally recognized research center, VITO aims to accelerate the transition to a sustainable world. Within the materials and chemistry unit (MATCH), we are particularly interested in the development of electrochemical processes and concepts to make energy carriers and chemical building blocks for the economy of the future, such as hydrogen and synthetic fuels, from renewable energy and sustainable raw materials.
To strengthen our team, aligned with VITO’s program lines on electrochemical conversion technologies, we are offering a 1 to 2 years post-doc position on the development of polymeric and hybrid membranes for electrochemical processes.
This is our plan for you:
- Together with our team, you will support the execution and follow-up of projects on hybrid membrane development, characterization and testing.
- You will formulate, cast and characterize new membrane materials, and assess their application together with VITO colleagues and collaborating institutes.
- Based on the basic workplans, you will plan, execute, supervise and coordinate membrane developments, by designing experiments, execute these and then perform the analysis of the various test results. Reporting of the results is also a part of the job.
Job requirements
To be suitable for this job, we think you will need:
- A PhD in organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, materials chemistry or in chemical oriented engineering.
- A track record of applied knowledge on polymeric membrane casting and characterization.
- Ideally, an applied knowledge in the areas of ceramic membrane synthesis, polymeric membrane fuel cells or electrolyzers.
- Ideally, a good knowledge of inorganic material characterization.
- A good understanding of ionic cross-over/diffusion/migration through the membrane, of mass transport effects and polymer synthesis and characterization techniques is a plus (but not a requirement)
- Enthusiasm about both experimental lab work as well about processing of data and reporting
- Team player skills
- A strong interest in cooperation with other partners (industry, SME’s, institutes, universities)
- A good knowledge of English, both written and spoken
The candidate should also have a strong background in the following:
- Processing and shaping techniques such as extrusion, tape-casting, wet coating processes, physical deposition methods, additive manufacturing techniques or similar.
- Fabrication of multilayered systems, including - but not limited to – fuel cells, membranes, etc.
- Characterization of surfaces and interfaces.
- Physical characterization of materials (XPS, Raman, FTIR, TGA, XRD, SEM, TEM).
Offer
- A 1 to 2 year temporary contract, a competitive salary and a range of benefits including allowances, insurances, adjustable holiday package and flexible working hours and workplace.
- Innovation is our core asset; therefore it goes without saying that we give our employees the opportunity to undertake additional training and keep up to date in their field of expertise.
- The chance to be part of an organisation with an international reputation, known for its advanced technological research and scientific consultancy.
- The possibility to actively contribute towards sustainable developments at local, national and global level.
Apply here.
Patrick Meares Prize
Patrick Meares Prize
In 2015, the EMS received a donation from the late Patrick Meares, one of the pioneers of membrane science. From his will, one can read “...with the request, but without imposing any binding trust, that the sum be used to establish a prize to be awarded biannually to a deserving young membrane scientist based on criteria to be established by agreement between the Board and the Council of the Society."
With this in mind, the EMS Council established the Patrick Meares Prize for the best Ph.D. thesis work on Membrane Science.
Award: 1500 Euros
Deadline: 31 March 2024
Eligibility:
- EMS membership (valid membership at least one year before the application deadline);
- Ph.D. awarded between 01/07/2021 and 31/03/2024.
Application:
- Two supporting letters (one from outside the applying institution) in which the contribution of the work to the membrane field performed by the applicant is clearly stated;
- A two-page summary of the thesis contents and a list of published papers and conference, presentations based on the thesis work.
- A proof that the Ph.D. has been awarded (copy of the diploma or certificate of completion from the institution awarding the diploma).
The deadline for applications is 31/03/2024, 12:00 PM (CET).
The applications will be submitted to the EMS Secretariat at ems@emsoc.eu
A committee of EMS Council members and Honorary Council Members will evaluate the applications, and the 4 shortlisted candidates will be invited to present their work in a Patrick Meares Prize Symposium that will be held at the Euromembrane 2024 Congress in Prague, Czech Republic (September 8 – 12, 2024).
A panel will evaluate the presentations and nominate the prize winner at Euromembrane 2024.
The 4 shortlisted candidates will receive a free Euromembrane 2024 registration, and the Patrick Meares Prize awardee will win a check of 1,500 euros.
Patrick Meares Prize:
Since earning his Ph.D. in 1949, Patrick Meares has been pivotal in the evolution of membrane science and technology. His pioneering contributions span polymer thermodynamics, polymer materials, and transport mechanisms in reverse osmosis and ion exchange membranes. His tenure at Aberdeen University powered his exploration into biophysics. It led to a significant research period at Harvard University on the opposite side of the Atlantic, where he expanded his studies on membrane transport.
Patrick Meares was recognized for his insightful and thoughtful approach to science. He blended deep intellectual inquiry with a profound ability to connect with others. This unique combination of talents enabled him to make contributions that lay at the heart of basic science and community relationships, forming the foundation of what is now the international membrane science community.
His passion for science matched his commitment to mentoring the next generation of membrane researchers. This dedication is reflected in a brief autobiography and the accolades compiled in a Special Issue of the Journal of Membrane Science dedicated to him in 2002, which highlights his influence and legacy (https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/journal-of-membrane-science/vol/206/issue/1).
In 2015, the European Membrane Society received a donation from Patrick Meares. His will suggested—without mandating a legal obligation—that his donation be used to establish a biannual prize for a deserving young membrane scientist based on criteria the Society’s Board and Council agreed upon. In response, the EMS Council inaugurated the Patrick Meares Prize to recognize outstanding Ph.D. thesis work in Membrane Science.
Research Associate in Membrane Based Downstream Separations (Fixed Term), Bath - United Kingdom
About the role:
We are seeking a brilliant Research Associate to work at the frontier of research in novel foods directly from grass as part of the BBSRC funded grant: Pasture to Plate. Our vision is to improve the food potential of UK pasture by using chemical processing, targeted separations, and biotechnology to convert grass into nutritious edible fractions for healthier and more affordable alternative foods, making UK agriculture more resilient and sustainable.
In this project, grasses are subjected to a range of mechanochemical-assisted extraction steps to produce a variety of products including proteins and a palm oil substitute.
In this role, you will lead the membrane-based downstream separation processes, where you will plan, implement, and coordinate the membrane tests, designing experiments and analysis, as well as the opportunity to innovate in the separation processes to target specific molecules identified for being particularly meaningful for nutrition and flavour. The role will be pivotal in developing membrane-based bio-separation processes of the system, optimising the separation of proteins, flavour molecules and other identified high-value products.
This is a full-time fixed term post available from April 2024. While this role is for an initial 18 months, we would envision a successful candidate being a part of the journey for the longer term, subject to further funding.
For further information about the project and the person specification, please see the Job Description below. For an informal discussion about the role please contact:
- Hannah Leese, Reader, on hsl25@bath.ac.uk
- Bernardo Castro Dominguez, Senior Lecturer, on bcd28@bath.ac.uk
- Professor Chris Chuck on cc245@bath.ac.uk
Please ensure you submit your application via our website: https://www.bath.ac.uk/jobs/Vacancy.aspx?ref=FM11148R
Research Associate in Technoeconomic assessment of carbon capture and utilisation processes, Edinburgh - United Kingdom
JOB DESCRIPTION
Grade - UE07 £37,099 to £44,263 per annum (A revised salary range for this grade of £39,347 to £46,974 is planned to take effect from Spring 2024)
School of Engineering, College of Science & Engineering - Institute/Discipline: Institute for Materials and Processors
Full time, 35 hours per week
Fixed term basis for up to 24 months
The Opportunity:
This Research Associate position will contribute to the DAM4CO2 (Double-Active Membranes for a sustainable CO2 cycle) within the Institute for Materials and Processes at the University of Edinburgh, which is funded by the European Innovation Council and in collaboration with colleagues at ITM-CNR (Italy), Swansea university (UK), Primalchit (Spain). UPV (Spain), INSTM (Italy) and Me-Sep (Poland). The goal of DAM4CO2 is to develop a novel membrane technology, for the simultaneous separation and conversion of CO2 to C4+ molecules, as renewable fuels. Double active membranes (DAMs) with a durable and highly selective gas separation layer and a photocatalytic layer will be developed. The project will deliver a prototype, designed using the design-build-test-learn approach, for a proof-of-concept validation that will be tested in lab-conditions. The RA will work on the technoeconomic evaluation of the novel concept.
Click here for a copy of the full job description.
EMS Conference Fee awards (MS/PhD students & young-academics) EUROMEMBRANE 2024
EMS will support Euromembrane 2024 with ten (10) conference awards for MS/PhD students and ten (10) conference awards for Young Academics
You can find more information here.
Postdoctoral Researcher at the School of Biotechnology (Dublin City University, Ireland) - Update
The individual will join a multidisciplinary team to contribute to a funded project focusing on developing, scaling up and validating an innovative membrane biofouling control solution. Please take a look at the full details of job from the job description document (here).
- Duration of position: 15 months with possibility of 9 months extension
- Salary Scale: €42,783 - €49,177
Appointment will be commensurate with qualifications and experience and in line with current Government pay policy.
- Application deadline/Closing date: 12/03/2024
- Informal Enquiries: Dr. Yandi Lan, Assistant Professor, School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Email: yandi.lan@dcu.ie
- Application through Dublin City University Career Opportunities online application system: https://www.dcu.ie/hr/vacancies-employment-opportunities-human-resources
(External vacancies, Search by Job Ref: 002442)
EMS Conference Fee awards (MS/PhD students & young-academics)
A complete and up-to-date listing of awards to be granted by the EMS in 2024 has been published.
You can find the list here.
Call for organizing EUROMEMBRANE 2027
The European Membrane Society (EMS) is keen on supporting scientific or technical events related to membranes and membrane processes. One of the flagships of the Society is the EUROMEMBRANE Conference. Supported by the EMS, the EUROMEMBRANE conference aims to bring together European “membranologists” and other colleagues from overseas to discuss all aspects of research and applications of membrane and membrane processes in a vibrant and dynamic setting.
Therefore, EMS launched the Call for applications to organize the EUROMEMBRANE 2027 conference.
Please click here to find information on the organisation of Euromembrane 2027.