PhD Position in Decarbonizing: ETH Zurich invites applications for a PhD position focused on sustainable chemical manufacturing as part of an interdisciplinary project aimed at transitioning from fossil-based to sustainable chemical production methods. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to global efforts in decarbonizing the chemical industry, engaging with various stakeholders while utilizing advanced modeling and data assessment techniques.
PhD Position in Decarbonizing the Future of the Chemical Industry
Designation
PhD Candidate in Sustainable Chemical Manufacturing
Research Area
- Sustainable Chemistry
- Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
- Chemical Engineering
- Environmental Sciences
- Resource Efficiency
Location
ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
Eligibility/Qualification
- A Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Technical Chemistry, Computational Chemistry, or related fields with excellent academic performance.
- Experience in modeling and programming; familiarity with machine learning will be an advantage.
- Knowledge of life cycle assessment and its application in chemical manufacturing is beneficial but not mandatory.
Job Description
- Develop and assess transition pathways for sustainable chemical supply chains on a global scale.
- Create a comprehensive framework that combines site-level data and industry-wide models.
- Construct a database of global chemical production sites, analyzing production quantities, energy consumption, and regional environmental impacts.
- Utilize high-quality data sources, commercial databases, and machine-learning-augmented tools for life cycle assessment to generate energy and mass balances for key chemical production processes.
- Analyze the interconnections between chemical production activities and regional energy supplies.
- Collaborate with industry stakeholders and academic experts to validate models and findings.
- Publish research outcomes in peer-reviewed journals and present at international conferences.
- Contribute to teaching and research activities (up to 20% of working time).
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their applications via the online application portal at ETH Zurich, including:
- A motivation letter
- A detailed CV
- Academic transcripts (including completed courses with grades and ranking, if available)
- Contact information for two referees
Important: Applications sent via email or postal services will not be considered.
Last Date to Apply
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled; early submission is encouraged as interviews will commence shortly after applications are received.
This scholarship presents a significant opportunity to contribute to essential sustainability efforts within the chemical industry while working in a dynamic and esteemed research environment at ETH Zurich.
