PhD in Two-phase flow in porous electrodes and flow cell simulation 100%

School: School of Engineering
Starting date: As soon as possible, duration 3 years

Your role

In the MiEl project our aim is to develop and link different models describing flow cells for electroorganic synthesis on different scales and dimensions. Processes will be modelled over a wide range of length scales ranging from μm to cm. You will explore transport processes and electro-chemical reactions in different electrode structures using the Lattice Boltzmann Method. You will be responsible for the computation of effective material parameterisations of the reactive two-phase flow in porous electrodes that are needed for macro-homogenous simulations of flow cells. Starting with the pore-scale modelling and simulation, you will collaborate with other doctoral candidates in the project to use the electrode material parameterisations and develop coupled continuum-scale flow cell models. You will have the opportunity to work as part of an international, interdisciplinary team of 12 doctoral candidates, based at universities and industrial firms throughout Europe. You will be supported by two mentors within the MiEl project and will have multiple opportunities to participate in professional and personal development training. Through your work you will gain a unique skill set comprising electrosynthesis, flow chemistry and process analytical technologies, as well as modern control engineering techniques. You are expected to finish the project with a PhD thesis and to disseminate the results through patents (if applicable), publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at international conferences.

Your profile

• In accordance with the European Union's funding rules for doctoral networks, applicants must NOT yet have a PhD
• Excellent Master's degree in computational science, physics, mathematics, engineering, or a related science
• Familiarity with mathematical modelling and numerical methods for partial differential equations is expected
• Strong interest in modelling and simulation in a cross-disciplinary, collaborative project at the interface of organic chemistry and engineering
• Experience in at least one programming language for scientific computing (C/C++, Matlab, Fortran, Python, Julia, ...)
• Strong interest in learning the theoretical and practical aspects of the Lattice Boltzmann Method
• Good communication skills and willingness to work in collaborative projects with multiple partners and present results at conferences, project meetings and partners
• Very good English language skills (German is beneficial)
• Self-motivation and the ability to achieve goals independently as well as to contribute effectively to the team
• Mobility: You must not have resided or carried out your main activity (work, studies etc.) in Switzerland for more than 12 months in the past 3 years.

This is what we stand for

Zurich University of Applied Sciences ZHAW is one of Switzerland's largest multidisciplinary universities of applied sciences, with over 14'000 students and 3'400 faculty and staff.

As one of the leading technical universities in Switzerland, the School of Engineering (SoE) focuses on future-oriented topics. 13 institutes and centres guarantee high-quality education as well as research and development with a focus on energy, mobility and health.

At the Institute of Computational Physics (ICP), physicists, mathematicians and engineers work on applying methods and results from basic research to industrial problems. For more than 20 years, the ICP has been developing multiphysics computer models for industrial applications (e.g. in the field of hydrogen technology, photovoltaics or coupled-physics modelling). Together with its partners from science and industry, the ICP develops solutions in applied research and development.

Contact