Postdoc in Cavitation System Design for PFAS Treatment in Water Full-time

Postdoc in Cavitation System Design for PFAS Treatment in Water

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Health Systems at KTH within the framework of the international research project AQUA-CLEAR: Advanced Cavitation for PFAS Treatment and Circular Water Management funded through Water4All initiative. The project is conducted in collaboration with IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute, Sabanci University (Türkiye), Oxford Brookes University (UK), and Gdansk University of Technology (Poland).

The project aims to develop a new generation of microfluidic system for combined hydrodynamic and acoustic cavitation to be employed for the degradation and mineralization of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water streams. At KTH, the focus is on the design, fabrication, and optimization of cavitation reactors, combining the advanced multiphase fluid dynamics, cavitating flow control, and reactor engineering.

The successful candidate will:

• Design and optimize hydrodynamic cavitation reactor geometries using computational and analytical tools in multiphase flow and fluid mechanics.
• Develop and fabricate reactor components using KTH cleanroom facilities and advanced manufacturing approaches, including precision micromachining and 3D printing.
• Experimentally characterize cavitation dynamics, including mechanical, thermal, and chemical effects associated with bubble collapse.
• Contribute to the development of hybrid cavitation systems (acoustic and hydrodynamic) aimed at improving PFAS degradation efficiency. Perform reactor scaling studies and support transition from laboratory prototypes to pilot-scale concepts.
• Collaborate closely with international project partners, contributing to joint publications and dissemination activities.
• Participate in supervision of MSc and PhD students connected to the project.

The position is embedded in a multidisciplinary environment combining fluid mechanics, acoustics, cavitation physics, environmental engineering, and reactor technology.

Qualifications

Requirements:

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree, in mechanical engineering, fluid mechanics, chemical engineering, applied physics, or a closely related field. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made.
• Strong background in multiphase flows, cavitation phenomena, or fluid-structure interactions.
• Documented experience in experimental fluid mechanics and/or reactor development.
• Very good command of English, both written and spoken, for day-to-day work.

Preferred qualifications:

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree, obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline
• Hands-on experience with cleanroom fabrication techniques or precision manufacturing.
• Experience with CAD design and numerical simulation tools (e.g., CFD).
• Experience in 3D printing for functional reactor or fluidic systems.
• Experience with high-speed imaging, pressure measurements, or cavitation evaluation.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while maintaining strong collaborative skills.
• Awareness of diversity and equal opportunity issues, with specific focus on gender equality
• Scientific creativity, and the ability to take initiative in an interdisciplinary research environment.

Great emphasis will be placed on personal skills.