T460-2025 - Research Associate / PostDoc (all genders) - Electrokinetic transport of bacteria in porous media

TU Darmstadt stands for excellent and relevant science. We are playing a decisive role in shaping far-reaching processes of global change—from energy transition to artificial intelligence—through outstanding scientific knowledge and innovative academic programmes. We group our cutting-edge research into three fields: Energy and Environment, Information and Intelligence, Matter and Materials. We are a university with strong ties to the Frankfurt Rhine-Main metropolitan region and a very strong international focus. We are committed to European values and European integration.

The Aquatic Geochemistry (AG) Group is a recently established research group at the Institute of Applied Geosciences at TU Darmstadt. The group studies biogeochemical and transport processes in aquatic environments, with key focus on the subsurface and particularly on shallow groundwater systems. We perform both experimental and modeling investigations to study flow and reactive transport processes in porous media at different scales. 

One of the key research areas of the AG group is the investigation of electrokinetic (EK) transport processes in porous media induced by the application of electric fields in the subsurface. This area of research encompasses exciting scientific questions and fundamental understanding, as well as innovative applications in different fields such as remediation of contaminated sites and sustainable recovery of valuable metals and rare earth elements in subsurface environments.

This project (EK-Target) was selected a LOEWE-Exploration project (LOEWE-Exploration | wissenschaft.hessen.de) and is a scientific collaboration between our Aquatic Geochemistry and the Water and Environmental Biotechnology groups at TU Darmstadt. The project should start as soon as possible and will focus on the investigation of bacteria transport in porous media, including (i) characterization and modification of the surface charge of bacteria cells, (ii) test the efficiency of targeted delivery of bacteria in granular porous bed using electrokinetics.

• Develop experimental setups to investigate biological and transport processes
• Characterize the surface charge of bacterial cells and perform experiments to modify the surface charge with ions, surfactants and nanoparticles
• Investigate the feedbacks between pore water chemistry and bacterial surface properties
• Explore mobility of bacteria under the application of external electric fields
• Perform experiments in multidimensional porous media setup to demonstrate and test Ek-enhanced mobility of bacteria
• Write high-quality publications in top-tier journals
• Present research outcomes at national and international conferences
• Support teaching activities in the AG group and co-supervise master/bachelor theses

You have:

• A PhD in Environmental Science, Environmental Biology or Biotechnology, Environmental or Surface Chemistry, Environmental Engineering or similar disciplines with an excellent track record
• Documented capabilities and previous expertise in the experimental study of environmental microbial processes, surface chemistry processes, and/or electrokinetic processes
• Previous experience in bacteria cultivation and handling of pure microbial strains
• Expertise in characterization techniques such as zeta-potential measurements, PCR, growth kinetics quantification
• An ambitious and creative mindset and a strong passion for multidisciplinary research
• Capability to work independently and collaboratively
• Proficiency in written and spoken English
• Documented experience in academic research and article writing for recognized scientific journals

Technical University of Darmstadt offers varied and challenging assignments, freedom to work independently, the latest technologies, good collaboration between colleagues in partnership, needs-based training opportunities and customised personnel development.

The fulfillment of the duties likewise enables the scientific qualifications of the candidate.

• Development and organisation – comprehensive in-house training offers, including the opportunity for continuing education and development;
• Annual leave/educational leave – 30 days annual leave (full-time employment) and 5 days educational leave;
• Sustainable and mobile – eligibility to free public transport in the state of Hesse with the LandesTicket Hessen (Hesse StateTicket) in accordance with the currently valid collective agreement, in addition to opportunities to working mobile at times;
• Fit and healthy – free of charge preventive medical check-ups and a wide-ranging subsidised sports programme;
• Work-life balance – flexible working time models, plus BGM (Betriebliches Gesundheitsmanagement – University Health Management);
• Pension scheme – supplementary public service pension scheme (VBL) in accordance with the currently applicable regulations;
• University bicycle
• Family-friendliness/compatibility of family/care/career – (university-run) childcare services, child allowance (based on the collective agreement), childcare programmes during school holidays.

TU Darmstadt intends to increase the number of female employees and encourages female candidates to apply. In case of equal qualifications, applicants with a degree of disability of at least 50 or equal will be given preference. Remuneration is in accordance with the collective agreement for the Technical University of Darmstadt (TV - TU Darmstadt). Part-time employment is generally possible.

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If you have any questions about this position, please contact Prof. Dr. Massimo Rolle on +49 6151 16 23577.