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.