PhD Position: Ceramic Nanofiltration for Sustainable Water Treatment Delft University of Technology in Netherlands

Join the Water Management Department at Delft University of Technology and contribute to solving global challenges in clean, safe, and sustainable drinking water. This PhD project addresses water scarcity and pollution by developing and optimizing ceramic nanofiltration systems, focusing on the management of concentrate streams containing emerging contaminants such as PFAS and micropollutants. These contaminants pose risks to both human health and ecosystems, and your research will help advance innovative solutions for their safe treatment and minimization.

As a doctoral candidate, you will work on modifying ceramic membranes for selective ion rejection, conducting water treatment experiments, and characterizing membrane performance. You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team in the Sanitary Engineering Section, leveraging the resources of the TU Delft WaterLab to test and validate new technologies. Your work will directly support the UN Sustainable Development Goals 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and 13 (Climate Action), as well as Horizon Europe Cluster 6 priorities.

At TU Delft, you will be part of a vibrant, diverse, and supportive academic community. The Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences is internationally recognized for research and education in civil engineering, applied earth sciences, water technology, and related fields. The faculty promotes open science and interdisciplinary collaboration, with research projects addressing climate change, energy transition, urbanization, and clean water challenges.

Employment conditions include a 4-year doctoral contract (split into two phases), a competitive salary ranging from €3059 to €3881 gross per month, 8% holiday allowance, and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus. Additional benefits include a customizable compensation package, health insurance discounts, monthly work costs contribution, and flexible work schedules. The university offers comprehensive support for international candidates relocating to the Netherlands, including relocation assistance and a dual career program for partners.

Applicants should have a Master’s degree in environmental engineering, chemical engineering, or a closely related field, with fundamental knowledge of separation and filtration techniques for water treatment. Strong interest and experience in experimental studies, excellent communication skills in English, and the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team are required. Experience with membrane-based filtration in laboratory or pilot-scale settings is advantageous. English proficiency suitable for doctoral-level coursework and scientific writing is mandatory.

To apply, submit your application online by 19 December 2025, including a motivation letter, CV, degree certificates and transcripts (with English translations if necessary), a link to your MSc thesis if available, and contact details for two referees. Please note that applications sent by email or post will not be considered. The selection process may include a pre-employment screening and a knowledge security check.

For further information about the position, contact Begüm Tanis at [email protected].