PhD position in Automated Laboratory for Plastic Recycling ETH Zürich in Switzerland

ETH Zürich’s Energy and Process Systems Engineering (EPSE) Group is offering a PhD position in an automated laboratory for plastic recycling. The project sits at the intersection of chemical engineering, thermodynamics, microfluidics, spectroscopy, and sustainable process design, with a strong emphasis on experimental discovery for solvent-based plastic recycling.

The doctoral researcher will work within the EPSE group led by Prof. Dr. André Bardow, contributing to the recently funded ERC Advanced Grant DISC3Lab. The broader vision of the project is to build a validated discovery loop for sustainable chemical processes, including a Thermodynamic & Process Lab-on-a-chip and an automated small-scale experimental platform for high-throughput measurements of fluid properties relevant to recycling process design.

Research topics include thermophysical property characterization, phase equilibria, transport processes, vapor-liquid equilibrium, azeotrope localization, and separation feasibility in liquid mixtures derived from plastic recycling. The lab combines microfluidics and laser spectroscopy to study complex fluids and to generate experimental data that can support predictive numerical methods developed by collaborators.

The main task will be to design, set up, and perform novel experiments using microfluidics, spectroscopy, and algorithm-driven laboratory automation, aiming for closed-loop, self-optimizing experimentation. Initial work will focus on phase equilibria and transport processes in liquid mixtures. The position is tightly integrated with a companion doctoral project on simulation and predictive methods, and also includes mentoring and co-supervision of student projects and theses, as well as participation in group and institute activities.

Applicants should qualify for doctoral admission at ETH Zurich and have an excellent Master’s or diploma in chemical engineering, process engineering, mechanical engineering, energy science & technology, physical chemistry, or a closely related field. Experimental experience, especially with microfluidics and spectroscopy, is preferred. Strong English communication and writing skills, independence, motivation, and interest in model-based experimental design and analysis are important.

The position is full-time for the duration of the doctoral studies and starts by agreement, with the earliest starting date of 1 October 2026. ETH Zurich highlights its collaborative, interdisciplinary environment, access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, and a strong commitment to diversity and sustainability.

Applications must be submitted online through the ETH Zurich portal by 7 August 2026. The application package should include a CV (maximum 2 pages), motivational letter (maximum 2 pages), transcript of records, and contact details of two referees. Questions about the position can be directed to Dr. Emiliano Casati at [email protected] or [email protected]. Applications sent by email or postal mail will not be considered.