Transport
phenomena are crucial for many chemical, pharmaceutical and biochemical
processes. Many membrane-based processes suffer from transport
limitations near the permeable boundary. We aim at studying these
phenomena on a microscopic scale, using experimental techniques
including micro particle imaging velocimetry, and fluorescence
microscopy.
The projects are part of the ERC Starting Grant of Prof. Lammertink and aim at studying transport phenomena within microfluidic platforms to better understand the influence of small-scale effects. Two PhD vacancies are available, both relating to transport phenomena near a membrane boundary:
Biofouling. Bacteria growth in water treatment systems is a prominent challenge still. The proposed research will focus on the detailed fluid flow analysis and mass transport of nutrients and oxygen with respect to biofilm attachment and growth in predefined geometries.
Electrodialysis. Ion selective membranes are employed through which ions are transport by an externally applied electric field. Electrodialysis is applied in e.g. water desalination and salt production processes. Under extreme concentration polarization conditions, electroconvection processes appear. The objective is to study these processes and their response to confinement and heterogeneity.
Ons aanbod / Our offer
The research will be carried out in the group Soft matter, Fluidics and Interfaces (SFI) of Prof. Rob G.H. Lammertink at the University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands. The group is hosted within the Mesa+ institute for nanotechnology, with full access to the Nanolab cleanroom facilities. We offer a contract for a full position (1 FTE, 38 working hours per week) for four years. Your monthly salary develops from 2042 € gross in the first year to 2612 € gross in the last year. Furthermore, we offer a holiday allowance of 8%, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3% and a number of additional benefits.
Uw profiel / Your profile
You have a Masters degree in chemical engineering, applied physics, or other related discipline, with interest in (micro)fluidics and transport phenomena. The projects have a strong experimental approach, but requires connection with theory as well. Affinity for (CFD based) modeling is preferred. You have good command of English, both verbal and written.
Seen the interdisciplinary nature of the projects, the candidate is foreseen to interact with other researchers closely. This requires good communicative skills, enthusiasms, and project ownership.
The projects are part of the ERC Starting Grant of Prof. Lammertink and aim at studying transport phenomena within microfluidic platforms to better understand the influence of small-scale effects. Two PhD vacancies are available, both relating to transport phenomena near a membrane boundary:
Biofouling. Bacteria growth in water treatment systems is a prominent challenge still. The proposed research will focus on the detailed fluid flow analysis and mass transport of nutrients and oxygen with respect to biofilm attachment and growth in predefined geometries.
Electrodialysis. Ion selective membranes are employed through which ions are transport by an externally applied electric field. Electrodialysis is applied in e.g. water desalination and salt production processes. Under extreme concentration polarization conditions, electroconvection processes appear. The objective is to study these processes and their response to confinement and heterogeneity.
Ons aanbod / Our offer
The research will be carried out in the group Soft matter, Fluidics and Interfaces (SFI) of Prof. Rob G.H. Lammertink at the University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands. The group is hosted within the Mesa+ institute for nanotechnology, with full access to the Nanolab cleanroom facilities. We offer a contract for a full position (1 FTE, 38 working hours per week) for four years. Your monthly salary develops from 2042 € gross in the first year to 2612 € gross in the last year. Furthermore, we offer a holiday allowance of 8%, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3% and a number of additional benefits.
Uw profiel / Your profile
You have a Masters degree in chemical engineering, applied physics, or other related discipline, with interest in (micro)fluidics and transport phenomena. The projects have a strong experimental approach, but requires connection with theory as well. Affinity for (CFD based) modeling is preferred. You have good command of English, both verbal and written.
Seen the interdisciplinary nature of the projects, the candidate is foreseen to interact with other researchers closely. This requires good communicative skills, enthusiasms, and project ownership.
Application Deadline : 1 March 2013
