Bryce Richards

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) is offering multiple PhD positions in solar-powered electrodialysis for brackish water treatment at the new Institute for Advanced Membrane Technology (IAMT), in collaboration with Prof. Bryce Richards (IMT). This research sits within the broader area of renewable energy-powered membrane processes and focuses on how electrodialysis can be adapted to fluctuating solar energy and non-steady-state operation. The project targets the removal of inorganic contaminants from brackish water, including nitrate, arsenic, selenium, uranium, and fluoride. Students will work experimentally on a novel continuous electrodialysis system under fluctuating energy input, examine water contaminants in brackish water treatment, and compare results against established nanofiltration and reverse osmosis processes. The work also includes national and international field work, feasibility studies, and the development of an optimal energy management scenario together with renewable energy colleagues at IMT. This PhD is designed as an in-depth research and development project leading to scientific publication and independent research training. Candidates will begin by defining research questions through a detailed literature survey and must submit a research proposal with a timetable for a four-year project at the application stage. The role includes experiments, sample and data analysis, write-up for publication, conference presentations, supervision of Master students, cooperation with internal and external partners, and a small amount of teaching. Applicants should hold a Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related equivalent discipline. Strong curiosity and a genuine interest in research are important. Experience with membrane filtration and electrochemical systems is considered a clear advantage, along with good experimental problem-solving abilities and confidence in specifying system components. Excellent English is required, and basic German is helpful. A valid driver's licence is required. The position is based in Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany, with the application deadline listed as 2026-12-31. Applicants are asked to submit a CV, publication list and contribution statement if relevant, academic transcripts, degree certificates, the contact details of three referees, and a full research proposal to Prof. Dr.-Ing. Andrea I. Schäfer at [email protected].

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.