In so-called smart water flooding, the composition of the oil-displacing brine is carefully tuned to optimize the process. Depending on the ion concentrations, both the calcite-liquid and brine-oil interfaces undergo changes, involving calcite restructuring and/or asphaltene assembly into (visco-elastic) interfacial layers.

To investigate these processes, experiments are performed at different interfaces and lengthscales. The EOR process as a whole is mimicked on a microfluidic chip while visualizing the water/oil/rock distributions and electronically monitoring physical signals. Underlying phenomena contributing to the overall process are also studied on a macroscopic scale: wettability alteration of the calcite and visco-elastic responses of the oil-brine interfacial layer. This research is part of a collaborative project at PCF in which also nanoscopic morphological and chemical information is obtained.

For the PostDoc we are looking for a skilled experimentalist with a background in physical chemistry. Specific experience in Confocal Raman Microscopy, microfluidics, ion specific sensing technologies will be a pro. You will be appointed for max. 2 years as a postdoc researcher. You are proficient in English, a good communicator and team player, and enjoy interdisciplinary collaborations. Reference letters from two senior academics are expected.

• We provide excellent mentorship and a stimulating, modern research environment with world-class research facilities.
• You will have an employment contract for the duration of max 2 years, with extension possible under mutual agreement, and you are eligible for all employee benefits the UT offers.
• The post-doc salary is between € 3.353 and € 4.402 gross per month (scale 10 Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities) depending on experience and qualifications.
• You will receive holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.3%
• Additionally, the UT is a green campus with excellent facilities and resources for professional and personal development.
  We strive for diversity and fairness in hiring.

TNW

TNW Faculty (Faculty of Science & Technology) The Faculty of Science & Technology (Technische Natuurwetenschappen, TNW) engages some 700 staff members and 2000 students in education and research on the cutting edge of chemical technology, applied physics and biomedical technology. Our fields of application include sustainable energy, process technology and materials science, nanotechnology and technical medicine. As part of a people-first tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally and is strengthened by the many young researchers working on innovative projects with as doctoral candidates and post-docs. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute. As an employer, the TNW Faculty offers jobs that matter. We equip you as a staff member to shape new opportunities both for yourself and for our society. With our Faculty, you will be part of a leading tech university that is changing our world for the better. We offer an open, inclusive and entrepreneurial climate, in which we encourage you to make healthy choices, for example, with our flexible, customisable conditions.

In the Physics of Complex Fluids group at the University of Twente (www.utwente.nl/en/tnw/pcf/)  research is aimed at improving insights as well as the efficiency of Enhanced Oil Recovery from porous calcite rock.