Project #1: Optimal design and planning of sustainable chemical processes
The goal of this research project is to develop hybrid models by developing systematic tools for the optimal design and planning of sustainable chemical processes. Specifically, we will investigate the combined use of mathematical programming theory, process simulation and life cycle assessment principles to automatically generate the best process alternatives that may be implemented to achieve environmental improvements.
The final aim is to devise a general framework for systematically generating all the feasible alternatives. The methodology will be validates with ongoing collaborations with leading chemical companies that will be used as case-studies.

Project #2: Development of global optimization methods for the efficient solution of process engineering and biological problems
This research project will focus on developing novel global optimization techniques for the solution of a special type of nonlinear and mixed integer nonlinear programming problems (NLP and MINLP) arising in many industrial engineering and bioengineering applications. From the algorithmic point of view, the objective is to investigate efficient solution methods based on the outer approximation algorithm for global optimization. However, standard methods often fail to identify the global optimum in the presence of multiple local optima.
The capabilities of these strategies will be illustrated through their application to specific engineering (e.g. design of reverse osmosis plants) and bioengineering problems (e.g. yield optimization of regulated metabolic systems) that have attracted increasing attention in the last years.

Project #3: Energy supply options with conventional and renewable energy systems
The project will focus the analysis and optimization of supply chains for energy production. Different generation technologies and conventional and renewable energy sources will be considered.
Most energy optimization models consider production cost (economics) and some environmental indicator (ecology), as for example greenhouse gas emissions. Results give only some partial view of the problem. Life cycle assessment (LCA) considers the impact of the whole energy supply chains, which consists of raw materials, suppliers, production facilities and demands for end products. Conventional electricity generation technologies include nuclear energy, combined cycles, fuel cells, gas turbines, steam cycles using different fuels and others. Also the option of carbon sequestration has to be evaluated. Among renewable energy sources the most significative are solar, wind, geothermal, biomass and hydroelectric.
Our research goal is to develop quantitative tools based on mathematical programming to address the design and planning of sustainable energy production processes. Our approach relies on the combined use of multi-criteria mixed integer modeling techniques and LCA principles as a way of systematizing the computation of process alternatives that may lead t o important environmental savings.

Deadlines and timing:
Deadline for the paperwork: March-April 2010 (exceptional candidates will be considered in January 2010).
Start date: September 2010 (negotiable)

Salary:
The PhD are done based on scholarships during the first two years and labor contract for the remaining period (1 or 2 years). Net salary is around 1050 euros/month during the first two years and includes medical insurance.

Application and candidates:
Candidates should have a bachelor and/or a master degree on Chemical Engineering, Computer Science or Mathematics. Additional background, knowledge or experience in process modeling as well as basic knowledge of standard modeling software packages (e.g. Aspen Plus, gPROMS, Matlab, HYSYS, GAMS...) will be considered as a valuable asset.
The bachelor degree or Masters degree must be obtained before August 31st, 2010 to be eligible.
Interested candidates should send a pdf electronic version of their CV and an academic expedient (subjects, credits and grades) to . Optionally, the interested candidates can also send a research expression of interest letter, up to 3 (scanned) recommendation letters with the mentor's contact data. In the topic of the e-mail please use the words 'SUSCAPE-PhD scholarships'. Skype accounts will be highly appreciated because they offer the possibility to have a personal on-line interview.

About the research group:
The SUSCAPE group is an internationally recognized leader in process systems engineering that focuses on process simulation and advanced mathematical programming techniques applied to multi-criteria problems (www.etseq.urv.es/suscape). Our group is characterized by an inspiring environment dedicated to research on sustainable process design. The PhD program supports short stays in leading international research groups in USA (Carnegie Mellon University) and Europe (Imperial College London). The position is fully funded with an attractive remuneration package.

About the University and the PhD program:
Additional information about the University Rovira i Virgili can be found at: http://www.urv.cat/en_index.html
For more information about the PhD program, please check http://www.etseq.urv.es/doctorat/web/

About Tarragona:
Tarragona is a medium city (100 000 inhabitants) with a Mediterranean climate and many recreation opportunities (nice beaches, theme parks, touristic resorts and facilities). It is located 100 km Southwest of Barcelona and it is well communicated by train, highways and low cost flights from its own airport.

Timing:
Paperwork: March-April 2010
Start date: September 2010 (negotiable)