PhD student in the field of numerical simulation of plasma-based methane decomposition

Empa, Switzerland

Updated: 1 day ago

Materials science and technology are our passion. With our cutting-edge research, Empa's around 1,100 employees make essential contributions to the well-being of society for a future worth living. Empa is a research institution of the ETH Domain.

To strengthen our team and enhance our knowledge and understanding in pyrolysis processes we are looking for a PhD student for scientific analysis, investigations and optimization of hydrogen production via methane pyrolysis for decarbonization of industrial high-temperature processes with potential for negative carbon emissions.


Your tasks
  • Setup of Computational Fluid Dynamics CFD environment and simulations including:
    - Computation of the microwave field, Coupling of the microwave field with the plasma
    - Computation of elementary ionization, recombination and diffusion processes in the plasma resulting in the ionization of the initial gas
    - The decomposition of CH4, including detailed reaction sequence and chemical kinetics in a multiphase environment and flow field interactions
  • Tuning of the CFD models with experimental results
  • Artificial Neural Network training and development
  • Scientific publications in journals and at conferences
  • Supervision of students

Your profile
  • University Master's degree in process engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering or materials science with some (CFD) experience.
  • Good technical knowledge and/or high interest in scientific work with CFD.
  • Interest in working in interdisciplinary teams.
  • Good knowledge of the German and English language.

Our offer
  • Interesting and responsible tasks in the field of applied research.
  • Development opportunities in an economically and socially important field.
  • Contacts to international partners, customers and suppliers.
  • Attractive working conditions of the ETH Domain.

We live a culture of inclusion and respect. We welcome all people who are interested in innovative, sustainable and meaningful activities - that's what counts.

DavidHeusser, HR Partner


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