Step into an opportunity to combine renewable energy innovation with real-world impact. KIT invites visionary doctoral candidates to join an experimental research endeavor on solar‑powered electrodialysis systems aimed at treating brackish water. This fully funded PhD program begins in late 2025 and extends over three years.↚
Shape the Future of Clean Water with KIT’s Solar‑Powered Electrodialysis PhD Scholarship
A Call to Innovate
Your research will harness solar energy to remove challenging contaminants—nitrate, arsenic, fluoride, selenium, uranium—from brackish sources. The project explores how fluctuating solar power affects system efficiency and compares performance to established methods like nanofiltration and reverse osmosisWhat to Expect
You will operate a continuous electrodialysis setup under varying energy conditions, conduct rigorous experiments and fieldwork, analyze water quality data, and benchmark the system. The focus includes energy management feasibility, unraveling separation mechanisms, and optimizing performance for scalabilityThroughout the program you'll publish findings in high‑impact journals, present at international conferences, mentor master’s students, and develop leadership and career skills through collaborative initiatives
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Who Should Apply
We seek candidates with a Master's in Chemical, Process, Environmental or related Engineering fields who are passionate about experimental research and renewable technology. Hands-on experience with membrane filtration or electrochemical systems is advantageous. Strong English proficiency is required; basic German is helpful. A valid driver’s license is also necessary for fieldworkScholarship Benefits & Host Institution
You’ll become a full doctoral researcher at KIT—one of Germany’s elite research universities—based at the Institute for Advanced Membrane Technology (IAMT). You'll benefit from state-of-the-art equipment, collaboration with international faculty such as Prof. Dr.-Ing. Andrea I. Schäfer and Prof. Bryce Richards, and registration under the Faculty of Chemical and Process Engineering↚
Timelines & Important Dates
Up to five scholarships are available, with the earliest possible start date. The program extends across 36 months, offering full funding throughout. Your application must arrive by August 31, 2025, for selection by fall 2025 and research commencement later that yearApplication Essentials
Submit a recent CV, a list of publications (with details of your contributions), academic transcripts, and degree certificates. Provide references (three recommended), a motivation letter, and a preliminary research proposal outlining your project plan. Mention your familiarity with membrane systems and your research interests in solar‑driven processes. Send all documents electronically, addressed to Prof. Schäfer at IAMT, as specified in the online application form↚