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.

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. And the process-level key performance metrics for the involved separations. An example would be the localization of azeotropes, potentially jeopardizing the feasibility of separation through distillation

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.

• 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

• 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, 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. 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 a full-time position for the duration of your doctoral studies, starting upon agreement with the earliest starting date of October 1st, 2026. We are providing a supportive environment that fosters professional and personal growth. 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. It includes opportunities to engage in group discussions and collaborative efforts spanning from the molecular level to the systems scale, offering insights into diverse methods and approaches.

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 look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae, max. 2 pages
• Motivational Letter, max. 2 pages
• Transcript of records
• Contact details of 2 referees

For further information about the Energy and Process Systems Engineering (EPSE) Group, please visit our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Emiliano Casati, [email protected] or [email protected] (no applications).

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal before 7 August 2026. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

We will get in touch with you after 2-3 weeks following the submission deadline.