The EPSE Group develops simulation and experimental methods to advance sustainable energy and chemical process systems from the molecular level to the system scale.
Project Background
This PhD position is part of the ERC Advanced Grant DISC3Lab, whose vision is to establish a validated discovery loop for sustainable chemical processes, with a focus on solvent-based plastic recycling.
The project aims to develop a Thermodynamic & Process Lab-on-a-chip, an automated, small-scale experimental platform capable of producing high-throughput measurements of fluid properties essential for designing recycling processes.
Examples include:
- Vapor-liquid equilibrium curves for recyclate mixtures during distillation.
- Process-level performance metrics for separation technologies.
- Identification of azeotropes that may limit separation feasibility.
The experimental data generated will support and validate predictive numerical models developed by other members of the research team.
Traditional thermophysical measurements are often costly, time-consuming, labor-intensive, and susceptible to error. To overcome these limitations, the laboratory combines:
- Microfluidics.
- Laser spectroscopy.
- Automated experimental techniques.
The goal is to develop next-generation automated platforms for sustainable chemical process development.
Job Description
The successful candidate will:
- Design, build, and perform novel experiments using microfluidics, spectroscopy, and algorithm-driven laboratory automation.
- Develop closed-loop, self-optimizing experimental systems.
- Conduct initial studies on phase equilibria and transport processes in liquid mixtures.
- Work closely with a companion PhD researcher developing predictive simulation methods.
- Mentor and co-supervise student research projects and theses.
- Participate in group and institute activities.
- Publish research results in peer-reviewed journals.
- Present research findings at international scientific conferences.
Candidate Profile
Applicants should:
- Meet the admission requirements for a doctoral program at ETH Zurich.
- Hold an excellent Master's degree or diploma in: Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Energy Science & Technology, Physical Chemistry, Or a related discipline.
Ideal candidates will also have:
- Experimental research experience.
- Experience designing and setting up laboratory experiments.
- Experience with microfluidics and spectroscopy (preferred).
- Interest in developing model-based methods for experimental design and data analysis.
- Motivation to learn and apply modern experimental and simulation techniques.
- Ability to work independently.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
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