Post-Doctoral Position at LGC Toulouse, France
We would like to announce a Post-Doc Position at LGC Toulouse (France) within the ANR PROJECT MIMEBIOTIC. The topic concerns the simulation of mass transfer and reaction kinetics in a hydrogel supported on membrane into an innovative bioreactor.
Duration: 18 months
Starting date: May-June 2026
Keywords: hydrogel, membrane, cell growth, transfer, simulation, millifluidics, intensification
Context: The MIMEBIOTIC project aims to propose an innovative and sustainable strategy for intensifying bioprocesses by developing a bioreactor based on a membrane-supported hydrogel. By immobilising cells in membrane-supported hydrogels (MSH), we can take advantage of a number of levers to increase productivity: cell densification, maintenance of optimal physiological conditions (particularly if the metabolite is inhibitory), compactness and ease of scaling up thanks to the use of hollow fibre membranes (by multiplying the modules) [1-3].
The Material and Membrane Process team at LGC (Toulouse, France) has developed a well-established expertise on membrane modification and membrane characterization. This team works in collaboration with an expert in mass transfer in millifluidic and microfluidic devices at the LGC and experts in microbiological and cell culture engineers in Toulouse Biotechnology Institute (TBI). In this project, we will focus on the design of a MSH to immobilize and densify microorganisms of interest for bioprocess intensification and use it to study transfers and kinetics for bioproduction purposes.
The aim of the present position is to simulate flows, mass transfers and microbial kinetics in a millifluidic device which hold the MSH.
The coupling between i) the flows (external and permeation through the hydrogel loaded with cells and the membrane), ii) the mass transfers of the species of interest (nutrient, O2, products formed, cell density,
...) and iii) the reaction kinetics of the microorganism (obtained by a TBI research engineer/or TBI team) within this model system will be modelled using Comsol Multiphysics software. The hydrogel and the membrane will be modelled as porous domains characterized by their effective transport (effective diffusion coefficients and permeabilities from first experiments) and microbial kinetics within hydrogel (obtained in TBI). The full coupling problem, involving relevant species (outside the cells such as substrate, O2, products formed, etc.), will be solved.
Complementary filtration experiments using a millifluidic device will be carried out to validate the models obtained from simulations, optimize the hydrodynamic operating conditions, and increase the production rate. These experiments will also make it possible to tune the properties of the MSH to meet the final objectives and to provide input for the development of a larger-scale model.
Profile:
Applicants are expected to hold a Ph.D. with expertise in simulation and/or experiments in the field of membrane science including mass transfer and reaction (bio)kinetics and scale up of processes, preferably in the case of bioprocesses. Additional experience in micro/millifluidics and microscopy would be a plus as well as having already used the Comsol software. The applicant should have the motivation and enthusiasm to lead the project from fundamental research to application. S/he should be able to work in a multidisciplinary team in collaboration with chemists, microbiologists and engineers in the lab or outside.
S/he will work in collaboration with another PhD student and a research engineer within the same project and will probably supervise undergraduate and/or graduate students. French spoken is a plus but not mandatory.
A selection of applicants will be invited to a face-to-face or a Teams interview with a panel of three professors; who will question her/his motivation, skills, enthusiasm and vision.
Application: Applications including a motivation letter, a comprehensive CV and the mail, address and phone number of two referees should be sent by March 20th, 2026 to Dr. Clémence Coetsier and Dr. Fabien Chauvet at the Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, LGC, UMR 5503, Toulouse University Department of Interfaces and Divided Media Engineering,
Email : Clemence.coetsier@utoulouse.fr and Fabien.chauvet@utoulouse.fr phone: + 33 (0) 5 61 55 74 68
Bibliography:
1. Akther, F., et al., Hydrogels as artificial matrices for cell seeding in microfluidic devices. RSC Adv., 2020. 10(71): p. 43682–43703.
2. Andersen, T., P. Auk-Emblem, and M. Dornish, 3D Cell Culture in Alginate Hydrogels. Microarrays, 2015. 4(2): p. 133-161.
3. Žnidaršič‐Plazl, P., The promises and the challenges of biotransformations in microflow.
Biotechnology journal, 2019. 14(8): p. 1800580.
Membrane Engineer Intern/Master Thesis at Ilion Water Technologies WaterTech Startup, Paris, France
We announce a Membrane Engineer Intern or Master Thesis position at Ilion Water Technologies WaterTech Startup in Paris (France).
Ilion Water Technologies is developing cutting-edge desalination and water treatment technologies rooted in fundamental science. This work combines nanofluidics, electro-driven processes, and advanced membrane engineering to solve the water industry's urgent operational, cost, and environmental challenges.
Job Description
The Membrane Engineer Intern will be part of the R&D Team playing a key role in advancing a next-gen, electro-driven membrane process built on Ilion Water Technologies proprietary technology. In this internship, the role will involve hands-on lab work, deep collaboration with R&D experts, and exposure to cutting-edge water-tech. More specifically, the role will include the following tasks:
- Membrane preparation and characterization; optimize membrane
- Analyze results and contribute to process improvement and troubleshooting
- Draft experimental protocols, SOPs, data logs, and technical
Candidate Requirements
- BAC+2 to BAC+5 student in materials science, technical chemistry, or organic/polymer chemistry, with active student status for the entire
- Hands-on laboratory experience with strong safety awareness and adherence to good laboratory
- Practical experience in membrane filtration and separation for water treatment is a strong
- English: Professional working proficiency (required).
- Excellent interpersonal skills—teamwork, adaptability, and a proactive learning
Job Offer
- Full time Internship on site - 6 months
- A stimulating role in a mission-driven startup where your ideas have a real impact
- High-quality lab and working
- Supportive, agile and talented R&D
- Strong growth & learning
Start Date: March/April 2026
How to apply: visit the following website link
Full-Time Lab Technician at Ilion Water Technologies, Paris, France
We would like to announce a new Full-Time Lab Technician position at Ilion Water Technologies (Paris, France).
The candidate will:
- Design and test advanced purification processes
- Draft experimental protocols and technical specs
- Run and monitor lab experiments
- Structure experimental data into a usable database
- Participate in technical team reviews and problem-solving
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders
- Communicate results with clarity and rigor
For more information and how to apply visit the following website link
PhD Vacancy in the Research Group ‘Membrane Technology for a Sustainable World’, Louvain, Belgium
We would like to announce a PhD Vacancy in the Research Group ‘Membrane Technology for a Sustainable World’ led by by Prof. Patricia Luis at UCLouvain in Belgium.
Profile
Candidate with a Master diploma in the field of Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Environmental Engineering, Biochemistry, or similar. A plus if the candidate has experience with membrane technology and engineering.
The candidate should have the following aptitudes:
- Willing to work in an international group
- Sociable, team worker, helpful and friendly
- Willing to travel (international conferences, workshops, network meetings)
- English is a mandatory language (high level in writing and spoken English). Speaking French is a plus.
- Basic knowledge on metabolic pathways is a plus.
Status:
#1 year PhD grant, renewable until completion of PhD (4 years), starting as soon as possible (to be negotiated with the candidate).
Research topic:
Enzymatic regeneration of NADH in the context of CO2 capture and conversion
The current emergency on climate change is accelerating the extreme need for technology can reduce CO2 emissions. Currently, CO2 capture and conversion is considered as the way to have economic advantage by using a 'waste' (CO2) to produce high value molecules. However, CO2 is a quite stable molecule and its conversion needs significant amount of energy, which could lead to more CO2 emissions depending on the energy source. This research is very challenging. Using enzymatic conversion in combination with membrane technology can truly reduce energy consumption and produce specific compounds with high purity. But here, two critical needs must be met:
- Enzymatic conversions require very expensive cofactors, such as NADH. Its regeneration is essential but not easy at low energy
- Commercial membranes are made of non-biosourced and potentially toxic polymers (e.g., PVDF) and using toxic solvents (e.g. NMP). A big concern has recently raised on the field of membrane technology due to the end of life of the membranes. They are plastics and they contribute to the current plastic
The PhD project will face those two challenges and proposes a new process and new membranes that are made with biosourced (and greener) polymers and solvents to be applied in the regeneration of NADH, required during enzymatic conversions of CO2 into high valuable products.
For more info contact patricia.luis@uclouvain.be
Research Associate Position, Bath, UK
We announce a Research Associate position at the University of Bath (UK).
The Research Associate will work at the frontier of research in novel food production methods as part of the EPSRC Sustainable Manufacturing Hub CARMA. This project leads a major effort to transform food production, transitioning to an environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable model in which novel manufacturing systems complement traditional food production. This research could drastically reduce carbon emissions and land use compared with traditional meat manufacture, for instance.
Working in a highly multidisciplinary environment, this role will be pivotal in:
- Developing novel downstream separation methods for cultured meat and precision fermentation
- Integrating product and waste streams with bio-reactors used to grow cells and yeasts
The Researcher will be supported by CARMA researchers on developing targets to separate from the fractions that are produced.
Desired Experience
- A relevant PhD in chemical engineering, biochemical engineering, process engineering or relevant subject area
- Exceptional communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams
- A strong background in separations, membrane science and chemical engineering
- Expertise in downstream food processing is particularly desirable.
- An awareness of the latest developments in the field of research
- Potential to publish in high quality, peer reviewed journal
More information is available at the following link
Postdoctoral Position in Membrane Processes for Battery Recycling, Lund, Sweden
We would like to announce a Postdoctoral Researcher Position in the Membrane Group at the Division of Chemical Engineering of Lund University.
The position is part of a project developing sustainable, energy-efficient processes for lithium recovery from spent batteries using advanced membrane technologies such as nanofiltration, electrodialysis, bipolar membrane electrodialysis, and membrane distillation. The work involves laboratory and pilot-scale experiments, collaboration with international partners and industry, and reporting to project stakeholders.
Applicants must hold a PhD in chemical engineering or a closely related field with expertise in membrane processes or membrane production. Strong communication skills in English and the ability to work independently and collaboratively are essential. Experience with membrane systems, pilot-scale operation, and Design of Experiments is highly desirable, as is knowledge of electrodialysis, bipolar membrane electrodialysis, and membrane distillation.
The position offers a stimulating research environment, opportunities for career development, and generous employment benefits.
For more information visit the following webpage: link
Application Deadline: 18th of January 2026
PhD Positions in the framework of the UP2MEM MSCA Doctoral Network
We announce #15 PhD Positions in UP2MEM – MSCA Doctoral Network. The UP2MEM project (Materials UP-cycling TO fabricate advanced MEMbrane technologies for water and food industries: towards zero waste and a circular economy) includes 11 universities, a national research center, and 13 companies, offering cutting-edge research, training, and industry secondments. This international network is recruiting 15 Doctoral Candidates in different EU countries.
Eligibility: Open to all nationalities. Candidates must not have lived in the host country for more than 12 months in the past 3 years, be within the first 4 years of research career, and not hold a doctoral degree.
Join us to develop sustainable membrane technologies and drive innovation in water and food industries.
More information is available at the following link
R&D Engineer Position at Aqualung Carbon Capture, Norway
We announce a R&D Engineer full-time position within polymer chemistry and membrane development at Aqualung Carbon Capture (Norway)
The Role
This is a full-time on-site role for a R&D engineer located in the Greater Oslo Region. The R&D engineer will be responsible for polymer chemistry – synthesis, characterization, application and upscaling, polymeric membrane development, new IP acitivities including membrane design with innovative chemistries, upscaling, quality control, applying analytical skills, and contributing to research and development (R&D) projects related to carbon capture technology.
Qualifications
- Experience in polymer chemistry – synthesis, characterization, application and upscaling.
- Experience in conducting research in wet chemistry
- Experience in membrane and functional material fabrication and manufacturing
- Knowledge of membrane technology upscaling is a plus
- Management experience in functional material design upscaling and commercialization projects
- Laboratory Skills and Analytical Skills
- Quality Control design experience
- Research and Development skills
- Strong problem-solving and critical thinking abilities
- Effective communication and collaboration skills
- Master's or Ph.D. in Chemistry or related field
Practical Information
- We will consider applicants on a rolling basis
- Working language is English, please send your CV in English
- Location: Høvik.
- Visa requirements: Valid work permit in the EU/EEA.
To apply access the following link
EMS Webinar on November 18, 2025 – Prof. Dr. Andrea Iris Schäfer
Prof. Dr. Andrea Iris Schäfer will give the next EMS webinar scheduled for November 18 at 1 pm CET on the EMS Youtube Channel.
Webinar Title: Membranes in water: The long and bumpy road to safe water for all children…
Biography:
Andrea Schäfer is Professor of Water Process Engineering, Faculty of Chemical and Process Engineering and (founding) Director of the Institute for Advanced Membrane Technology (IAMT) at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT).
Previously she was Professor at the Nelson Mandela African Institute of Science and Technology in Tanzania, East Africa. 2006 to 2013 she was the Chair of Environmental Engineering at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, UK following 3 years as a senior lecturer at the University of Wollongong, Australia and 3 years as postdoc & lecturer at the University of New South Wales, Sydney Australia. She holds four engineering degrees from three countries (Germany, France (2) & Australia) including a PhD from the UNESCO Center for Membrane Science and Technology at the University of New South Wales in Chemical engineering and has worked in many countries.
Passionate about membrane process engineering she has experience with several membrane processes encompassing predominantly water treatment, desalination, water recycling, remote water supplies and international development. Her work spans from fundamental research, nanomembrane materials through to commercialisation projects, from water chemistry and engineering to socio-economic issues relevant to water.
Prof Schäfer has published extensively in high impact journals and authored or edited several books, including ‘Nanofiltration: Principles, Applications and New Materials’. She collaborates extensively with colleagues in many leading academic institutions worldwide and works towards her long-term vision ‘I have a dream: safe water for all children’.
Abstract:
When I was 8 years old, I met Heiner Strathmann, about 10 years later someone showed me how to make tubular membranes and the osmotic cherry in Robert Rautenbach’s book finally hooked me on membranes. Another 5 years later, I fell in love with membrane research in New Zealand and since then it has been membrane research. Euromembrane 1995 in Bath was my introduction to the membrane family, where I have been feeling really at home.
A PhD with Tony Fane at the UNESCO Centre for Membrane Science & Technology in Sydney, ‘Natural Organics Removal using Membranes’ resulted in two books, one of them on nanofiltration. A postdoc on water reuse – micropollutant removal – built on the nanofiltration application. Chair Professor in Edinburgh 5 years from PhD triggered the question ‘what now’ and I remembered a promise made while hitching on the back of a truck in Zimbabwe as an engineering student ‘come back and help us one day’. The vision ‘I have a dream: safe water for all children’ was born. The fact that existing membranes are perfect to save 1000 lives of kids per day presets in incredible drive and our inability to just achieve this fast, a great source of frustration.
What can a membrane academic contribute to this vision? The contaminants responsible for mortality are viruses and bacteria. These can be removed with ultrafiltration, which is a good technology for surface water treatment if no contaminants are to be removed. This needs implementation and the only hindrance to do this is political will. An important scientific contribution an academic can make in this area is to make the argument that this makes sense, support the implementation with robust systems, assist in solving ongoing problems and appropriate operation and maintenance approaches.
More challenging is treatment where dissolved contaminants need to be removed. Processes like nanofiltration, electrodialysis and reactive membranes target dissolved inorganic contaminants such as arsenic, fluoride, uranium, nitrate – and many others, or organic micropollutants from steroid hormones. Such treatment will not save lives directly, but it will make water sources – capped boreholes, or wastewater available for consumption. Being able to do so, independent from infrastructure, and operate decentralized systems will diversity reliance on large infrastructures and increase resilience. The knowledge gap to make such advanced technology work in remote and harsh environments is greater and requires highly skilled engineers with a desire for adventure.
The seminar will show some highlights of where commercial membranes can solve global challenges and encourage that we refocus on membrane engineering for impact.
Research Position in Reverse Electrodialysis for Energy Production, Madrid, Spain
The Membranes and Renewable Energies Research Group at the University Complutense of Madrid (UCM) is seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate (final-year) or postdoctoral researcher to join our team for a 1-year research contract.
Project Overview
The selected candidate will work on an innovative research project focused on reverse electrodialysis (RED) technology for sustainable energy production. The project is a collaboration between three universities —University Complutense of Madrid (UCM), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), and the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC)—and is funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities. Its goal is to advance membrane-based technologies for renewable energy generation from salinity gradients.
Position Details
- Position: Researcher (Final-year PhD student or Postdoctoral fellow)
- Contract Duration: 1 year
- Start Application: January 2021
- Location: Complutense University of Madrid, Spain (Faculty of Physics – Membranes and Renewable Energies Research Group)
- Research Area: Reverse electrodialysis, membrane science, energy generation, electrochemical systems
✅ Candidate Requirements
- Background in chemical engineering, materials science, physical chemistry, electrochemistry, or a related field
- Experience or strong interest in membrane technologies and/or electrochemical energy systems
- For PhD candidates: must be in the final year of their doctoral studies
- For postdocs: must hold a PhD at the time of contract application
Offer
- Involvement in a cutting-edge, funded research project
- Access to state-of-the-art membrane and energy research facilities
- Opportunity to collaborate with national and international researchers in the field
- A dynamic and interdisciplinary research environment within one of Spain's leading research group
How to Apply
Please send the following documents to: Prof. Mohamed Khayet khayetm@fis.ucm.es and/or Prof. Carmen García Payo mcgpayo@ucm.es
- CV
- Motivation letter
- Contact details of at least one academic reference
- (For PhD applicants) Statement of expected PhD completion date
Deadline for documents submission: December 15th, 2025