Eawag, the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, is an internationally networked aquatic research institute within the ETH Domain (Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology). Eawag conducts research, education and expert consulting to achieve the dual goals of meeting direct human needs for water and maintaining the function and integrity of aquatic ecosystems.

Internship on low maintenance ultrafiltration for water reuse

The Department of Process Engineering (ENG) has a vacancy for a
Water reuse is recognized as an important strategy to address water scarcity, particularly in rapidly growing urban areas. Recent advances in membrane-based technologies have enabled high-quality treatment of municipal wastewater for reuse. Ultrafiltration (UF) is a promising and cost-effective post-treatment approach for enhancing chemical and microbial quality for non-potable reuse applications. However, the wider application of UF is limited by membrane fouling, frequent chemical cleaning, and operational complexity, especially in re-source-limited settings. 

At Eawag’s experimental hall, we are tackling this challenge using a pilot-scale UF system consisting of four parallel reactors operating under different strategies. The system is fully automated and equipped with sensors for monitoring flux, transmembrane pressure and selected water quality parameters. 

The successful candidate must be enrolled as a BSc or MSc student during the whole duration of the internship, preferably in environmental engineering, process engineering, chemical engineering or a related discipline. 

The position will be part of a research project aimed at developing operation strategies for robust and low-maintenance UF. The focus is on achieving stable long-term flux, minimizing chemical cleaning, and improving chemical and microbial water quality. The responsibilities include: 

• Operate UF reactors under different operational conditions, and monitor system performance
• Maintain sensors and support collection and processing of monitoring data 
• Apply analytical methods in the lab to assess chemical and microbial water quality 

The preferred starting date is June/July 2026 with a duration of at least 4 months. 

At Eawag, we have a working environment in which people with different experiences, strengths, and perspectives can fully contribute and further develop. Here, you can help us advance! We promote genuine participation, exchange, and mutual understanding. We create structures that enable the compatibility of work and other areas of life, such as care work, and continuously make efforts to reduce barriers.

Do you have specific requirements regarding the application process or the position, or do you need additional information? Talk to us about it—we will be happy to support you with possible flexible workplace, working hours, and job design solutions. For further information please visit our website about Eawag as well as our conditions of employment. 

Applications must be submitted by 15 May 2026 and should include a motivation letter and a CV. Due to Swiss visa regulations, we can only consider applications from non-EU citizens if the internship is an integral part of their studies. 

For further information, please contact Dr Shreya Trikannad. 

We look forward to receiving your application. Please send it through this webpage, as any other way of applying will not be considered. A click on the button below will take you directly to the application form. 

Applications from employment agencies/personnel consultants are not welcome and will not be considered.
Eawag: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology