Within Membrane Surface Science (MSuS), part of the Department of Membrane Science & Technology (MST, www.membrane.nl), and Molecular Nanofabrication, part of the department of Molecules and Materials, both of the University of Twente, the Netherlands, we have a vacancy for a PhD student.
The project will focus on the production and characterization of new and sustainable membranes. Membranes play a critical role in the production of safe drinking water and in the treatment of human waste streams. However, membranes themselves are nearly always produced using costly, harmful and environmentally unfriendly aprotic solvents such as N-methyl-pyrrolidone (NMP). This project will investigate a highly novel approach allowing the production of the next generation of advanced membranes without the need to use any organic solvents. Here, the complexation of positively and negatively charged polyelectrolytes will be the basis for a new method for the fabrication of membranes, requiring only water as a solvent. The porous structure of the membrane will be guaranteed by using a advanced foaming approach, that will also allow control over the membrane porosity and pore size. There will be a strong focus on connecting material properties to membrane performance.
The project is part of a larger NWO-VICI project, and as such the recruited PhD student will be expected to closely collaborate with at least 2 other PhD students and one postdoc within the project. While this PhD project will focus on sustainable membrane production, others will focus on advanced functionalities and on upscaling of these most promising membranes. This team oriented research project is intended to be a highly collaborative environment. Moreover, the project will be well integrated in the MSuS and MnF groups, allowing extensive collaboration and knowledge exchange.
As part of the PhD program, you would have the opportunity to receive further education within the Twente Graduate School and within various graduate education programmes in the Netherlands. Furthermore, you will be expected to actively contribute to the teaching program, e.g. by supervising BSc and MSc assignments or by acting as teaching assistants in courses taught by department staff members.
Information and application
Are you interested in this position? Please send your application via the 'Apply now' button below before 16-11-2025, and include:
- A cover letter (maximum 2 pages A4), emphasizing your specific interest, qualifications and your motivation to apply for this position;
- A Curriculum Vitae, including contact information for at least two academic references;
- A transcript of grades of both your BSc and MSc diploma;
- Letters of recommendation (optional).
Questions regarding these positions can be directed to Prof. Wiebe M. de Vos (w.m.devos@utwente.nl, phone: +31 53 489 4495).
About the department
The Membrane Science and Technology department, often referred to as Twente Membranes, consists of several chairs focused on the development of new membrane materials and modules, membrane characterization, transport phenomena near and through membrane surfaces and the development of membrane processes and applications. The MST department has a history in membranes research of more than 50 years, and is internationally recognized as a leading department in membrane science and technology. The department boasts an impressive track record of over 250 PhD graduates, over 1000 peer reviewed scientific publications and over 40 granted patents.
The molecules and materials department is an internationally leading department in the fields of organic chemistry and materials science.
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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