PhD student in the field of numerical simulation of plasma-based methane decomposition
Materials science and technology are our passion. With our cutting-edge research, Empa's around 1,100 employees make essential contributions to the well-being of society for a future worth living. Empa is a research institution of the ETH Domain.
To strengthen our team and enhance our knowledge and understanding in pyrolysis processes we are looking for a PhD student for scientific analysis, investigations and optimization of hydrogen production via methane pyrolysis for decarbonization of industrial high-temperature processes with potential for negative carbon emissions.
Your tasks
  • Setup of Computational Fluid Dynamics CFD environment and simulations including:
    - Computation of the microwave field, Coupling of the microwave field with the plasma
    - Computation of elementary ionization, recombination and diffusion processes in the plasma resulting in the ionization of the initial gas
    - The decomposition of CH4, including detailed reaction sequence and chemical kinetics in a multiphase environment and flow field interactions
  • Tuning of the CFD models with experimental results
  • Artificial Neural Network training and development
  • Scientific publications in journals and at conferences
  • Supervision of students
Your profile
  • University Master's degree in process engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering or materials science with some (CFD) experience.
  • Good technical knowledge and/or high interest in scientific work with CFD.
  • Interest in working in interdisciplinary teams.
  • Good knowledge of the German and English language.
Our offer
  • Interesting and responsible tasks in the field of applied research.
  • Development opportunities in an economically and socially important field.
  • Contacts to international partners, customers and suppliers.
  • Attractive working conditions of the ETH Domain.
We live a culture of inclusion and respect. We welcome all people who are interested in innovative, sustainable and meaningful activities - that's what counts.
We look forward to receiving your complete online application including a letter of motivation, CV, diplomas with references and contact details of two reference persons. Please submit these exclusively via our job portal. Applications by e-mail and by post will not be considered.
David Heusser, HR Partner
Questions?
Dr. Panayotis Dimopoulos
Group leader
Chemical Energy Carriers and Vehicle Systems Laboratory
+41 58 765 4337
https://www.empa.ch/web/s504
Your future place of work
Empa
Ueberlandstrasse 129
8600 Dübendorf
Empa as an employer
  • Innovative, sustainable, meaningful activities
  • Creating added value for society
  • International, multicultural working environment
  • Freedom to create and develop
  • Culture of inclusion and respect
  • Excellent balance between different areas of life
  • Multiple award-winning and certified employer
  • Benefits for rail, mobile, childcare, catering, etc.
Good to know
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