PhD position on: “Functional Membranes through advanced foaming”

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29 days remaining

PhD position on: “Functional Membranes through advanced foaming”

Deadline Published Vacancy ID 2394
Apply now
29 days remaining

Research fields

Engineering; Environmental science

Job types

PhD

Education level

University graduate

Weekly hours

38—40 hours per week

Salary indication

€3059—€3881 per month

Location

Drienerlolaan 5, 7522NB, Enschede

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Job description

Within Membrane Surface Science (MSuS), part of the Department of Membrane Science & Technology (MST, www.membrane.nl), and Advanced Organ Bio-engineering and Therapeutics (AOT), both of the University of Twente, the Netherlands, we have a vacancy for a PhD student.

The project will focus on the production and characterization of a functional membranes, e.g. membranes that hold an additional functionality beyond separation such as absorbative or catalytic properties. The functionality will come from the addition of (nano)particles during the production process, including a foaming step to increase access to these functional particles. Such membranes will be relevant to several important applications, ranging from the removal of micropollutants from waste water and drinking water, but also the removal of protein bound toxins in kidney dialysis.

The project is part of a larger NWO-VICI project, and as such the recruited PhD student will be expected to closely collaborate with at least 2 other PhD students and one postdoc within the project. While this PhD project will focus on sustainable membrane production, others will focus on advanced functionalities and on upscaling of these most promising membranes. This team oriented research project is intended to be a highly collaborative environment. Moreover, the project will be well integrated in the MSuS and AOT groups, allowing extensive collaboration and knowledge exchange.

As part of the PhD program, you would have the opportunity to receive further education within the Twente Graduate School and within various graduate education programmes in the Netherlands. Furthermore, you will be expected to actively contribute to the teaching program, e.g. by supervising BSc and MSc assignments or by acting as teaching assistants in courses taught by department staff members.

Requirements

  • You have a Master’s degree, preferably with distinction (or international equivalent), in Membrane Science, Materials Science, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physical Chemistry, Physics or a closely related discipline.
  • You are motivated and enthusiastic about working on a more fundamental project within a more applied field of research.
  • You have a high affinity towards physical chemistry, materials science, water treatment or related topics.
  • Preferably you have experience and affinity with polyelectrolytes, responsive polymers, phase separation processes etc.
  • You have the ability to work independently and as a member of an international research team, while demonstrating a collaborative attitude.
  • You are able to review and engage with interdisciplinary studies and are driven by curiosity. You have excellent analytical skills and an analytical mind-set, excellent communication skills, written as well as spoken and will be part of a dynamic, interactive research community where you are expected to contribute to the overall academic level.
  • English language proficiency is a must and a written test, as well as a scientific presentation, can be part of the interview procedure.

Conditions of employment

  • A full-time position for four years, with a qualifier in the first year, and the flexibility to work (partially) from home.
  • Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU).
  • You will receive a gross monthly salary ranging from € 3.059,- (first year) to € 3.881,- (fourth year).
  • There are excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme.
  • A minimum of 232 leave hours in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours. A full-time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis.
  • Free access to sports facilities on campus.
  • A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid).
  • You will have a training programme as part of the Twente Graduate School where you and your supervisors will determine a plan for a suitable education and supervision.

Department

The Membrane Science and Technology department, often referred to as Twente Membranes, consists of several chairs focused on the development of new membrane materials and modules, membrane characterization, transport phenomena near and through membrane surfaces and the development of membrane processes and applications. The MST department has a history in membranes research of more than 50 years, and is internationally recognized as a leading department in membrane science and technology. The department boasts an impressive track record of over 250 PhD graduates, over 1000 peer reviewed scientific publications and over 40 granted patents.

The Advanced Organ bioengineering and Therapeutics (AOT) group consists of 3 research entities: (1) (Bio)artificial organs (2) Biomaterials and regenerative medicine, (3) Stratified micro engineered systems. Its mission is to provide:
  • Innovative technological solutions to patients suffering from chronic diseases to gain a longer, better and healthier life.
  • Excellent education to a new generation of professionals with interdisciplinary knowledge.

This mission is achieved through the application of state-of-the-art technologies at the interface of chemistry, biomaterials and membrane science, additive manufacturing, biofabrication and tissue regeneration. AOT strives to implement innovative technologies from the benchtop to the clinic, and to valorize its findings via initiating new spin-off companies. AOT coordinates a dedicated infrastructural unit on biomaterials and biomedical membranes at the University of Twente. https://www.utwente.nl/en/techmed/facilities/bioengineering-labs/biomaterials-biomembranes/

Additional information

Are you interested in this position? Please send your application via the 'Apply now' button below before 01-04-2026, and include:
  • A cover letter (maximum 2 pages A4), emphasizing your specific interest, qualifications and your motivation to apply for this position.
  • A Curriculum Vitae, including contact information for at least two academic references .
  • A transcript of grades of both your BSc and MSc diploma.
  • Letters of recommendation (optional).

Questions regarding these positions can be directed to Prof. Wiebe M. de Vos (w.m.devos@utwente.nl, phone: +31 53 489 4495).

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