Discipline:
Field of study: Any (),
-d

Completed years of study:

4

Language REQUIRED for training: (1 - excellent, 2 - good, 3 - fair)

Other requirements: If trainee does not have EEA or Swiss nationality, stay is limited to 90 days.

Kind of work:

Work description: Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant was established in 2008 and currently has more than 165 employees.We work in a unique, open innovation pilot and demonstration facility for process development, scaling up and (trial) production of bio-based products and processes, from laboratory to multi-ton scale.We combine a wide and flexible range of modular unit operations with a team of highly qualified and experienced bio-process engineers and technicians to translate laboratory-scale bio-based processes into cost-effective industrial processes. Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant wants to be the workplace where all employees can grow and use their full potential. We offer a pleasant atmosphere, value and reward initiative, hard work and commitment.********TOPIC 4 - Hybrid process development for upcycling mixed plastic waste into high-value dicarboxylic acidsAvailable from July 2025Project description:The HYBRID project aims to address two major challenges: the incineration of difficult-to-recycle plastic waste, leading to CO2 emissions, and the fossil-based production of virgin plastics from long-chain dicarboxylic acid (DCA) monomers. By integrating pyrolysis, biological funnelling, fermentation, and advanced product recovery techniques, the project seeks to convert mixed plastic waste into high-value DCAs, critical for producing textile polymers, polyesters, lubricants, and plasticizers.This internship, part of the HYBRID project, focuses on upcycling plastic waste into DCAs using a yeast-based fermentation platform. Key tasks include:Fermentation Process Development: Investigate and optimize the fermentation behaviour of engineered strains with varying waste-derived feedstocks.Biphasic Fermentation: Develop an advanced, multi-phase fermentation process with in situ product recovery and resource recycling.Process Integration and Scale-Up: Transfer and evaluate the developed process at bioreactor scale and boost the process performance by in-depth optimisation. Collaborate with engineers to scale up the optimized process.This internship at Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant (BBEPP) offers hands-on experience in fermentation and downstream purification technologies and supports the transition to a circular bio economy. All experimental work will be performed in the industrial environment of BBEPP using state-of-the-art equipment, in cooperation with a team of experienced professionals. Your work will contribute to the Flemish-funded HYBRID project, crucial for further development and industrial scale-up.

Working environment:

Research and Development

Number of weeks offered:

min: 25 - max: 52

Within the time period:

01/07/2025 00:00:00 - 30/06/2026 00:00:00

Gross pay:

300.0 EUR Weekly

Expected deductions:

0

Lodging will be arranged by:

Trainee with the help of LC.

Expected type of accommodation:

No data

Payment Method:

Frequency of Payment:

Canteen available at work:

No

Estimated cost of lodging:

150.0 EUR NoData

Estimated cost of living (incl. lodging):

300.0 EUR Weekly