PhD. in Physics: Physico-chemical processes of pulsed plasma interaction with fluids in near-supercritical conditions

Offer Description The Division of Environmental Physics of the Comenius University in Bratislava is dedicated to the research of non-equilibrium plasmas, including their fundamental aspects and various applications such as biomedical, agriculture, air and water decontamination, etc. Generated in ambient air, cold atmospheric plasmas produce a rich chemistry, including ions, electrons and Reactive Oxygen and Nitrogen Species (RONS). Their unique features offer great potential for industrial applications. Among them, the possibility to use pulsed atmospheric plasmas for the cleaning of organically contaminated water or wastewater. Multiple applications based on cold plasmas are being developed, such as wastewater cleaning, bio-decontamination and sterilization, or stimulation of germination and plant growth in agriculture. Supercritical fluid conditions at high-pressure and high-temperature, where the liquid and vapor phases become indistinguishable, can be also applied for the degradation of persistent pollutants. Operation of pulsed plasmas in near-supercritical fluid conditions represents a widely unexplored research gap. The complex understanding of the physico-chemical interactions of pulsed plasma discharges with water and other supercritical fluids is a new research challenge with strong application potential, especially for water cleaning. Our research group is looking for a highly motivated PhD student to work on the topic of studying physico-chemical processes of pulsed plasma interaction with fluids in near-supercritical conditions. The research includes, but is not limited to, plasma physical and chemical processes in near-supercritical conditions of water (high p, high T), and design of a high-pressure high-temperature pulsed plasma reactor to achieve a high decomposition rate of chemical pollutants at low concentrations, and inactivation of water microorganisms. One of the challenges will be to design the near-supercritical reactor and achieve efficient interaction with the pulsed plasma discharge, in order to achieve highly efficient water treatment. The work will be related to Slovak Research and Development Agency APVV project. The candidate should be very motivated not only to develop and strengthen his academic record, but also to comply with the technical challenges and industrial needs. Objectives: The key objectives are investigations of unexplored physico-chemical processes of pulsed plasma interaction with fluids in near-supercritical conditions and discovering its potential for wastewater treatment applications. The related objective is the description of ways of reactive species formation in near-supercritical fluids due to high p and high T conditions and by additional pulsed power plasma discharge ignited in these conditions. 1. Construction and testing of supercritical fluid chamber allowing for pulsed discharge ignition under high p/high T conditions, 2. Experimental electrical and spectroscopic diagnostics of the physical parameters of these complex systems, 3. Measurements of the reactive species in water exposed to these near-supercritical-plasma conditions, 4. Evaluating application potential of this system for wastewater treatment and the degradation of persistent pollutants and microorganisms. The candidate's main tasks will be: Design and build a reactor combining high p/high T for near-supercritical water conditions and pulsed plasma discharge the treatment of persistent contaminants in water Assess the efficacy of the device for the treatment of chemical pollutants and microbial contaminants Investigate the unexplored physico-chemical processes Characterize the plasma discharge using electrical and optical measurements Study and optimize the interaction between plasma and the water pollutants Publish and present the obtained results in high-impact scientific journals and in international conferences Prepare technical reports, scientific manuscripts, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders Provide guidance and mentorship to Bc., Ms., and visiting students when required. Actively participate in research projects of the group. Requirements Research Field Physics » Applied physics Master or equivalent Chemistry >> Heterogeneous catalysis Master or equivalent Skills/Qualifications Background in experimental techniques for the characterization of atmospheric pressure plasmas Experience working with water treatment and plasma-liquid interactions Ability to plan, execute, and analyze experiments involving pulsed plasmas at supercritical conditions Professional knowledge of written and spoken English Experience working in an international environment is welcome Excellent communication and technical writing skills demonstrated through publications or presentations Being able to work with industrial partners (meetings, writing deliverable) and conduct research in order to satisfy both academic and industrial interests Specific Requirements Curriculum vitae that includes details on your education and training to date, your experience, a bibliography of any publications. Proof of receiving the Master (or equivalent) degree (e.g. scan of the diploma). The potential candidate should be an enthusiastic person with solid knowledge and experience with experimental physics. He/she will work in the dynamic multi-disciplinary research group conducting studies at the frontiers of cold plasma science and high-pressure physics. Previous practical experience in working with non-thermal plasma and diagnostics is welcome. Laboratory research experience is required. The minimal requirements include a completed Master level degree in the intended area of study or a closely related area. The topic is related to the project of the Slovak Research and Development Agency (APVV): Plasma-liquid interactions and the effects/applications of plasma activated liquids in medicine and agriculture. Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent Years of Research Experience 1-4 Additional Information Benefits The student is entitled to receive a tax-free monthly scholarship of 1174.50 EUR, further increased to 1367.50 EUR after passing qualification exams. Accommodation in a student dormitory is offered. Additional funds are often available to the most successful and productive students. Eligibility criteria First Stage Researcher (R1) ( https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/europe/career-development/training-researchers/research-profiles-descriptors ) Selection process The candidate should submit Cover letter including motivation, C.V. with the list of publications, and the Proof of receiving of the MSc degree (e.g. scan of the diploma) before 23 Apr 2026. If selected, the candidate will be invited for preliminary online interview. Then he/she must prepare the formal application for PhD at Comenius University Bratislava together with his potential supervisor. Applications should be sent via email to machala@fmph.uniba.sk. Additional comments Work Location(s) Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics Comenius University in Bratislava Country Slovakia City Bratislava Postal Code 84248 Street Mlynska dolina F2 Where to apply E-mail machala@fmph.uniba.sk Contact City Bratislava Website https://fmph.uniba.sk Street Mlynska dolina Postal Code 842 48 E-Mail machala@fmph.uniba.sk Phone +421260295618