André Bardow

The Energy and Process Systems Engineering (EPSE) Group at ETH Zürich is recruiting a PhD student to develop a decision workflow for assigning CO2 capture technologies to industrial emitters. Led by Prof. Dr. André Bardow, the EPSE group focuses on sustainable energy and chemical process systems, integrating process analysis and system modeling to design optimal technologies and transition pathways. The group is involved in the SWEET ACHIEVE consortium, which aims to address Switzerland’s net-zero climate target by 2050, particularly managing unavoidable emissions from sectors like cement production and waste incineration through CO2 capture and storage (CCS). The project will evaluate available CO2 capture technologies—such as adsorption, absorption, membranes, and mineral looping—by modeling their cost, energy demand, and environmental impacts in the Swiss context. The research will integrate process modeling, techno-economic assessment, and environmental analysis, considering emitter-specific constraints to develop a practical workflow for technology selection. The successful candidate will engage with industry partners, collaborate within the ACHIEVE consortium, and contribute to positioning CCS as a key strategy for Switzerland’s climate goals. Responsibilities include mentoring student projects, participating in group and institute activities, publishing in peer-reviewed journals, and presenting at international conferences. Applicants should have a strong background in chemical engineering, process engineering, mechanical engineering, energy science & technology, physical chemistry, or related fields, with computational experience preferred. The position offers a full-time contract for the duration of doctoral studies, access to state-of-the-art computational resources, and a collaborative, interdisciplinary research environment. ETH Zürich values diversity, sustainability, and provides a supportive atmosphere for professional and personal growth. Applications must be submitted online with required documents before November 4th, 2025. For further information, contact Dr. Vincent Dufour-Décieux at vdufour@ethz.ch (no applications).

The Energy and Process Systems Engineering (EPSE) Group at ETH Zürich is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to model the circular economy and develop a net-zero roadmap for the chemical and pharmaceutical industry in Switzerland. Led by Prof. Dr. André Bardow, the EPSE group focuses on sustainable energy and chemical process systems, combining process analysis and system modeling to design optimal technologies and transition pathways. The group is involved in the SWEET ACHIEVE consortium, which studies unavoidable emissions in Swiss hard-to-abate sectors and explores synergies to reduce reliance on costly CO2 capture and negative emission technologies. The postdoc will be responsible for developing a system model of the Swiss chemical and pharmaceutical industry, designing optimal decarbonization pathways, and expanding the model to include waste-to-energy and recycling sectors. The role involves engaging with industry partners, leading work packages within the consortium, mentoring students, and contributing to group activities. Candidates should have a doctoral degree in process engineering, mechanical engineering, energy science & technology, or chemical engineering, with strong experience in system modeling and environmental/cost assessment. The position offers a full-time contract for two years (initially one year), access to advanced computational resources, and a supportive, interdisciplinary research environment. ETH Zürich provides excellent working conditions, values diversity and sustainability, and encourages applications from candidates who thrive in inclusive and collaborative settings. Applications must be submitted online with a CV, motivational letter, transcripts, and referee contacts by November 4th, 2025. For further information, contact Dr. Vincent Dufour-Décieux at vdufour@ethz.ch (no applications).

An exciting postdoctoral position is available at ETH Zürich, focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) for energy systems optimization. The role is a collaboration between the Energy Science Center, ETH AI Center, Reliability and Risk Engineering, and the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering (D-MAVT) at ETH Zurich. The research will involve developing and applying AI methods to optimize energy systems, with potential applications in reliability engineering and process engineering. This opportunity is ideal for candidates with a strong background in AI, energy systems, mechanical engineering, or related fields. For more information and application instructions, please refer to the LinkedIn post linked above.

ETH Zürich is advertising a PhD position in Automated Laboratory for Plastic Recycling within the Energy and Process Systems Engineering (EPSE) Group , led by Prof. André Bardow . The project is based in Zurich, Switzerland and focuses on experimental characterization of complex fluids from plastic recycling, with strong links to sustainable chemical process systems. The research centers on chemical recycling of plastics , thermophysical property measurement , phase equilibria (liquid–liquid and vapor–liquid systems), separation processes such as distillation and azeotrope analysis, and lab automation for self-optimizing experiments. The project aims to build a thermodynamic and process lab-on-a-chip and an automated small-scale experimental platform that can generate high-throughput data for model validation and process design. Methods mentioned include microfluidics , laser spectroscopy , algorithm-driven lab automation, experimental design, model-based optimization, and data-driven process modeling. The PhD will work closely with a companion doctoral candidate focused on simulation and predictive methods, creating a closed discovery loop between experiments and models. Applicants should have an excellent Master’s or diploma in chemical engineering, process engineering, mechanical engineering, energy science & technology, physical chemistry, or a related field. Experimental experience is preferred, especially with microfluidics and spectroscopy. Strong English communication and writing skills are required, along with the ability to work independently and interest in model-based experimental design. The position is full-time and fixed-term for the duration of doctoral studies. ETH Zürich highlights access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, an interdisciplinary research environment, and opportunities to publish and present at international conferences. The application deadline is 7 August 2026 , with an earliest start date of 1 October 2026 (flexible). To apply, candidates must submit their application online through ETH Zürich’s portal, including a CV, motivational letter, transcript of records, and contact details of two referees. Applications by email or post will not be considered.

ETH Zürich is advertising a PhD position in predicting Thermodynamics and Processes for Circular Carbon Plastics within the Energy and Process Systems Engineering (EPSE) Group , led by Prof. Dr. André Bardow . The project sits at the intersection of chemical engineering , thermodynamics , machine learning , process design , and circular plastics recycling . The research aims to develop new hybrid predictive models that combine physics-based thermodynamics with data-driven AI methods. The focus is on solvent-based recycling of plastics, thermophysical property prediction, complex fluid mixtures, separation processes, uncertainty quantification, and sustainable chemical process design. The project is embedded in a broader discovery loop linking experiments, modeling, and industrially relevant recycling applications. You will work closely with a companion doctoral student handling the experimental side, and with a dynamic interdisciplinary team spanning thermodynamics, process systems engineering, energy system optimization, and life cycle assessment. The position includes mentoring opportunities, co-supervision of student projects, and publication/presentation of results in journals and conferences. Eligibility: applicants should have an excellent Master’s or diploma in chemical engineering, process engineering, mechanical engineering, energy science & technology, physical chemistry, or a related field. Experience with machine learning and thermophysical property prediction or conceptual process design is preferred. Strong English writing and communication skills are required. Funding and terms: this is a full-time PhD position for the duration of doctoral studies at ETH Zürich. The post offers access to state-of-the-art laboratories and experimental setups; no stipend amount is specified in the post. Deadline: 7 August 2026. Start date: from 1 October 2026 or by agreement. Applications must be submitted online through the ETH Zürich portal; CV, motivational letter, transcript of records, and two referees are required.

PhD position in Automated Laboratory for Plastic Recycling at ETH Zürich in the Energy and Process Systems Engineering (EPSE) Group , led by Prof. André Bardow . This doctoral project is part of the recently funded ERC Advanced Grant DISC3Lab and focuses on developing an automated small-scale experimental platform for sustainable chemical processes, especially solvent-based recycling of plastics . The research combines chemical engineering , process engineering , microfluidics , laser spectroscopy , thermophysical property measurement , phase equilibria , transport processes , and lab automation . You will design, set up, and perform novel experiments for complex fluids from plastic recycling, including high-throughput measurements of fluid properties relevant to separation and process design. Initial work will investigate phase equilibria and transport processes in liquid mixtures. The project is tightly integrated with a companion doctoral candidate working on predictive simulation methods, and it includes mentoring student projects, contributing to group activities, and publishing in peer-reviewed journals and conferences. Eligibility: applicants should qualify for a doctoral program at ETH Zurich and hold an excellent Master's or diploma in chemical engineering, process engineering, mechanical engineering, energy science & technology, physical chemistry, or a related field. Experimental experience is preferred, especially with microfluidics and spectroscopy. Strong motivation to learn model-based experimental design and analysis, plus excellent English communication and writing skills, are expected. Funding and terms: full-time PhD position for the duration of the doctorate. The post is supported by the ERC Advanced Grant DISC3Lab. No stipend amount is specified. Application deadline: 7 August 2026. Apply online only via the ETH Zurich portal with CV, motivational letter, transcript of records, and contact details of two referees.

ETH Zurich is advertising a Postdoc position in circular plastics within planetary boundaries in the Energy and Process Systems Engineering (EPSE) Group, led by Prof. André Bardow at the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering (D-MAVT). The project is part of the recently funded ERC Advanced Grant DISC3Lab and focuses on building a validated discovery loop for sustainable chemical processes, with a particular emphasis on solvent-based plastics recycling . The research explores how to create a circular industry by combining plastics recycling , carbon capture and utilization (CCU) , and biomass to support a chemical industry operating within planetary boundaries. The postdoc will work on systems-level modeling and optimization of future chemical and plastic production pathways. Tasks include advancing in-house models for global production pathways of large-volume chemicals and plastics, integrating novel technologies for alternative carbon flows, and identifying sustainable supply chains using mathematical optimization. The role also involves techno-economic assessment and life cycle assessment of integrated systems, with trade-off analysis across environmental targets. Applicants should hold a doctoral degree in chemical engineering , mechanical engineering , process engineering , or energy science & technology . Strong experience in conceptual process design, simulation, life cycle assessment, alternative carbon source technologies, and programming is preferred. The ideal candidate is proactive, motivated, able to work independently, and has excellent English communication skills. The position is full-time , based in Zurich, and planned for 2 years with an initial one-year contract. The earliest starting date is 1 October 2026 . No stipend amount is given, but the role is a salaried postdoc appointment at ETH Zurich. Deadline: 7 August 2026. Applications must be submitted online via the ETH Zurich portal. Required documents: CV (max. 2 pages), motivational letter (max. 2 pages), transcript of records, and contact details of 2 referees. Email or postal applications will not be considered. For questions about the position, contact Dr. Emiliano Casati at casatie@ethz.ch or mavt-epse-admin@ethz.ch .

ETH Zürich’s Energy and Process Systems Engineering (EPSE) Group is offering a PhD position in an automated laboratory for plastic recycling. The project sits at the intersection of chemical engineering, thermodynamics, microfluidics, spectroscopy, and sustainable process design, with a strong emphasis on experimental discovery for solvent-based plastic recycling. The doctoral researcher will work within the EPSE group led by Prof. Dr. André Bardow, contributing to the recently funded ERC Advanced Grant DISC3Lab. The broader vision of the project is to build a validated discovery loop for sustainable chemical processes, including a Thermodynamic & Process Lab-on-a-chip and an automated small-scale experimental platform for high-throughput measurements of fluid properties relevant to recycling process design. Research topics include thermophysical property characterization, phase equilibria, transport processes, vapor-liquid equilibrium, azeotrope localization, and separation feasibility in liquid mixtures derived from plastic recycling. The lab combines microfluidics and laser spectroscopy to study complex fluids and to generate experimental data that can support predictive numerical methods developed by collaborators. The main task will be to design, set up, and perform novel experiments using microfluidics, spectroscopy, and algorithm-driven laboratory automation, aiming for closed-loop, self-optimizing experimentation. Initial work will focus on phase equilibria and transport processes in liquid mixtures. The position is tightly integrated with a companion doctoral project on simulation and predictive methods, and also includes mentoring and co-supervision of student projects and theses, as well as participation in group and institute activities. Applicants should qualify for doctoral admission at ETH Zurich and have an excellent Master’s or diploma in chemical engineering, process engineering, mechanical engineering, energy science & technology, physical chemistry, or a closely related field. Experimental experience, especially with microfluidics and spectroscopy, is preferred. Strong English communication and writing skills, independence, motivation, and interest in model-based experimental design and analysis are important. The position is full-time for the duration of the doctoral studies and starts by agreement, with the earliest starting date of 1 October 2026. ETH Zurich highlights its collaborative, interdisciplinary environment, access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, and a strong commitment to diversity and sustainability. Applications must be submitted online through the ETH Zurich portal by 7 August 2026. The application package should include a CV (maximum 2 pages), motivational letter (maximum 2 pages), transcript of records, and contact details of two referees. Questions about the position can be directed to Dr. Emiliano Casati at casatie@ethz.ch or mavt-epse-admin@ethz.ch. Applications sent by email or postal mail will not be considered.

ETH Zürich is advertising open PhD and postdoc positions in the ERC Advanced Grant DISC3lab, with a research focus on automated laboratory approaches for plastic recycling. The post is shared by Professor André Bardow, who appears to be the academic lead associated with the opening. The opportunity is relevant to candidates interested in chemical engineering, environmental science, materials science, chemistry, and sustainability-oriented process research. No deadline, eligibility criteria, or funding breakdown is stated in the post itself, but the positions are presented as open research openings within an ERC-funded project. Interested applicants should follow the linked position pages for the full call text, requirements, and application instructions. Relevant themes include plastic recycling, automated laboratory systems, circular economy, and research at the interface of chemistry and engineering.