PhD Adsorption Energy Distributions in Ion Chromatography

Help advance the fundamental understanding of ion chromatography by developing innovative methods to characterize chromatographic materials and improve analytical performance.

School: Life Sciences und Facility Management
Starting date: Upon agreement. Fixed-term position (4 years).

As part of this PhD project, you will investigate the energetic heterogeneity of ion chromatography stationary phases and contribute to the development of new characterization methodologies. Your work will combine advanced chromatographic experiments with data analysis and modelling. You will:

• Develop and establish methodologies for determining adsorption energy distributions in ion chromatography.
• Perform adsorption isotherm measurements and chromatographic experiments using state-of-the-art analytical instrumentation.
• Investigate the relationship between stationary phase properties, adsorption energetics and peak shape characteristics.
• Develop and validate predictive models for chromatographic performance.
• Publish your findings in international peer-reviewed journals and present your work at scientific conferences.
• Contribute to collaborations with academic and industrial project partners.

You hold a Master's degree in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or a related discipline and are enthusiastic about scientific research. In addition, you bring:

• A strong interest in chromatography, separation science and physico-chemical processes.
• The ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative research environment.
• Excellent written and spoken English skills.
• Motivation to communicate scientific results through publications and conference presentations.

Experience in chromatography, mathematical modelling or advanced data analysis is considered an advantage but is not required.

Zurich University of Applied Sciences ZHAW is one of Switzerland's largest multidisciplinary universities of applied sciences, with over 14'000 students and 3'400 faculty and staff. The Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology conducts cutting-edge research addressing societal and industrial challenges in chemistry, biotechnology and environmental science. You will work in an interdisciplinary and collaborative environment with excellent analytical infrastructure and strong academic and industrial networks.

ZHAW is committed to gender-mixed and diverse teams in order to promote equality, diversity and innovation.