PhD Position in Chemical Engineering

Published: 17.08.2026
Employment category: Wissenschaftliches Personal

The Professorship of Chemical and Thermal Process Engineering at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), Campus Straubing for Biotechnology and Sustainability, is a leading research group in the field of process engineering and sustainable chemical technologies. Our research focuses on the development, operation, and optimization of innovative chemical processes from pilot to industrial scale.

Applicant’s project

In previous work, a novel chemical process has been successfully implemented at pilot scale (8 t/a) in our technical center. As part of your doctoral research, you will take responsibility for the operation of this pilot plant, conduct measurement campaigns, and perform systematic process optimization.

The research focuses on dynamic plant operation, including transitions between operating points, supported by simulation approaches.

A central scientific aspect is the use of extensive process data generated during plant operation. Within a collaborative project, modern machine learning (ML) methods will be developed, trained, and tested based on these real-world datasets—ideally integrated directly into ongoing plant operation.

A key application example is the early and automated detection of operational anomalies using data-driven approaches.

You will benefit from

• Extensive preliminary work on the pilot plant (experimental and modeling)
• Existing expertise in data-driven process analysis and machine learning
• An excellent scientific and technical environment
• Close collaboration within an experienced and well-established research team

Applicant’s profile

• You hold an above-average Master’s degree in process engineering (chemical engineering, biochemical engineering, or a closely related field)
• You have strong interest and hands-on experience in experimental work in a chemical laboratory environment as well as solid programming skills beyond basic scripting
• Prior experience in machine learning is advantageous, but not required
• You enjoy working in a multidisciplinary and international environment and are a strong team player
• You have very good English skills and good German language skills
• You are interested in supervising students and contributing to teaching activities

Our offer

We offer an attractive research environment with excellent infrastructure and strong support for your doctoral studies.

• Full-time position with remuneration according to TV-L E13 (100%), depending on qualifications and experience
• Fixed-term contract with the goal of completing a doctoral degree
• Possibility of part-time arrangements upon request
• Integration into the TUM Graduate School
• Access to modern pilot-scale research facilities and high-quality experimental data
• Work in an interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment

TUM promotes equal opportunity and diversity. Applications from women are explicitly encouraged. Severely disabled applicants will be given preference in cases of essentially equal suitability, qualifications, and professional performance.

Your application

We look forward to receiving your comprehensive application documents (at least cover letter, CV, and certificates including Abitur, Bachelor, and Master; additional documents are welcome) as a single PDF file.

Please send your application with the subject line “Application for Doctoral Position Pilot Plant” as soon as possible to:

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jakob Burger
Professorship of Chemical and Thermal Process Engineering
Technical University of Munich
Campus Straubing for Biotechnology and Sustainability
Uferstraße 53
94315 Straubing

Email: burger@tum.de
Tel.: +49 9421 187 275

For further information about the position, Prof. Burger will be happy to answer your questions.

Data Protection Information

When you apply for a position at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), you submit personal data. Please take note of the data protection information in accordance with Art. 13 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) regarding the collection and processing of personal data in the context of your application. By submitting your application, you confirm that you have acknowledged TUM’s data protection information.

Contact

Technical University of Munich
Campus Straubing for Biotechnology and Sustainability
Professorship of Chemical and Thermal Process Engineering
Email: burger@tum.de

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Kontakt: burger@tum.de

In your application, please refer to Polytechnicpositions.com