PhD position: Enabling Membrane-Based Industrial Effluent Reuse using Model Predictive Control
Are you passionate about combining mathematical modelling, fundamental knowledge of interface science and membrane technology to make industrial wastewater treatment processes more efficient and robust?
We offer a challenging PhD position in the Department of Membrane Science and Technology.
You will development and evaluate a model predictive controller for membrane-based wastewater treatment processes to enable reuse of industrial effluent.
The Netherlands is a water-scarce country. We therefore need to focus on circular reuse of water within industrial and drinking water settings, and minimizing energy and water footprints in separation processes. Although membrane separations are mature and energy-efficient processes, widespread adoption of this technology for industrial wastewater reuse has not been achieved yet. A major reason is the highly variable nature of industrial wastewater. For that reason, together with our industrial partners Jotem Water Solutions and Waterstromen, we have defined the SMARTIER project: Scalable Membrane-based Adaptive Recycling Technology (SMART) for Industrial Effluent Reuse (IER).
Within the SMARTIER project, we aim to develop the tools and know-how to enable robust and economical recycling and reuse of industrial effluent using membrane technology (ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis). We intend to do this by combining fundamental know-how relating to membranes, transport phenomena and interface science (UT) with the practical experience in building (Jotem Water Solutions) and operating (Waterstromen) membrane-based wastewater treatment plants.
As part of the UT team, you will develop a robust model predictive control (MPC) algorithm based on sensor and other system inputs that can be used to enable industrial effluent recycling under a variety of process conditions. You will need to support the development of the MPC tool by performing relevant experiments on lab-scale, and later validate the MPC tool using pilot-scale data. You will closely collaborate with an EngD student in this project.
As PhD student in the SMARTIER project, you will:
- Develop a model predictive controller (MPC) for membrane-based wastewater treatment processes to enable reuse of industrial effluent;
- Perform relevant lab-scale experiments to define relevant water-quality and process parameters and to support the development of the MPC tool;
- Determe the efficacy of various sensing approaches for (online) parameter estimation during effluent treatment by membrane processes independently as well as in collaboration with the EngD student at Jotem Water Solutions.
- Implement and validate the developed MPC tool in close collaboration with the EngD student and by using pilot-scale data obtained by Waterstromen.
The SMARTIER project is funded by EFRO Oost.
This position will give you ample opportunities to collaborate with EngD and PhD students, post-docs and other researchers within the Membrane Science & Technology department.
Information and application
Are you interested in this position? Please send your application via the 'Apply now' button latest on August 15, 2025 and include:
- A cover letter (maximum 2 pages A4), emphasizing your motivations and specific interest to apply for this position.
- A curriculum vitae and transcripts of your relevant educational background. If applicable, please provide a list of publications in your CV.
- A copy of your degree or expected date of graduation.
- At least two references.
The position is available effective as of September 1, 2025. For more information regarding this position, you are welcome to contact dr. Jeff Wood (https://people.utwente.nl/j.a.wood) and dr. ir. Sander Haase (https://people.utwente.nl/a.s.haase).
About the department
Department of Membrane Science and Technology (MST)
The MST department, often referred to as Twente Membranes, consists of several research groups focusing on the development of new membrane materials and modules, membrane characterization, transport phenomena near membrane surfaces and the development of membrane processes and applications. The MST department has a history in membrane research of more than 50 years, and is internationally recognized as a leading department in membrane science and technology. The department has an impressive track record of over 250 PhD graduates, over 1000 peer-reviewed scientific publications and over 40 granted patents.
About the organisation
The Faculty of Science & Technology (Technische Natuurwetenschappen, TNW) engages some 700 staff members and 2000 students in education and research on the cutting edge of chemical technology, applied physics and biomedical technology. Our fields of application include sustainable energy, process technology and materials science, nanotechnology and technical medicine. As part of a people-first tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally and is strengthened by the many young researchers working on innovative projects with as doctoral candidates and post-docs. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.
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