Employment Type: Full-time (100%)

Location: Zurich, Switzerland

Institution: ETH Zurich

Research Group: Energy and Process Systems Engineering (EPSE) Group

Position Type: Fixed-term PhD Position

Earliest Start Date: October 1, 2026 (or upon agreement)

Overview

The Energy and Process Systems Engineering (EPSE) Group at ETH Zurich, led by Prof. Dr. André Bardow, is seeking a highly motivated doctoral student to conduct experimental research on the thermophysical properties and separation processes of complex fluids involved in plastic recycling.

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.

What ETH Zurich Offers

ETH Zurich offers:

• A full-time PhD position for the duration of the doctoral studies.
• A supportive environment promoting both professional and personal development.
• A dynamic, interdisciplinary research team with expertise in:Collaboration with academic and industrial partners.
  • Thermodynamics
  • Process design
  • Energy system optimization
  • Life cycle assessment
• State-of-the-art laboratory facilities and experimental equipment.
• Opportunities to develop:Opportunities to publish in leading scientific journals and present at major international conferences.
  • Critical thinking
  • Data analysis
  • Problem-solving
  • Project management skills
• An inspiring research environment spanning molecular-scale to systems-scale research.

Diversity and Sustainability

ETH Zurich is committed to:

• Equality of opportunity.
• Diversity and inclusion.
• Respect for the rights and dignity of all staff and students.
• Providing an open and supportive working and learning environment.
• Sustainability as a core institutional value, with continued efforts toward a climate-neutral future.

Application Documents

Applicants should submit the following documents through the online application portal:

• Curriculum Vitae (maximum 2 pages).
• Motivational Letter (maximum 2 pages).
• Transcript of records.
• Contact details of two referees.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted exclusively through the ETH Zurich online application portal.

Applications submitted by email or postal mail will not be considered.

For more information about the Energy and Process Systems Engineering (EPSE) Group, applicants are encouraged to visit the group's website.

Questions regarding the position may be directed to:

Dr. Emiliano Casati

Email: casatie@ethz.ch

or

mavt-epse-admin@ethz.ch

(No applications via email.)

Application Deadline

Application Deadline: 7 August 2026

Applicants will be contacted approximately 2–3 weeks after the submission deadline.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology. The university is internationally recognized for:

• Excellence in education.
• Cutting-edge fundamental research.
• Direct transfer of scientific knowledge into society.

With more than 30,000 students and staff from over 120 countries, ETH Zurich provides an international environment that promotes independent thinking, innovation, and scientific excellence while developing solutions to today's and tomorrow's global challenges.