Foreign students with a strong passion for environmental research, nanotechnology, or sustainable engineering—this opportunity might just shape your academic career and open doors to global water purification challenges. The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), one of the world’s leading research universities in Germany, is now inviting applications for multiple fully funded PhD positions in the Institute for Advanced Membrane Technology (IAMT).
Project: Revolutionizing Nanofiltration for Contaminant Removal
This exciting doctoral research opportunity is centered on the development and testing of novel nanofiltration membranes to remove a wide array of micropollutants—including steroid hormones, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and fluorinated organic compounds—from water systems.
The project involves:
- Designing and operating innovative membrane filtration systems.
- Studying the physical and chemical processes inside membrane pores.
- Characterizing membrane performance and determining selection criteria.
- Understanding removal mechanisms and identifying limiting factors.
Applicants will conduct hands-on experiments, contribute to scientific publications, present research at international conferences, and participate in collaborative projects across academia and industry—all while gaining key skills to become independent researchers and future leaders in water purification and environmental sustainability.
Funding Package
- Stipend: Competitive remuneration based on German TV-L scale 13 (65% position), typical of funded PhD roles in Germany.
- Duration: 4-year fully funded position.
- Inclusions: Access to state-of-the-art labs, research travel funding, career development programs, and teaching opportunities.
Who Can Apply?
To apply, candidates must:
- Hold a Master’s degree in Chemical, Process, Environmental Engineering, or an equivalent field.
- Be highly motivated and curious, with a keen interest in experimental research and environmental challenges.
- Demonstrate experience with membrane filtration systems (at any scale) and problem-solving capabilities.
- Have excellent English proficiency (German skills are beneficial but not mandatory).
- Possess a valid driver’s license for fieldwork purposes.
Experience in designing system components and writing scientific research proposals will give you an edge.
Application Process
Interested applicants should prepare the following:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- List of publications (with clear indication of your contributions)
- Contact details of three referees
- A preliminary research proposal with a 4-year timeline
- A brief read of IAMT’s work on micropollutants and membrane interactions is recommended
Submit all documents via email to: https://www.daad.de/en/studying-in-germany/phd-studies-research/phd-germany/detail/karlsruhe-institute-of-technologyinstitute-for-advanced-membrane-technology-phd-position-novel-nanofiltration-membranes-for-contaminant-removal-multiple-positions-are-available-9747/?phd-id=9747&phd-offset=3.
Application Deadline
Scholarship applications are being accepted now and positions will be filled on a rolling basis. Early applications are encouraged to secure interviews and funding in time for an October 1st, 2025 start date.