Postdoc position: Sorbent-based Direct-Air-Capture - Exploring the potential from thermodynamics to...

Postdoc position: Sorbent-based Direct-Air-Capture - Exploring the potential from thermodynamics to life cycle assessment

The Energy and Process Systems Engineering (EPSE) Group at ETH Zürich is looking for a Postdoc exploring the potential of sorbent-based Direct-Air-Capture. The position is funded by an international project that connects recognized academic groups from Europe and the USA and focuses on developing economically and environmentally competitive sorbent-based Direct-Air-Capture technologies.  

The research of the EPSE group at ETH Zürich, headed by Prof. Dr André Bardow, focuses on sustainability in energy and chemical process systems. We develop methods to advance sustainable energy and chemical process systems from the molecular to the scale of the system. In our work, we combine computer-aided molecular and process design to optimize molecules and processes simultaneously. To holistically evaluate the environmental impacts of chemicals and energy systems, we develop predictive methods for Life Cycle Assessment. Our technological focus currently lies in Power-to-X & sector coupling, sustainable carbon feedstock, and carbon capture, utilization & storage.

In the 21st century, climate change leads to an increased effort to minimize CO2 emissions. However, the global temperature targets cannot be achieved by solely cutting greenhouse gas emissions, but we need to remove a large amount of CO2 from the atmosphere. One promising technology for removing CO2 from the atmosphere is Direct-Air-Capture (DAC), which can operate at the required scales with nearly unlimited capacity. However, the broad application of DAC is currently limited due to the high water and energy demand and the resulting high investment and operating costs. 

Thus, the project aims to tackle the challenges of Direct-Air-Capture and exploit its full potential for removing CO2 from the atmosphere. For this purpose, optimal combinations of sorbent materials and processes are identified for DAC using the technology platform Prisma to rapidly screen materials. The economic and ecologic objectives of the large-scale screening ensure economically competitive and environmentally benign results.  

The interdisciplinary project considers all aspects of the early-stage development of Direct-Air-Capture processes. Your work within the project will span the range from modelling the thermodynamic properties of sorbents over the thermo-economic assessment to the life cycle assessment of DAC. More specifically, you will participate in:

• developing a predictive model for life cycle assessment of Direct-Air-Capture, which can be used for screening of sorbent materials; 

• evaluating the environmental impacts of the optimized material-process designs for conventional and non-conventional DAC processes, and  

• linking predictive thermodynamic models for sorbent materials to detailed models for TEA and LCA of Direct-Air-Capture processes. 

The work will give you a deep understanding of sorbent-based Direct-Air-Capture and its thermo-economic and environmental assessment. You will learn how to identify optimal sorbent materials for Direct-Air-Capture and use these new opportunities to increase your knowledge of the environmental benefits of Direct-Air-Capture. Collaboration with partners from industry and academia will be a crucial success factor. 

We offer you a full-time position for the duration of your postdoc, starting upon agreement with the earliest starting of 01 November 2022. You will work in an interdisciplinary team of researchers with in-depth experience in process design, energy system optimization, and life cycle assessment. As an integral partof your work, you will publish your results in peer-reviewed journals and present them at international conferences.

ETH Zurich is a family-friendly employer with excellent working conditions. You can look forward to an exciting working environment, cultural diversity and attractive offers and benefits.

We are looking for a proactive and motivated candidate who meets the requirements for a position at ETH Zurich and has a doctoral degree in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, process engineering, or energy science & technology from a recognized university. Ideally, you already have strong experience in life cycle assessment, property prediction of sorbent materials, and programming. You are highly motivated to learn and apply modern simulation and optimization techniques and work in a dynamic environment with other doctoral students and postdocs. The ability to work independently and excellent communication skills in English (both written and spoken) complete your profile. 

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in
science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education,
cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge
into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our
university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an
environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe,
yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to
develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents: 

• Curriculum Vitae, max. 2 pages 
• Motivational Letter, max. 2 pages  
• Transcript of records 
• If available: Grade statistics of the university 
• Contact details of 2 referees 

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal before 31 August 2022. We will not consider applications sent via email or postal services. We will get in touch with you after 2-3 weeks following the submission deadline. 

For further information about the Energy and Process Systems Engineering (EPSE) Group, please visit our website, www.epse.ethz.ch . Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. Dr. André Bardow, [email protected] , or Dr. Johannes Schilling, [email protected] (no applications).