PhD Position: Molecular Thermodynamics and Transport Modeling for the Energy Transition

Your primary task will be to develop and implement models for the molecular description of transport resistivities in micro- or nanoporous materials. The models will then be used to quantify mass transport through membranes in order to evaluate the performance of novel membrane materials in industrial separation processes. Your role will also involve mentoring and co-supervising student projects and theses. 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.

The Molecular Engineering Thermodynamics (MET) group at ETH Zurich is looking for a doctoral student to develop and improve computational tools for the molecular scale description of mass transport in membranes with an application to separation processes. The MET group at ETH Zurich, led by Philipp Rehner, is dedicated to linking rigorous physical molecular models to the design of sustainable processes in chemical engineering. To bridge the scale from molecules to processes, we apply state-of-the art mathematical concepts and tools combined with highly efficient computational methods. A particular focus is on the modeling of interfacial phenomena in process design applications. Our technological focus is on emerging technologies for the energy transition.

• You meet the requirements for a doctoral program at ETH Zurich and have an excellent Master's or diploma in chemical engineering, process engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, energy science & technology, physical chemistry, or a related field

• Ideally, you already have experience working computationally and developing scientific software

• Experience in Python is highly recommended, additional knowledge of performance-oriented modeling frameworks, either based on Python (e.g., JAX, Pytorch) or other programming languages (e.g., C++, Rust, Julia) are welcome

• You are interested and able to develop thermodynamic models while gaining a solid understanding of the underlying physical processes

• The ability to work independently and excellent communication and writing skills in English complete your profile