PhD Position in Electromembrane Processes

Design smart membranes that drive next-gen ion separations

The PhD position is for a period of 3 years.

Desired start date : 1 January 2026 or earlier.

The central scientific question of the TIES project is how to achieve selective ion separation based on differences in diffusion coefficients within electromembrane processes. The research will focus on designing advanced composite membranes that enable trace-level accumulation by coupling electroosmosis with current-induced ion concentration polarization.

The project also integrates data science and material design into a novel interdisciplinary approach of data-driven membrane discovery that includes material space construction and exploration, candidate selection and verification, providing data for machine learning models to optimise membrane properties, structure, and fabrication.

The PhD candidate will play a key role in the experimental part of the project, including :

• Preparation and characterization of novel membrane materials
• Design, assembly, and testing of electromembrane cells
• Investigation of ion separation mechanisms under controlled conditions
• Contribution to the design of stack systems and their evaluation at both laboratory and pilot scale
• Analytical literature review on electromembrane processes and applicable membrane materials.
• Selection and characterisation of material candidates for the composite membrane.
• Preparation and characterisation of composite membranes.
• Testing of composite membranes in electrochemical cells.
• Separation of ion species in laboratory and pilot settings.

The successful candidate is expected to enter a plan for the progress of the work towards a PhD degree during the first months of the appointment, with a view to completing a doctorate within the PhD contract period.

Tommy Nordmann

Competence

Required qualifications

Desired qualifications

The following experiences and skills will be emphasized :

Applicants who have recently graduated with excellent results may be given preference.

The successful applicant must meet the conditions defined for admission to a PhD programme at NMBU. For more detailed information on the admission criteria please see thePhD Regulations and the relevantPhD programmedescription .

Remuneration and further information

We offer :

The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants, and the acts relating to Norwegian Security and Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Candidates who by assessment of the application and attachment are seen to conflict with the criteria in the latter laws will be prohibited from recruitment.

To apply online for this vacancy, please click on the 'Apply for this job' button above. This will route you to the University's Web Recruitment System, where you will need to register an account (if you have not already) and log in before completing the online application form.

Applicants who, in addition to the mandatory documents, submit a brief research proposal relevant to the project—outlining the planned research—can be prioritized for the first round of interviews.

Please note that all documents should be in English or a Scandinavian language.

By applying the candidate confirms that information and documentation submitted via the job application can also be used by NMBU in a possible admission process to the PhD program.

Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged.Applicants invited for an interview are expected to present original diplomas and certificates.

The application must include :

About The Faculty of Science and Technology

The Faculty of Science and Technology (REALTEK) develops research-based knowledge and educates civil engineers and lecturers needed to reach the UN's sustainability goals. We have approximately 150 employees, 70 PhD students and soon 1500 students. The education and research at REALTEK cover a broad spectrum of disciplines.

This includes data science, mechanics and process engineering, robotics, construction and architecture, industrial economics, environmental physics and renewable energy, geomatics, water and environmental engineering, applied mathematics as well as secondary school teacher education in natural sciences and use of natural resources such as in agriculture, forestry and aquaculture. The workplace is in Ås, 30 km from Oslo.

What is it really like to work at the Faculty of Science and Technology (REALTEK) at NMBU?

The Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU)

NMBU will contribute to securing the future of life through outstanding research, education, communication and innovation. We have the country's most satisfied university students, who receive research-based education in a unique student environment. Our graduates gain a high level of competence in interdisciplinary collaboration and are popular in the labor market.

NMBU has internationally leading research environments in several subjects. Together with our partners in society and business, we contribute to solving some of the biggest societal challenges of our time. We focus on innovation, communication and entrepreneurship because we believe these challenges are best solved with joint efforts. We believe that a good working environment is characterized by diversity. If necessary, workplace adaptations will be made for persons with disabilities. More information about NMBU is available at

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