Doctoral Fellow in Membrane Fouling and Cleaning for Industrial Water Applications
Develop innovative membrane cleaning protocols to enhance industrial water reuse efficiency and sustainability.
Best for:Best for chemical or environmental engineers with expertise in membrane technology, analytical chemistry, and a strong interest in industrial water treatment and sustainability.
Overview
This PhD position at Ghent University’s Particle and Interfacial Technology (PaInT) research group focuses on advancing membrane fouling and cleaning technologies for industrial water production and reuse. The project aims to address critical gaps in membrane cleaning efficiency, mechanistic understanding, and sustainability by establishing quantitative measures and optimizing cleaning solutions. The successful candidate will conduct hands-on experimental work, collaborate with industrial partners, and contribute to peer-reviewed publications and life cycle assessments. The role is ideal for motivated researchers with a strong background in chemical, environmental, or bioscience engineering and a passion for applied, industry-facing research.
What you'll do
- Develop and apply standardized protocols for evaluating membrane performance (permeability, salt rejection, pressure drop, integrity) and conducting membrane autopsy using techniques like ATR-FTIR, SEM-EDX, ICP-OES, LC-OCD, ATP, and TGA.
- Characterize industrial feedwaters using advanced analytical strategies, including quantification and fractionation of organic matter, silica, and iron speciation.
- Establish a curated library of commercial and bulk-chemistry cleaning agents, testing them against standardized fouled membrane coupons under controlled laboratory conditions.
- Identify and validate the most effective cleaning agents based on criteria such as permeability recovery, foulant removal, and membrane integrity retention.
- Investigate cleaning mechanisms for different types of scaling and fouling, formulating simple cleaning solutions to test derived hypotheses.
- Contribute structured datasets to life cycle assessments (LCA) and economic analyses in collaboration with partner groups.
- Maintain active relationships with industrial partners, including on-site sampling visits and technical exchanges.
- Disseminate research findings through peer-reviewed publications, conferences, and workshops within the industrial network.
Requirements
Degree required: Master's degree in bioscience engineering, chemical engineering, environmental engineering, water technology, applied chemistry, or an equivalent program with a strong process- and analytical-chemistry focus.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; proficiency at an academic level (written and spoken).
Instruction: English
- Strong foundation in water chemistry and/or analytical chemistry.
- Hands-on experience with experimental laboratory work.
- Interest and ability to conduct applied, industry-facing research.
- Excellent academic writing and presentation skills.
- Proficient command of English (written and spoken).
- Valid driver’s license.
- Applicant must hold or be eligible to obtain a Master’s degree by the start date of the appointment.
- Applicant must reside in Belgium or be willing to relocate for the duration of the appointment.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-21
Applicants must submit a CV, a copy of their Master’s diploma (if available), and a motivation letter via email to Emile Cornelissen at emile.cornelissen@ugent.be. Late applications will not be considered.
- CV
- Copy of Master’s diploma (if available)
- Motivation letter
Contact
Emile Cornelissen· Contact Person
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