PhD Process Modelling Engineer

PhD Process Modelling Engineer

PhD in Process System Engineering/Chemical Engineering with a focus on Refinery & Chemical process modelling and optimization

Start date: To be agreed.

Contract: Full-time permanent contract, 40 hours per week

Salary: Competitive up to £42k

Location: Altrincham, Cheshire (Hybrid: 2 days office + 3 days home)

Travel Required: There is no immediate need for business travel, but you must be open to travel on an ad hoc basis as business needs arise.

About Us:

Process Integration Limited (PIL) is a visionary technology company dedicated to delivering integrated first-principle and AI-driven solutions for the oil and gas industry. Our state-of-the-art, closed-loop products seamlessly integrate digital twins, comprehensive optimisation, and smart execution systems to drive operational excellence. We are committed to providing exceptional value to clients by pushing the boundaries of innovation, driving sustainable progress, and shaping the future of the energy sector through advanced technology.

The Role

We are looking for a highly skilled, innovative Process Modelling Engineer with a PhD in Process Systems Engineering, with a focus on refinery and chemical process modelling and optimisation, including Catalytic Reforming, Fluid Catalytic Cracking, Hydrocracking, and Steam Cracking, to join our Product Development team. As a Process Modelling Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in advancing our chemical processes, optimizing process performance, and driving product development. Your expertise in chemical engineering, mathematical modelling and machine learning will be instrumental in shaping our future.

Qualifications & Skills:

• PhD in Process System Engineering/Chemical Engineering with a focus on process modelling and optimisation.

• Modelling and optimisation of refinery, petrochemical, and chemical processes.

• Utilize process/data analysis techniques to assess the potential of existing processes and propose alternative production methods and operating parameters to improve process performance.

• Collect and analyse data, perform economic assessments, contribute to model training and integration, and participate in product testing for projects.

• Possess knowledge of process simulation through steady state simulation or dynamic simulation

• Proficiency in UniSim™, Hysys /Aspen Plus or other simulation software

• Understanding of mathematical modelling and optimisation approaches for engineering purposes

• Understanding and hands-on experience in solving complex data-oriented issues, often requiring literature research.

• Knowledge and/or experience in modelling complex engineering processes (for example, crude distillation) from a perspective of data science/machine learning

• Familiarity with Python, GAMS, MATLAB, or other programming/modelling language

• Understanding of core concepts from data science techniques and methods.

• Strong background in machine learning, including experience with deep learning, regression, and data-driven modelling.

• Understanding and experience in ANN and any time-series machine learning model training (time- series data).

• Excellent critical thinking skills and a passion for innovation.

• Effective communication and teamwork abilities.

Responsibilities:

Process & System Modelling

• Build, validate, and maintain models for refinery and petrochemical processes (e.g., catalytic reforming, FCC, hydrocracking, steam cracking).

• Perform steady-state and dynamic simulations using UniSim™, Aspen HYSYS, Aspen Plus, or in-house tools.

• Generate large-scale simulation datasets (millions of samples) to support AI/ML model development.

• Conduct techno-economic and feasibility assessments to guide process improvements.

• Apply mathematical modelling and optimisation to improve efficiency, yield, and energy performance.

Data & Machine Learning

•Collect, clean, and analyse process and laboratory data to uncover trends and opportunities.

•Develop, train, and validate machine learning models (ANN, time-series forecasting, regression, deep learning).

•Integrate first-principles and AI/ML approaches into hybrid digital twins and predictive optimisation tools.

Explore and adopt innovative modelling and data science methods from industry and academia.

Deployment & Control Performance

•Support product deployment on client sites, ensuring smooth integration with existing systems.

•Drive control performance improvements through model-based recommendations.

•Conduct open-loop and closed-loop testing to validate models and optimise control strategies.

•Provide technical support during commissioning and operational rollout.

Product Development

•Contribute to the design and improvement of modelling and optimisation products.

•Develop new methodologies, workflows, and approaches to strengthen the product portfolio.

•Align product enhancements with client requirements and emerging industry trends.

Collaboration & Communication

•Partner with product development, operations, and control teams to deliver actionable improvements.

•Document and present methodologies, findings, and recommendations clearly to diverse stakeholders.

•Help establish modelling workflows, best practices, and internal capability development.

What do we offer:

•Competitive salary and benefits package including Private Medical Insurance, EAP, company pension, hybrid working and holiday entitlement starting with (FTE) 23 days + bank holidays.

•Opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects with industry leaders.

•Professional development and growth opportunities.

•Collaborative and inclusive work environment.

•Visa Sponsorship: Available – the company is a licensed Skilled Worker visa sponsor.

Application Process

Stage 1: Phone interview.

Stage 2: In-person case study & final interview (Altrincham office).

Apply by sending your CV, salary expectations, and cover letter to: recruitment@processint.com. More details: www.processint.com/careers

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