Within the Membrane Surface Science (MSuS) and Membrane Process Technology (MPT) groups, both part of the Department of Membrane Science & Technology (MST) of the University of Twente, The Netherlands (www.membrane.nl), we have a vacancy for a PhD student.
There is growing awareness and concern about the presence of so called micro-pollutants (MPs) in our surface water and drinking water. MPs, very small organic molecules (100-1000 Dalton), stem from industrial, medicinal and agricultural waste. They have the potential to cause long-term harm to humans and the environment, something especially true for MPs classified as Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals for which it is known that even at very low concentrations they can have a significant negative effect on health and environment.
As part of the European Research Council (ERC) Consolidator Grant (CoG) project “MOSAIC”, this PhD project will work on a challenging novel membrane approach to effectively remove MPs from surface and drinking water. The basis will be charge-mosaic membranes that comprise a nanoscale pattern of positively and negatively charged patches. These membranes will have unique separation properties, rejecting the organic micropollutants while allowing salts to pass. From valorization perspective, it is essential to combine the development of the mosaic membranes with the identification, evaluation and development of new membrane processes that become possible thanks to these unique properties of the membrane right from the start of the project. The goal of this PhD project will be to develop and test new membrane processes and process concepts that make optimal use of these new membranes, starting at lab-scale but extended to pilot-scale at a later stage in the project. The focus will be on the effective removal of MPs to produce drinking water of high quality, but also on the removal of MPs from waste water streams to prevent their accumulation in surface waters. The project will also look at other opportunities for these membranes, for example in the dairy or the chemical industry. The project will have access to our unique Waterlab, where membrane processes can be tested by at pilot scale for various streams and conditions.
The PhD student in this project will closely collaborate with at least 3 other PhD students within the larger ERC-CoG MOSAIC project. While this PhD project will focus on the Process Development for these membranes systems, others will focus on Materials Science and Membrane Fabrication, and Modeling of Transport Phenomena. The setup of the project will thus naturally allow many relevant collaborations. Moreover, the project will be well integrated in the MSuS and MPT groups and the MST Department, allowing even more collaboration and knowledge exchange.
As part of the PhD program, you will have the opportunity to receive further education within the Twente Graduate School. Furthermore, you may actively contribute in the teaching program, e.g. by supervision of BSc and MSc assignments and giving teaching assistance.
YOUR PROFILE
You have a Master’s degree, preferably with distinction (or international equivalent), in Chemical Engineering or Technology, Physical Chemistry, Material Science or a closely related discipline. You are motivated and enthusiastic about working on a more fundamental project within a more applied field of research.
Preferably you have experience with or have a demonstrated interest in complexation-driven processes, phase separations, membrane science and technology and/or transport phenomena. You have the ability to work independently and as a member of a research team, while demonstrating a collaborative attitude.
You are able to review and engage with interdisciplinary studies and are driven by curiosity. You have an analytical mind-set, and possess excellent communication skills, written as well as spoken. English language proficiency is a must and a written test, as well as a scientific presentation, will be part of the interview procedure.
OUR OFFER
The University of Twente offers a stimulating work environment in an area of applied, forefront research. When fulfilling a PhD position at the UT, you will get the status of junior scientist. You will have an employment contract for the duration of 4 years and can participate in all employee benefits the UT offers. The gross monthly salary starts with € 2.541,- in the first year and increases to € 3.247,- in the fourth year of your employment. Additionally, the University of Twente provides excellent facilities for professional and personal development, a holiday allowance (amount to 8%), an end of year bonus of 8.3%. A high-quality training programme is part of the agreement. The research has to result in a PhD thesis at the end of the employment period. The positions are available from the 1st of January.
INFORMATION AND APPLICATION
Questions regarding these positions can be directed to Prof. Wiebe M. de Vos (w.m.devos@utwente.nl, phone: +31 53 489 4495).
Please send your application with c.v. (including contact information for at least two academic references), via the link below. If possible, please add a list of grades of both your BSc and MSc diploma.
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
The Membrane Science and Technology department, often referred to as Twente Membranes, consists of several chairs focused on the development of new membrane materials and modules, membrane characterization, transport phenomena near and through membrane surfaces and the development of membrane processes and applications. The MST department has a history in membranes research of more than 50 years, and is internationally recognized as a leading department in membrane science and technology. The department boasts an impressive track record of over 250 PhD graduates, over 1000 peer reviewed scientific publications and over 40 granted patents.
ABOUT THE ORGANISATION
The Faculty of Science & Technology (Technische Natuurwetenschappen, TNW) engages some 700 staff members and 2000 students in education and research on the cutting edge of chemical technology, applied physics and biomedical technology. Our fields of application include sustainable energy, process technology and materials science, nanotechnology and technical medicine. As part of a people-first tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally and is strengthened by the many young researchers working on innovative projects with as doctoral candidates and post-docs. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.
