Postdoc in Cavitation System Design for PFAS Treatment in Water

School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health at KTH

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join the Department of Biomedical
Engineering and Health Systems at KTH within the framework of the international research project
AQUA-CLEAR: Advanced Cavitation for PFAS Treatment and Circular Water Management
funded through Water4All initiative. The project is conducted in collaboration with IVL Swedish
Environmental Research Institute, Sabanci University (Türkiye), Oxford Brookes University (UK), and
Gdansk University of Technology (Poland).

The project aims to develop a new generation of microfluidic system for combined hydrodynamic and acoustic cavitation to be employed for the degradation and mineralization of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water streams. At KTH, the focus is on the design, fabrication, and optimization of cavitation reactors, combining the advanced multiphase fluid dynamics, cavitating flow control, and reactor engineering.

The successful candidate will:

• Design and optimize hydrodynamic cavitation reactor geometries using computational and analytical tools in multiphase flow and fluid mechanics.
• Develop and fabricate reactor components using KTH cleanroom facilities and advanced manufacturing approaches, including precision micromachining and 3D printing.
• Experimentally characterize cavitation dynamics, including mechanical, thermal, and chemical effects associated with bubble collapse.
• Contribute to the development of hybrid cavitation systems (acoustic and hydrodynamic) aimed at improving PFAS degradation efficiency. Perform reactor scaling studies and support transition from laboratory prototypes to pilot-scale concepts.
• Collaborate closely with international project partners, contributing to joint publications and dissemination activities.
• Participate in supervision of MSc and PhD students connected to the project.

The position is embedded in a multidisciplinary environment combining fluid mechanics, acoustics, cavitation physics, environmental engineering, and reactor technology.

Qualifications

Requirements

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree, in mechanical engineering, fluid mechanics, chemical engineering, applied physics, or a closely related field. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made.
• Strong background in multiphase flows, cavitation phenomena, or fluid-structure interactions.
• Documented experience in experimental fluid mechanics and/or reactor development.
• Very good command of English, both written and spoken, for day-to-day work.

Preferred qualifications

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree, obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline
• Hands-on experience with cleanroom fabrication techniques or precision manufacturing.
• Experience with CAD design and numerical simulation tools (e.g., CFD).
• Experience in 3D printing for functional reactor or fluidic systems.
• Experience with high-speed imaging, pressure measurements, or cavitation evaluation.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while maintaining strong collaborative skills.
• Awareness of diversity and equal opportunity issues, with specific focus on gender equality
• scientific creativity, and the
• ability to take initiative in an interdisciplinary research environment.

Great emphasis will be placed on personal skills.

Join us at KTH

KTH shapes the future through education, research and innovation. As a leading international technical university, we play an active role in advancing the transition towards a sustainable society. At KTH, you have the opportunity to grow and develop in a creative and dynamic environment, with good working conditions and attractive benefits. Equality, diversity and equal opportunities are essential to quality and form an integral part of KTH’s core values as a university and public authority.

Learn more about our benefits and what it’s like to work and grow at KTH.

Trade union representatives

Contact information to trade union representatives.

To apply for the position

Log into KTH’s recruitment system to apply for this position. You are responsible for ensuring that your application is complete according to the instructions in the ad.

The application must include:

• A cover letter describing your research interests, relevant expertise, and motivation for the position.
• Full curriculum vitae, including contact information for at least two references.
• Copy of doctoral diploma and transcripts. Translations into English or Swedish if the original documents have not been issued in any of these languages.
• Up to three selected publications relevant to the position

Your complete application must be received at KTH no later than the last day of application, midnight CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).

About the employment

The position offered is for, at the most, two years.

A position as a postdoctoral fellow is a time-limited qualified appointment focusing mainly on research, intended as a first career step after a dissertation.

Other information

For information about processing of personal data in the recruitment process.

It may be the case that a position at KTH is classified as a security-sensitive role in accordance with the Protective Security Act (2018:585). If this applies to the specific position, a security clearance will be conducted for the applicant in accordance with the same law with the applicant’s consent. In such cases, a prerequisite for employment is that the applicant is approved following the security clearance.

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Disclaimer: In case of discrepancy between the Swedish original and the English translation of the job announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.