Andrea I. Schäfer
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PhD position in Photocatalytic Membranes for Contaminant Removal Karlsruhe Institute of Technology in Germany
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Chemistry
Funding
Available
Deadline
Dec 31, 2026
Country
Germany
University
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
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About this position
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) is offering multiple PhD positions in photocatalytic membranes for contaminant removal at the Institute for Advanced Membrane Technology (IAMT) in Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany.
The project builds on ongoing research on photocatalytic membranes and will extend the work to novel materials and membrane preparation methods. The research is expected to be strongly experimental, with opportunities to combine experiments and modelling across molecular and process scales. Key themes include photocatalyst selection beyond commonly used materials, catalyst deposition and coating strategies, system design from small-scale toward pilot scale, and application to micropollutant removal in water.
Research questions highlighted in the call include whether a photocatalytic membrane can fully degrade contaminants, how full degradation can be verified, which photocatalytic material characteristics are most suitable for micropollutant degradation, what selection criteria or tools should be used, and how the mechanisms behind membrane photocatalysis can be quantified. The project will begin with a detailed literature survey and the identification of a set of research questions, followed by experimental work, sample and data analysis, development of analytical methods, and writing for scientific publication.
The PhD will be hosted at IAMT, which collaborates on photocatalysis and renewable energies with Prof. Dr. Bryce Richards, who leads the Nanophotonics for Energy group (IMT & LTI). The PhD will be registered in the Faculty of Chemical and Process Engineering.
Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in Chemical, Process, Environmental Engineering, or an equivalent field. Prior experience with membrane filtration systems is beneficial, and the call also looks for candidates with strong experimental problem-solving ability, good common sense, and a genuine interest in research. Excellent English is required; basic German is an advantage. A valid driver’s license is also required.
Multiple positions are available. The application package should include a CV, publication list and contribution statement if relevant, academic transcripts, degree certificates, contact details for three references, and a full research proposal including a timetable for the four-year project.
For more information, candidates are directed to the IAMT contact point under Prof. Dr.-Ing. Andrea I. Schäfer at KIT.
Funding details
Available
What's required
Applicants must hold a Master's degree in Chemical, Process, Environmental Engineering, or an equivalent field. Experience with membrane filtration systems of any scale is a definite advantage. Candidates should be comfortable specifying system components, have strong experimental problem-solving skills, and be naturally curious with a strong interest in research. Excellent English language proficiency is essential, and basic German language skills are advantageous. A valid driver’s license is required.
How to apply
Send a CV, publication list and contribution statement if relevant, academic transcripts, degree certificates, contact details for three references, and a full research proposal to Prof. Dr.-Ing. Andrea I. Schäfer. Ensure the proposal includes a timetable for the four-year project. Applications should be submitted to the contact email provided.
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Professors
Prof. Dr.-Ing. at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
Germany
Research Interests
Renewable Energy Systems
Water Treatment
Environmental Science
Materials Science
Chemical Engineering
Prof. at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
Germany
Research Interests
Renewable Energy Systems
Chemical Engineering
Materials Science
Environmental Science
Water Treatment
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.