We are looking for a specialist in the design and synthesis of porous materials (MOFs, COFs, or functionalized polymers) optimized for CO₂ capture from ambient air (~420 ppm). The role focuses on achieving high selectivity, moisture tolerance, and oxidative stability in ultra-dilute conditions.
The postdoctoral researcher will take a leading role in materials design, mechanistic studies, and performance assessment under application-relevant conditions. The position also offers opportunities for project leadership, collaboration, and mentoring of junior group members.
Candidate Requirements:
To ensure a high-level technical match, we are strictly inviting applications from candidates who meet the following criteria:
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Proven DAC Expertise: A minimum of two first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals specifically addressing CO₂ capture from dilute streams or the development of CO₂-selective sorbents.
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Surface Engineering: Deep experience in chemical surface modification, such as amine-functionalization or polymer-grafting.
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Advanced Characterization: Proficiency in low-pressure gas adsorption (isotherms below 1 bar), NMR, and electron microscopy.
- Additional Assets: Experience in material processing and structuring—specifically transitioning powders into functional forms such as 3D-printed monoliths, granules, or membranes—is a significant advantage and will be prioritized.
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Independent, creative, and well-organized researcher with strong leadership, excellent communication and collaborative skills
Applicants should send a single PDF including a cover letter, CV, academic transcripts, and contact information to [email protected] (subject line: Postdoc_Application_DAC_LFIM). In your cover letter, please explicitly highlight the two publications that best demonstrate your expertise in DAC materials.
Location: The position is located on the EnergyPolis Campus, EPFL-Valais in Sion, Switzerland.
Ph.D positions
1. Design of Novel Adsorbents for Sustainable Metal and Contaminant Recovery
The PhD project involves the design, synthesis, and characterization of novel porous materials, particularly metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and porous polymers, followed by evaluation of their adsorption performance for metal recovery and water purification. The research will explore structure–property relationships, adsorption mechanisms, and material stability under real-world operating conditions.
Candidate profile:
- Master’s degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, or Chemical Engineering or a related field
- Experience in organic synthesis, hydrothermal/solvothermal synthesis, and materials characterization (NMR, IR, XAS, XRD, BET)
- Strong interest in porous adsorbents and separation processes
- Creativity, independence, and strong communication skills
Applicants should send a single PDF including a cover letter, CV, academic transcripts, and contact information to [email protected] (subject line: PhD Application_liquid_LFIM).
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. The preferred start date is April 2026.
Location: The position is located on the EnergyPolis Campus, EPFL-Valais in Sion, Switzerland.
2. Design of Novel Materials for CO2 Capture – 2 Openings
These PhD projects focus on developing advanced materials for CO2 capture, including porous adsorbents and functional sorbents designed for efficient and selective CO2 uptake under realistic conditions. The work will involve material synthesis, detailed characterization, and investigation of adsorption mechanisms and performance.
Candidate profile:
- Master’s degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, or Chemical Engineering or a related field
- Experience in organic synthesis, hydrothermal/solvothermal synthesis, and materials characterization (NMR, IR, XAS, XRD, BET)
- Strong interest in CO2 Capture, adsorption process, or gas separations
- Highly motivated, creative, independent, and strong communication skills
Applicants should send a single PDF including a cover letter, CV, academic transcripts, and contact information to [email protected] (subject line: PhD Application_gas_LFIM).
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. The preferred start date is April 2026.
Location: The position is located on the EnergyPolis Campus, EPFL-Valais in Sion, Switzerland.
Master/Semester projects
Currently, we are actively providing master/semester projects for students. The following are currently available projects.
1. Precious Metal Recovery from Industrial Waste Streams
The project focuses on the recovery of precious metals, including gold, platinum, and palladium, from industrial waste streams and e-waste. The work involves developing and optimizing adsorption-based recovery processes, supporting lab-scale experiments, and contributing to the scale-up of the technology.
As part of this project, you will be involved in both fundamental research and startup-driven innovation, helping to shape the technical details of a process with real-world environmental and economic impact. This is an excellent opportunity for students to gain practical laboratory experience and contribute to sustainable resource recovery.
Interested students are invited to send their CV to Dr. Nazanin Taheri at [email protected].
2. Development of Sorbents for Direct Air Capture of CO₂
This project aims to develop novel solid sorbents for capturing CO₂ from ambient air. Work includes synthesis of porous materials, optimization of functionalization steps, and testing under realistic conditions.
Candidates with a background in materials science, chemistry, or chemical engineering are encouraged to apply.
Please send your CV and transcript to Himan at [email protected]
3. Covalent Organic Frameworks for Gold Recovery from E-waste
This project aims to test novel COFs synthesized in-house for the recovery of gold from complex matrices. You will synthesize, characterize, and assess their capacity, selectivity, stability, and regenerability.
If interested, please contact Matthieu at [email protected] with a CV.
4. Optimizing Adsorbent Materials for Gas Separations (CO₂ capture and O₂ production)
This project involves coating MOF/zeolite materials with hydrophobic polymers to prevent water intrusion. Different coatings will be screened and evaluated for carbon capture and air separation applications.
Please submit your CV and transcript to Sanjay at [email protected]
5. Structuring of Adsorbent Materials for CO₂ Capture
This project focuses on developing structured adsorbents such as pellets and beads using MOFs and zeolites. Different structuring techniques will be explored to improve performance in post-combustion CO₂ capture systems.
Please submit your CV and transcript to Sanjay at [email protected]
6. Scale-up and Characterization of Amine-Grafted Mesoporous Silica for CO₂ Capture
This project focuses on designing, scaling up, and characterizing materials for CO₂ capture at pilot scale (kg/day). Work includes synthesis of silica supports, amine grafting optimization, and performance evaluation.
Please submit a detailed CV and transcript to Anne at [email protected]
Students interested in doing other projects that are not listed above are encouraged to send an email to Prof. Wendy Queen at [email protected], including a CV and transcript (subject: “master/semester project”).
Location: EnergyPolis Campus, EPFL-Valais in Sion, Switzerland.