At the University of Twente (the Netherlands) within the MESA+ institute for nanotechnology a research program will start early 2018, aimed at understanding physico-chemical aspects of Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) using low-salinity water-flooding in Carbonate reservoirs. The research will be done in consultation with an industrial partner, and involves 5 temporary researchers in Twente.

The goal of the PhD project advertised here, is to get a better understanding of the role of aqueous ions and oil-dissolved polar organic molecules on the wetting of calcite surfaces. One of the challenges to be addressed, is that ions can alter the substrate surface in different ways: dissolution and recrystallization, ad/desorption of ions, and desorption of organic compounds (in case of natural rock). Also adsorption at the oil/water interface can contribute to changes in contact angle. To dissect these contributions, well-defined experiments addressing the separate as well as the combined aspects are needed. This includes microscopy studies into the evolution of crystal morphology, leading also to a demarcation of the ‘chemical window’ in which the substrate remains stable. Contact angle and pendant drop measurements should reveal the (adsorption, desorption and self-assembly) processes at the different interfaces. Synthetic as well as natural calcium carbonates will be used and different oil compositions will be explored. Exposure of substrates to different brine compositions will be assisted by microfluidics. In the end, the combination of experiments should lead to a control over the contact angle via the composition of the brine.

For this position we are searching for an ambitious candidate with an MSc or MEng degree in (physical or crystal) chemistry or (experimental) physics. Existing knowledge on crystal growth, adsorption phenomena or wetting will be considered as an advantage. Considering the strongly collaborative nature of the project, we are looking for a team player with good communication skills.

Information and application 
Further information can be found on the website: www.utwente.nl/tnw/pcf or by contacting Prof. Frieder Mugele (f.mugele@utwente.nl), Dr. Igor Siretanu (i.siretanu@utwente.nl) or Dr. Michel Duits (m.h.g.duits@utwente.nl).

Applications are welcome till March 15, 2018 and should include a specific motivation letter reflecting on the goal and challenges of the advertised project in relation to the interests and skills of the candidate as well as a detailed CV.

We offer a very challenging fulltime position in an inspiring multidisciplinary and international environment. The university offers a dynamic ecosystem with enthusiastic colleagues in which internationalization is an important part of the strategic agenda.

• The gross monthly salary starts with € 2222,- in the first year and increases to € 2840,- in the fourth year of your employment;
• A holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.3%;
• A solid pension scheme;
• Minimum of 29 holidays in case of full-time employment;
• Professional and personal development programs.

The University of Twente. We stand for life sciences and technology. High tech and human touch. Education and research that matter. New technology which leads change, innovation and progress in society. The University of Twente is the only campus university of the Netherlands; divided over five faculties we provide more than fifty educational programmes. We have a strong focus on personal development and talented researchers are given scope for carrying out groundbreaking research.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status. Because of our diversity values we do particularly support women to apply.

Within the TNW Faculty (Faculty of Science & Technology) of the University of Twente some 700 staff members and 2000 students are involved in training and research on the interface of chemical technology, applied physics and biomedical technology. Fields of application include sustainable energy, process technology and materials science, nanotechnology and technical medicine. Research, which enjoys a high profile both at home and internationally, has been accommodated in the multidisciplinary research institutes MESA+ and MIRA. The faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders.