PhD Position Data-Driven Distributed Game Theory

About the role

The PhD project, coordinated by the Institute for Sustainable Process Technology at TU Delft, aims to replace chemical processing aids by using electric fields to create local pH gradients and electrostatic interactions for sustainable separation processes.

Key responsibilities

• Investigate the fundamental behavior of electrically induced pH gradients at electrodes and membranes.
• Visualize and quantify local pH gradients using Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM).
• Elucidate transport phenomena in membranes and integrate experimental data with advanced electrode characterisation.
• Develop membrane modification strategies to improve performance, durability and antifouling.
• Contribute to physics‑informed 2‑D simulations linking interfacial transport to system‑level performance.
• Collaborate with industrial partners, Wageningen University and other consortium members.
• Supervise bachelor theses, mentor master students and act as teaching assistant in related courses.

Required profile

• Motivated to conduct innovative research for sustainable process engineering.
• Ability to work independently and in interdisciplinary, international teams.
• Willingness to supervise students and continuously broaden expertise.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.

Required skills

• Hands‑on experience with electrochemical systems or electrically driven separation technologies.
• Knowledge of membrane processes and transport phenomena.
• Experience with Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM) or similar advanced characterisation techniques.
• Proficiency in 2‑D computational modelling of electrochemical interfaces.
• Ability to design and build custom experimental set‑ups.

What we offer

• Four‑year PhD employment (initial 1.5‑year contract followed by a 2.5‑year extension).
• Salary ranging from €3,204 to €4,051 gross per month, plus 8 % holiday allowance and an 8.3 % year‑end bonus.
• Enrollment in the TU Delft Graduate School with mentorship, training and a customizable compensation package.
• Flexible work schedules, health‑insurance discounts and a monthly work‑costs contribution.