PhD position in Automated Laboratory for Plastic Recycling The Energy and Process Systems Engineering (EPSE) Group at ETH Zürich is looking for a doctoral student to work experimentally characterization of the thermophysical properties and of the separation processes involved with complex fluids from plastic recycling.
The EPSE group, led by Prof. Dr. André Bardow, is dedicated to advancing sustainable energy and chemical process systems. Our research spans from the molecular level to the scale of systems. We develop simulation and experimental methods to advance sustainable energy and chemical processes from the molecular to the system scale.
Project background The vision of our recently funded ERC Advanced Grant DISC3Lab is to devise a validated discovery loop for sustainable chemical processes, targeting the solvent-based recycling of plastics.
This project contributes by developing a Thermodynamic & Process Lab-on-a-chip. We will establish an automated small-scale experimental platform yielding high-throughput measurements of all fluid properties involved in the design of the targeted recycling processes. An example is the vapor-liquid equilibrium curve for a recyclate mixture to be fractionated through distillation. The process-level key performance metrics for the involved separations, such as the localization of azeotropes, will also be measured.
These data will inform and validate the predictive numerical methods developed by other team members.
Developing sustainable chemical processes requires accurate experimental thermophysical property data. Although experimental data are crucial, they are often scarce because traditional experiments are too expensive, laborious, time-consuming, and error-prone to support rapid process design. In our lab, we tackle these challenges by combining microfluidics and laser spectroscopy to explore complex phenomena such as multi-component phase equilibria, diffusion, and reactions.
This project aims to advance our experimental methods towards the envisioned automated platforms.
Job description
Your main task will be designing, setting up, and performing novel experiments using microfluidics, spectroscopy, and algorithm-driven lab automation to enable closed-loop, self-optimizing experiments
Initial experiments will investigate phase equilibria and transport processes in liquid mixtures
The work will be conducted in tight integration with a companion doctoral candidate who will focus on advancing the predictive simulation counterpart methods
Your role will also involve mentoring and co-supervising student projects and theses
Additionally, you will engage in various group and institute duties and activities
As an integral part of your work, you will publish your results in peer‑reviewed journals and present them at international conferences
Profile
You meet the requirements for a doctoral program at ETH Zürich and have an excellent Master’s or diploma in chemical engineering, process engineering, mechanical engineering, energy science & technology, physical chemistry, or a related field
Ideally, you already have experience working experimentally, preferably in setting up experiments and using microfluidics and spectroscopy
You are interested and able to develop model‑based methods for experimental design and analysis, and you are highly motivated to learn and apply modern experimental and simulation techniques
The ability to work independently and excellent communication and writing skills in English complete your profile
We offer We offer a full-time position for the duration of your doctoral studies, starting upon agreement with the earliest starting date of October 1st, 2026. You will join a dynamic, motivated, and interdisciplinary team of researchers with expertise in thermodynamics, process design, energy system optimization, and life cycle assessment, working collaboratively with research and industry partners. You will work in an inspiring, collaborative environment to address critical global challenges and engage in group discussions and collaborative efforts spanning from the molecular level to the systems scale.
The PhD position provides access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and experimental setups, enabling impactful research. The position supports the development of critical thinking, data analysis, problem‑solving, and project management skills while contributing to the broader academic community through publications and presentations at leading conferences.
We value diversity and sustainability In line with our values, ETH Zürich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate‑neutral future.
Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Emiliano Casati, casatie@ethz.ch or mavt-epse-admin@ethz.ch (no applications).
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The EPSE group, led by Prof. Dr. André Bardow, is dedicated to advancing sustainable energy and chemical process systems. Our research spans from the molecular level to the scale of systems. We develop simulation and experimental methods to advance sustainable energy and chemical processes from the molecular to the system scale.
Project background The vision of our recently funded ERC Advanced Grant DISC3Lab is to devise a validated discovery loop for sustainable chemical processes, targeting the solvent-based recycling of plastics.
This project contributes by developing a Thermodynamic & Process Lab-on-a-chip. We will establish an automated small-scale experimental platform yielding high-throughput measurements of all fluid properties involved in the design of the targeted recycling processes. An example is the vapor-liquid equilibrium curve for a recyclate mixture to be fractionated through distillation. The process-level key performance metrics for the involved separations, such as the localization of azeotropes, will also be measured.
These data will inform and validate the predictive numerical methods developed by other team members.
Developing sustainable chemical processes requires accurate experimental thermophysical property data. Although experimental data are crucial, they are often scarce because traditional experiments are too expensive, laborious, time-consuming, and error-prone to support rapid process design. In our lab, we tackle these challenges by combining microfluidics and laser spectroscopy to explore complex phenomena such as multi-component phase equilibria, diffusion, and reactions.
This project aims to advance our experimental methods towards the envisioned automated platforms.
Job description
Your main task will be designing, setting up, and performing novel experiments using microfluidics, spectroscopy, and algorithm-driven lab automation to enable closed-loop, self-optimizing experiments
Initial experiments will investigate phase equilibria and transport processes in liquid mixtures
The work will be conducted in tight integration with a companion doctoral candidate who will focus on advancing the predictive simulation counterpart methods
Your role will also involve mentoring and co-supervising student projects and theses
Additionally, you will engage in various group and institute duties and activities
As an integral part of your work, you will publish your results in peer‑reviewed journals and present them at international conferences
Profile
You meet the requirements for a doctoral program at ETH Zürich and have an excellent Master’s or diploma in chemical engineering, process engineering, mechanical engineering, energy science & technology, physical chemistry, or a related field
Ideally, you already have experience working experimentally, preferably in setting up experiments and using microfluidics and spectroscopy
You are interested and able to develop model‑based methods for experimental design and analysis, and you are highly motivated to learn and apply modern experimental and simulation techniques
The ability to work independently and excellent communication and writing skills in English complete your profile
We offer We offer a full-time position for the duration of your doctoral studies, starting upon agreement with the earliest starting date of October 1st, 2026. You will join a dynamic, motivated, and interdisciplinary team of researchers with expertise in thermodynamics, process design, energy system optimization, and life cycle assessment, working collaboratively with research and industry partners. You will work in an inspiring, collaborative environment to address critical global challenges and engage in group discussions and collaborative efforts spanning from the molecular level to the systems scale.
The PhD position provides access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and experimental setups, enabling impactful research. The position supports the development of critical thinking, data analysis, problem‑solving, and project management skills while contributing to the broader academic community through publications and presentations at leading conferences.
We value diversity and sustainability In line with our values, ETH Zürich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate‑neutral future.
Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Emiliano Casati, casatie@ethz.ch or mavt-epse-admin@ethz.ch (no applications).
#J-18808-Ljbffr
