PhD Candidate Adsorption Energy Distributions in Ion Chromatography 100 %

ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences; Wädenswil; On-site; CHF 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Work-Life Balance

Diversity & Inclusion

Personal Development

Sustainability

Occupational Health Management

Salary & Pension Provision

Job summary

ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences in Wädenswil invites applications for a PhD project in ion chromatography. The work combines advanced chromatographic experiments with data analysis and modelling, addressing energetic heterogeneity of stationary phases.

You will develop characterization methodologies, perform adsorption studies, and publish results at international conferences and journals as part of interdisciplinary collaborations.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or a related discipline.
• Strong interest in chromatography, separation science and physico-chemical processes.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative research environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop methodologies for determining adsorption energy distributions in ion chromatography.
• Perform adsorption isotherm measurements and chromatographic experiments with state-of-the-art instrumentation.
• Investigate relationships between stationary phase properties, adsorption energetics and peak shapes.
• Develop and validate predictive models for chromatographic performance.
• Publish findings in international peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences.
• Collaborate with academic and industrial project partners.

Skills

Chromatography

Data analysis

Modelling

Independent work

Scientific communication

Education

Master's degree in Chemistry/Analytical Chemistry/Chemical Engineering/Materials Science

Tools

Analytical instrumentation

Job description

Help advance the fundamental understanding of ion chromatography by developing innovative methods to characterize chromatographic materials and improve analytical performance.

School: Life Sciences und Facility Management

Starting date: Upon agreement. Fixed-term position (4 years).

Your role

As part of this PhD project, you will investigate the energetic heterogeneity of ion chromatography stationary phases and contribute to the development of new characterization methodologies. Your work will combine advanced chromatographic experiments with data analysis and modelling.

You Will

• Develop and establish methodologies for determining adsorption energy distributions in ion chromatography.
• Perform adsorption isotherm measurements and chromatographic experiments using state-of-the-art analytical instrumentation.
• Investigate the relationship between stationary phase properties, adsorption energetics and peak shape characteristics.
• Develop and validate predictive models for chromatographic performance.
• Publish your findings in international peer-reviewed journals and present your work at scientific conferences.
• Contribute to collaborations with academic and industrial project partners.

Your profile

You hold a Master's degree in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or a related discipline and are enthusiastic about scientific research.

In Addition, You Bring

• A strong interest in chromatography, separation science and physico-chemical processes.
• The ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative research environment.
• Excellent written and spoken English skills.
• Motivation to communicate scientific results through publications and conference presentations.

Experience in chromatography, mathematical modelling or advanced data analysis is considered an advantage but is not required.

This is what we stand for

Zurich University of Applied Sciences ZHAW is one of Switzerland's largest multidisciplinary universities of applied sciences, with over 14'000 students and 3'400 faculty and staff.

The Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology conducts cutting-edge research addressing societal and industrial challenges in chemistry, biotechnology and environmental science. You will work in an interdisciplinary and collaborative environment with excellent analytical infrastructure and strong academic and industrial networks.

ZHAW is committed to gender-mixed and diverse teams in order to promote equality, diversity and innovation.

What you can expect

Benefits

We offer working conditions and terms of employment commensurate with higher education institutions and actively promote personal development for staff in leadership and non-leadership positions. A detailed description of advantages and benefits can be found at Working at the ZHAW. The main points are listed below:

• Workplace Culture
• Work Life Balance
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Personal Development
• Environmental, Economic and Social Sustainability at the ZHAW
• Ocupational Health Management
• Salary and Pension Provision

Contact

Bastian Brand

Professor

[e-mail]

Irina Keiser

Recruiting Manager

[e-mail]

2026-10-16

Temporary

ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences

Wädenswil Region of Zurich 8820