PhD Position on Functional Membranes through Advanced Foaming

Job Description

Organization: University of Twente – Department of Membrane Science and Technology (MST) and Advanced Organ Bio-engineering and Therapeutics (AOT)

The University of Twente invites applications for a PhD position on Functional Membranes through Advanced Foaming. The project is jointly hosted by the Membrane Surface Science group (MSuS) within the Department of Membrane Science & Technology and the Advanced Organ Bio-engineering and Therapeutics group.

The research focuses on developing next-generation functional membranes capable of performing additional functions beyond conventional separation processes. These membranes will incorporate nanoparticles during fabrication, combined with an advanced foaming process to enhance access to functional particles and improve membrane performance.

The developed membranes aim to address major societal challenges, including water purification and medical dialysis applications such as removing protein-bound toxins from blood.

Research Responsibilities

• Develop and characterize functional membranes incorporating nano- or microparticles.
• Investigate foaming-assisted membrane fabrication processes.
• Study transport, separation, and functional properties of advanced membrane materials.
• Collaborate closely with other PhD students and a postdoctoral researcher within a larger NWO-VICI project.
• Contribute to scientific publications and presentations.
• Participate in teaching activities including supervision of BSc and MSc students.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree (preferably with distinction) in membrane science, materials science, biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, physical chemistry, physics, or a closely related discipline.
• Strong interest in interdisciplinary research combining fundamental science with applied engineering.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with polyelectrolytes, responsive polymers, or phase separation processes.
• Interest in water treatment technologies or biomedical membrane applications.

Research Environment

The Department of Membrane Science and Technology (Twente Membranes) is internationally recognized for its leading research in membrane materials and processes, with over 50 years of experience and a strong track record of scientific publications and patents.

The project is embedded within a collaborative research program supported by the NWO-VICI initiative and benefits from integration with multiple research groups and advanced facilities within the University of Twente.

Employment Conditions

• Full-time PhD position for 4 years.
• Salary according to the Dutch university collective agreement (CAO-NU): €3,059 – €3,881 per month depending on year of appointment.
• Additional benefits including 8% holiday allowance, 8.3% year-end bonus, and a pension scheme.
• Minimum of 232 annual leave hours plus additional leave hours.
• Access to campus sports facilities and family-friendly employment conditions.