Doctoral Candidate in Semi-Automated Supercritical CO₂ Drying

This PhD position, designated as DC4 within the Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network 'FAroGels', is hosted by Superex in Konya, Turkey, with the doctoral degree awarded by Selçuk University. The successful candidate will design, build, and instrument a semi-automated supercritical CO₂ drying system to eliminate batch-to-batch variability in food-grade aerogel production. Responsibilities include running experimental drying campaigns, gathering process datasets, developing an AI-assisted control module, and participating in secondments across international academic and industrial partner institutions. The project expects active contribution to network training activities, project deliverables, and scientific publications while completing a structured 3-year research program.

• Design and construct a semi-automated supercritical CO₂ drying system equipped with real-time sensors for pressure, temperature, density, and solvent saturation.
• Execute and document experimental drying trials to generate comprehensive parameter-property datasets for diverse aerogel structures.
• Develop and validate a machine-learning control module to optimize temperature, pressure, and depressurisation profiles automatically.
• Collaborate closely with academic and industrial partners across the FAroGels consortium and complete planned international secondments.
• Draft scientific reports, project deliverables, and peer-reviewed publications while disseminating findings at network meetings and workshops.