KARLSRUHE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (KIT) — INSTITUTE FOR ADVANCED MEMBRANE TECHNOLOGY (IAMT)
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) PhD Scholarship in Solar-Powered Water Treatment
full · phd
- Fully funded 4-year PhDFunding type
- Tuition + living + research costsWhat is covered
- ~EUR 1,800/month stipend (est.)Support level
- Solar-powered water treatmentResearch theme
- All nationalitiesWho can apply
- Driver's licence requiredFieldwork condition
At a glance
full
Funding
—
Max amount
Aug 20, 2026
Deadline
All countries (open to all nationalities)
Country
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) — Institute for Advanced Membrane Technology (IAMT)
Provider
The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) offers a fully funded 4-year PhD position in Solar-Powered Electrodialysis for Brackish Water Treatment, hosted at the Institute for Advanced Membrane Technology (IAMT) in collaboration with the Institute of Microstructure Technology (IMT). The project investigates how electrodialysis systems can be optimized to run under variable solar-energy conditions to remove harmful inorganic ions such as nitrate, arsenic, fluoride, selenium, and uranium from brackish water, and compares electrodialysis with nanofiltration and reverse-osmosis systems through on-site fieldwork at national and international locations. The PhD researcher will develop and operate solar-driven electrodialysis systems, analyse contaminant profiles, improve separation and energy-management mechanisms, publish in peer-reviewed journals, present at international conferences, and supervise MSc students. The 4-year pathway covers a literature review, proposal writing, experimental work, and thesis development, supervised by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Andrea I. Schaefer. Funding covers tuition, living expenses, and research costs for the full 4 years, with access to laboratory equipment and international collaboration. Applicants need a Master's in chemical, process, or environmental engineering or a related field, fluency in English, and a valid driver's licence for fieldwork. Because the exact stipend, start date, and deadline are set each cycle, confirm the current 2026/2027 details on the official KIT IAMT page before applying.
What's covered
- Full funding for 4 years — Tuition fees, living expenses, and research costs are covered for the full 4-year PhD, with monthly support estimated at about ~EUR 1,800 (est.); confirm the exact rate officially.
- Laboratory access — Access to state-of-the-art equipment at the Institute for Advanced Membrane Technology (IAMT) and the Institute of Microstructure Technology (IMT).
- Fieldwork support — Funding for on-site fieldwork and feasibility studies at national and international locations to test water-treatment systems.
- Conference and publishing support — Support to publish in peer-reviewed journals and present research at international conferences.
- Mentorship and supervision — Expert mentorship from Prof. Dr.-Ing. Andrea I. Schaefer and the chance to supervise MSc students.
How to apply
Applications are made through the official KIT IAMT page with the required documents, including a short research proposal.
- Review the position — Read the official KIT IAMT advert and download the official PDF describing the solar-powered electrodialysis PhD.
- Prepare your documents — Assemble an updated CV with publication list, academic transcripts and degree certificates, a short research proposal with a timeline, and proof of a valid driver's licence.
- Arrange referees — Provide the contact details of three academic referees who can speak to your research ability.
- Submit your application — Send the complete application via the official KIT IAMT page before the deadline around 20 August 2026, 17:00 (est.).
- Await contact — Wait for the IAMT team to review applications and contact shortlisted candidates; early applications are encouraged as there is no fixed start date.
Eligibility
DegreeA Master's degree in chemical, process, or environmental engineering or a closely related field.
Academic recordA strong academic background and clear motivation for water-treatment research.
LanguageFluency in written and spoken English; German is a plus.
Driver's licenceA valid driver's licence is required for fieldwork.
Preferred skillsExperience with membrane filtration or electrochemical systems and practical knowledge of lab equipment.
Applicants currently completing a Master's degree may apply provided the degree is completed before the PhD begins. Prior experience in electrodialysis is helpful but not required.
Eligible countries
All countries (open to all nationalities)
Deadlines
2026/2027 PhD position~20 August 2026, 17:00 (est.)
Selection
Selection is based on academic merit and the quality of the research proposal, alongside relevant experience with membrane filtration or electrochemical systems and laboratory skills. Strong candidates with a clear motivation for sustainable water-treatment research and the ability to carry out fieldwork are prioritized, and shortlisted applicants are contacted directly. Confirm the current selection steps for the 2026/2027 cycle on the official KIT IAMT page.
Verified sources
- KIT — Institute for Advanced Membrane Technology (IAMT)iamt.kit.eduofficial
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)kit.eduofficial
About the provider
The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) was formed in 2009 from the merger of the Karlsruhe Research Centre (a Helmholtz centre) and the Technical University of Karlsruhe, and conducts research across engineering and the natural sciences. Its Institute for Advanced Membrane Technology (IAMT) works on water purification, membrane separation, and desalination.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
Is this a fully funded PhD opportunity?
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Yes. Tuition fees, living expenses, and research costs are fully covered for the 4-year PhD, with monthly support estimated at about ~EUR 1,800 (est.).
Who can apply for the KIT PhD scholarship?
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Applicants of all nationalities who hold a Master's in chemical, process, or environmental engineering or a related field and meet the language and fieldwork requirements.
Do I need experience in electrodialysis?
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No, it is not required, but prior experience with electrodialysis, membrane filtration, or electrochemical systems is beneficial.
Is there a fixed start date?
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No fixed start date is set; early applications are encouraged.
Is German language proficiency required?
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No. English is required; basic German is helpful but not mandatory.
Can students from developing countries apply?
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Yes. Applicants from all countries are eligible.
Can I apply if I am still completing my Master's degree?
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Yes, provided the Master's degree is completed before the PhD begins.
Why is a driver's licence required?
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A valid driver's licence is needed because the project includes on-site fieldwork and feasibility studies at national and international locations.
Will I teach or supervise students?
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Yes. The role includes supervising MSc students and presenting research at conferences.
What research outcomes are expected?
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Peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and technological innovation in solar-powered water treatment.
Who supervises the project?
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The PhD is supervised by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Andrea I. Schaefer at the Institute for Advanced Membrane Technology (IAMT).
Where can I confirm the current details?
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Confirm the current 2026/2027 stipend, start date, and exact deadline on the official KIT IAMT page before applying.