PhD in Interfacial Engineering for Microfiber Separation

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering department conducts world-class research aligned with the technological interests of the high-tech industry in the Netherlands, with a focus on the Brainport region. Our goal is to produce engineers who are both scientifically educated and application-driven by providing a balanced education and research program that combines fundamental and application aspects. We equip our graduates with practical and theoretical expertise, preparing them optimally for future challenges.

Introduction

Are you inspired by finding sustainable solutions to plastic pollution?
Do you enjoy hands-on experimental work at the interface of engineering, physics, and chemistry?
Are you excited about building and optimizing prototypes with real-world environmental impact?

Job Description

Project Description

Microplastics, particularly microfibers generated from the shredding of clothes during laundry, pose a serious environmental and health risk. Conventional filtration devices often clog and fail to capture the smallest, most harmful fibers. In this PhD project, you will develop and optimize a novel flotation-based separation method.

You will contribute to the project within a highly interdisciplinary and collaborative team. The project bridges experimental interfacial science, soft matter engineering, and mechanical design. You will be embedded in the research group led by Dr. Emmanouil Chatzigiannakis (Processing and Performance of Materials), and co-supervised by Dr. Paul Grassia (Energy Technology) and Dr. Simon Eugster (Dynamics and Control).

As a PhD student, you will start by conducting proof-of-concept experiments to identify key parameters that govern the efficiency of microfiber capture. You will then investigate the fundamental physics of fiber–bubble interactions, including the effects of fiber surface properties, stiffness, and hydrophobicity using various experimental techniques. After that you will design and construct a prototype flotation device, initially testing it with model systems and later applying it to real laundry wastewater. Throughout the project, you will collaborate with BSc and MSc students, contribute to educational activities, and work closely with academic and industrial partners to ensure the technology’s relevance and scalability.

Job Description

• Design, develop and optimize a flotation-based separation system for microfibers
• Prepare manuscripts for publication in the scientific literature
• Prepare presentations for scientific conferences
• Assist with preparation of patent applications
• Report to and interact with the supervisory team
• Interact with and collaborate with all project stakeholders (supervisory team, other students, academic and industrial partners)

Job Requirements

• A master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or similar.
• A research oriented attitude and innovative mindset.
• Ability to demonstrate initiative.
• Ability to work in a team and conduct interdisciplinary research.
• Fluent in spoken and written English.
• Excellent communication skills both verbally and in writing.
• A creative, critical and analytical mind.
• Experience of carrying out research in an experimental laboratory setting.
• Past research experience on bubbles/flotation/microfibers will be an advantage.
• Past experience of engineering design will also be an advantage.

Conditions of Employment

• A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you: 
• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment. 
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 2,901 max. € 3,707).  
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%. 
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process. 
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.  
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs. 
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates. 

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Emmanouil Chatzigiannakis, Assistant Professor, [email protected].

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HR advice, [email protected] or +31 40 2475902 or see link below Conditions of employment TU/e | Working at Eindhoven University of Technology (tue.nl)

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications (if applicable) and the contact information of three references.
• Brief description of your MSc thesis (200 words).

Please note that degree certificates and degree transcripts are not required at the initial application stage. These will be requested at a later stage of the process. 

We look forward to your application and will screen it as soon as we have received it. Screening will continue until the position has been filled.