PhD Position Advancing Electrically Driven Separation Processes via Local pH-Gradient Analysis

Delft University of Technology; Delft; On-site; EUR 36,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) invites applications for a PhD position focused on advancing electrically driven separation processes via local pH-gradient analysis. You will investigate interfaces at electrodes and membranes, develop models, and collaborate with industry partners to design efficient, sustainable separation technologies.

You will combine FLIM-based visualization with transport studies and membrane modification strategies, while contributing to education as a teaching

Qualifications

• MSc degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Applied Physics, Physical Chemistry or closely related discipline.
• Hands-on experience with electrochemical systems and/or electrically driven separation technologies.
• Knowledge of membrane processes, transport phenomena, advanced characterization techniques such as FLIM, and/or experience with 2D computational modeling.
• Experience with designing custom-built experimental set-ups.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English in an international environment.

Responsibilities

• Visualize and quantify local pH gradients using FLIM to understand their influence on separation performance and membrane durability.
• Elucidate transport phenomena in membranes by integrating experimental observations with advanced electrode characterization data.
• Develop membrane modification strategies to enhance performance, durability, and antifouling properties.
• Perform two-dimensional simulations of local pH gradients to link interfacial transport with system-level performance.

Skills

Electrochemistry

Membrane processes

FLIM analysis

2D modeling

Experimental setups

English communication

Education

MSc in Chemical Engineering/Process Engineering/Applied Physics/Physical Chemistry

Tools

FLIM

2D simulation (COMSOL)

Job description

Challenge: Master electrically-induced pH gradients; Change: Investigate electrochemical interfaces to optimize separation performance; Impact: A chemical-free and circular Dutch process industry

PhD Position Advancing Electrically Driven Separation Processes via Local pH-Gradient Analysis

Job description

Industrial processes and wastewater treatment currently depend heavily on chemical processing aids, increasing energy consumption and adding complexity to process operations and logistics. In this project, a collaborative initiative involving both academic and industrial partners, coordinated by the Institute for Sustainable Process Technology (ISPT), we aim to develop a fundamentally different approach. By harnessing electric fields to create local pH gradients and electrostatic molecular interactions, we seek to replace conventional chemical processing aids.

As a PhD candidate at TU Delft, you will investigate the fundamental behavior of electrically induced pH gradients at critical interfaces, including electrodes and membranes used in electrochemical separation processes. You will work towards specific user-cases / user-applications and demonstrate the membrane processes in close collaboration with the partners and other collaborators in the consortium, which are not yet known and will be defined throughout the project. Your main research will focus on:

1. visualizing and quantifying local pH gradients using Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM) to understand their influence on separation performance and membrane durability;
2. elucidating transport phenomena in membranes by integrating your experimental observations with advanced electrode characterization data generated within the consortium; and
3. developing membrane modification strategies to enhance performance, durability, and antifouling properties, thereby reducing energy demand as well as capital and operational costs for specific user-cases.

In close collaboration with project partners and other research groups at the TU Delft, you will also contribute to the development of physics-informed models by performing two-dimensional simulations of local pH gradients. These models will link interfacial mass transport limitations near membranes and electrodes with system-level performance, enabling the design of more efficient and sustainable electrochemical separation technologies.

You will join the interdisciplinary research team of the Bazyar Lab within the Department of Chemical Engineering, section of Catalysis, Separation, and Electrochemical engineering (CaSE), working under the supervision of Dr. Hanieh Bazyar. As part of this project, you will collaborate closely with Dr. Jouke Dykstra at Wageningen University and with industrial partners from the Dutch food, paper, and chemical sectors.

At the Bazyar Lab, we are driven by the ambition to advance sustainable process engineering through the development of innovative separation materials and technologies. We foster an open, collaborative, and supportive research environment where team members share knowledge, help one another, and receive the guidance and training needed to grow into independent researchers.

In addition to conducting research, you will contribute to education by serving as a teaching assistant in various courses, supervising bachelor thesis projects, and mentoring master's students during their graduation research. Through these activities, you will further develop your leadership, communication, and supervisory skills.

Job requirements

You are motivated to conduct innovative research that supports the transition toward sustainable process engineering. Working at the intersection of electrochemistry and separation technology, you apply strong analytical skills to address complex challenges. You thrive in interdisciplinary and international collaborations, communicating effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, while also being confident in working independently. Beyond research, you are keen to supervise master's and bachelor's students and continuously broaden your expertise and professional capabilities.

To be considered for this position, you should possess:

• An MSc degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Applied Physics, Physical Chemistry or a closely related discipline.
• Hands-on experience with electrochemical systems and/or electrically driven separation technologies.
• Knowledge of membrane processes, transport phenomena, advanced characterization techniques, such as fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM), and/or experience with 2D computational modeling.
• Experience with designing custom-built experimental set-ups
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English, enabling you to thrive in an international and multidisciplinary research environment.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3204 - €4051 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! Coming to Delft Service offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional. Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students.

• Hours per week: 36-40
• FTE: 1,0

Additional requirements and eligibility

• Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis.
• As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed.