Openings

PhD position

We have two PhD positions on the design and optimization of gas separation processes. The PhD students will be supervised by Dr. Marina Micari, SNSF Ambizione group leader hosted by LAS.

Ph.D. position: Multi-objective Optimization of Carbon Capture Processes

This project focuses on the assessment and optimization of cost and environmental impact of carbon capture processes. The successful candidate will develop integrated models including techno-economic and life cycle analyses for multiple carbon capture technologies based on advanced materials (membranes and sorbents). We aim at producing Pareto fronts representing optimal trade-offs between cost and environmental impact outputs. This analysis will allow us to highlight advantages and critical hotspots for different capture applications and drive further research in materials development and process design. With her/his thesis, the Ph.D. student will introduce the novel concept of technology maps for carbon capture. These maps will show the optimal combination of technologies and materials for various capture applications, with different CO2 concentration, feed flow rate, and required outlet purity.

Ph.D. position: Optimization of Hybrid Processes for Direct Air Capture

This project focuses on the design and optimization of integrated capture processes for direct air capture (DAC). The successful candidate will work within the collaborative network of the SusEcoCCUS project, that will realize the first demonstration plants for carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) operating in Switzerland. The Ph.D. student will design processes for DAC based on the novel combination of adsorption and membrane-based processes. We will select promising sorbents and membranes based on their technical, economic and environmental feasibility, and optimize operating conditions and process combinations. The final aim of the Ph.D. thesis is to produce the optimal process configuration that allows to significantly reduce energy, cost and environmental impact with respect to state-of-the-art technologies.

For both projects, students with a background in chemical engineering and with a strong interest in computational methods are encouraged to apply. Please apply via email to [email protected]. The application should include a brief statement of motivation, your CV and the full transcript of records. The candidates have to be accepted by the EPFL doctoral school in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering. Next application deadline to the doctoral school: 15th of January 2025 (https://www.epfl.ch/education/phd/edch-chemistry-and-chemical-engineering/edch-how-to-apply/). Starting date: March 2025

Postdoctoral position

We currently do not have an open position. Typically, we have 1-2 positions open every year. Feel free to contact Kumar for future openings.

Master’s project (PDM)

We have a few Master projects available at LAS related to the chemistry and engineering of two-dimensional materials at the angstrom scale.  If interested, send an email to [email protected] with your CV. The subject of the email should be PDM@LAS.

We have a few Master projects related to the modelling and optimisation of gas separation processes. These projects will focus on the development of efficient data-driven models to design membrane and adsorption processes for carbon capture. If interested, send an email to [email protected] with a brief statement of motivation, your CV and transcript of records.

Through the ISIC Master Grant, a paid Master’s internship project is possible. The Institute supports—with 1 600 CHF per month—one exchange Master student per unit for up to 6 months per academic year.

Submission deadlines: