Research assistant / to establish a working group in the field of oxidative processes

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 cavitation-assisted processes (coupling with non-thermal plasma, electrochemical processes, ...) to be used for the removal of PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl compounds) from contaminated water samples.

Your (core) tasks

Characterization of sound-, bubble- and cavitation-fields

• Use of acoustic, optical and chemical characterization methods of cavitation fields
• Development of analysis tools for the quantitative and qualitative data obtained

Reactor design for cavitation-assisted combination processes

• Development of reactor concepts for the coupling of cavitation (acoustic, hydrodynamic) with advanced oxidation processes (e.g. non-thermal plasma, electrochemical, ozonation)
• Characterization and optimization of reactor concepts

Process engineering investigations and reactor design

• Investigations into PFAS degradation, mineralization and transformation products
• Investigations into the integrity and stability of the reactor materials
• Determination of operating modes and parameters influencing degradation using model and real water samples
• Investigation of energy requirements and synergy effects
• Derivation of working areas, relevant operating modes for real degradation targets
• Development of measurement, control and regulation concepts
• Derivation of design criteria for combination reactors

Your profile

• Degree (Master's/Diploma) in chemistry, environmental chemistry, process engineering, environmental engineering, chemical engineering or a related field. A doctorate is an advantage
• Profound knowledge in the field of Advanced Oxidation Processes, e.g. cavitation, non-thermal plasma, electrochemical processes and ozonation
• Experience in reactor design and process engineering for water treatment, as well as measurement and control technology
• 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 materials science or a related field. A doctorate is an advantage

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).