Research assistant / to establish a working group in the field of ceramic adsorbers

The Department of Technical Environmental Chemistry and Sensor Technology (Prof. Dr. Patrick Bräutigam) deals with water pollutants (emerging pollutants, pharmaceutical residues, dyes, industrial chemicals), their (real-time) meassurement and the development of innovative technical processes for efficient removal from water. The research approach is thematically broad, often interdisciplinary and includes both knowledge-oriented basic research and applied research and development. For us, interdisciplinarity is both an opportunity and a necessity for successful research activities.

In an interdisciplinary team, a highly sensitive quantum-technological analytical platform for process control and monitoring of the removal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) by novel ceramic adsorbers and cavitation-assisted processes will be developed, tested and optimized in the laboratory and optimized in the application environment.

You will be responsible for the development and optimization of ceramic adsorbers that can be used for the selective removal of PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl compounds) from contaminated water samples.

Your (core) tasks

Development of analytical methods

• Establishment of analytical methods for the determination of important PFAS
• Establishment of analytical methods for the determination of transformation products

Selection and characterization of ceramic materials

• Selection and characterization of suitable ceramic materials
• Determination of OH density and other surface parameters for optimal functionalization

Synthesis of modifiers and determination of optimal functionalization parameters

• Design and synthesis of organic modifiers with PFAS-fixing units
• Optimization of application methods for ceramic materials
• Determination of optimal modifier-substrate combination

Performance tests and evaluation of functionality

• Adsorption tests of the functionalized adsorber materials on model and real water samples
• Investigation of the dependence of adsorption performance on various test parameters
• Regeneration tests and evaluation of long-term stability and reusability
• Analysis of technically relevant application limits and final evaluation of the applicability on an industrial scale

Your profile

• Degree (Master's/Diploma) in chemistry, environmental chemistry, materials science or a related field. A doctorate is an advantage
• Profound knowledge in the synthesis of organic modifiers and characterization of materials, ideally organic-inorganic hybrid materials
• Experience in surface modification and adsorber development as well as analytical methods for characterization
• Knowledge of conducting performance tests and handling complex chemical systems and water samples
• Structured, independent and results-oriented thinking and acting as well as enjoyment of interdisciplinary cooperation and technical development
• High level of motivation and commitment to researching innovative solutions to environmental challenges
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in German and English

We offer a challenging, varied and responsible full-time position (100%, part-time possible) with remuneration in accordance with the collective agreement of the federal states (TV-L). The position will be graded according to personal and legal requirements.

The position is limited to 3 years.

The place of work is Stuttgart. Working from any location is possible for up to 40% of the working time, depending on the tasks.

The University of Stuttgart would like to increase the proportion of women. Women are therefore expressly encouraged to apply. Severely disabled persons will be given priority if equally qualified. Recruitment is carried out by the Central Administration (Rector's Office).

Please send your application documents in PDF format (preferably as one document) by 29.11.2024 with the keyword “Application Ceramic Adsorber” to

patrick.braeutigam@iswa.uni-stuttgart.de

For questions and information, please contact Prof. Dr. Patrick Bräutigam (patrick.braeutigam@iswa.uni-stuttgart.de).