André Bardow

ETH Zurich’s Energy and Process Systems Engineering (EPSE) Group, led by Prof. André Bardow, is recruiting for three research positions within the ERC Advanced Grant DISC3Lab . The project aims to build a validated discovery loop for sustainable chemical processes, with a strong focus on solvent-based plastics recycling , circular carbon systems, and technologies that operate within planetary boundaries . Open positions: • PhD in Automated Laboratory for Plastic Recycling — experimental work on thermophysical properties, phase equilibria, transport processes, microfluidics, laser spectroscopy, and algorithm-driven lab automation. • PhD in Predicting Thermodynamics and Processes for Circular Carbon Plastics — development of thermodynamically consistent predictive methods, hybrid physics/data-driven models, machine learning, and conceptual process design for recycling systems. • Postdoc in Towards a Circular Plastics Economy within the Planetary Boundaries — systems analysis of future chemical and plastic industry pathways, including recycling, carbon capture and utilization (CCU), biomass utilization, techno-economic assessment, life cycle assessment, and mathematical optimization. Institution: ETH Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland. All positions are full-time and start as early as 1 October 2026 . Eligibility highlights: PhD applicants should have an excellent Master’s or diploma in chemical engineering, process engineering, mechanical engineering, energy science & technology, physical chemistry, or a related field. Experimental experience is preferred for the automated lab role; ML and thermophysical-property prediction experience are preferred for the predictive modeling role. The postdoc requires a doctoral degree in a relevant engineering field and strong experience in conceptual process design, simulation, LCA, alternative carbon sources, and programming. Application: Apply via the ETH job portal only. Required documents include a CV, motivational letter, transcript of records, and contact details of two referees. The deadline is 7 August 2026 . Questions can be directed to Dr. Emiliano Casati at [email protected] or [email protected] . Research themes and keywords: thermodynamics, process systems engineering, chemical engineering, plastics recycling, circular economy, machine learning, microfluidics, spectroscopy, life cycle assessment, techno-economic assessment, process design, sustainable chemical processes.