PhD Researcher · KU Leuven, Belgium

Behrad Jandaghian

Exploring the intersection of chemistry, engineering, and computation to transform molecular understanding into advanced materials and impactful technologies.

Behrad Jandaghian
Biography

Background

Behrad Jandaghian is a PhD researcher in Chemical Engineering at KU Leuven, Belgium, working under the supervision of Dr. Xing Yang. His research centres on electric-field-assisted membrane fabrication and the development of advanced materials for selective ion separation; a field at the crossroads of materials science, electrochemistry, and process engineering.

Originally from Iran, Behrad demonstrated exceptional scientific aptitude from an early age, earning a Silver Medal at the Iranian Chemistry Olympiad (2013) and a Gold Medal at the International Chemistry Olympiad (2015) in Bulgaria, placing him among the world's top young chemists. He was subsequently recognised as an Exceptional Talent by the National Elites Foundation of Iran.

He holds dual B.Sc. degrees in Chemical Engineering (Polymer Science and Technology) and Chemistry (Applied Chemistry), both from Isfahan University of Technology (2015), followed by an M.Sc. in Polymer Engineering from Amirkabir University of Technology (2017). His master's research explored the synthesis of functionalized polyolefins via post-metallocene catalysts, with a parallel focus on DFT-based simulation of polymerization mechanisms, establishing his signature multiscale approach to materials research.

Prior to his PhD, Behrad spent five years (2018 to 2023) as a Researcher at Jam Petrochemical Company (JPC), one of Iran's largest petrochemical producers, where he led R&D programmes in Ziegler-Natta catalyst design, bimodal polyethylene resin engineering, and computational polymer rheology. This industrial tenure produced five patents and over a dozen peer-reviewed publications, reflecting both the depth and the practical impact of his work. He was recognised as an Exemplary Employee in the Iranian Petrochemical Industry in 2021.

Behrad serves as a peer reviewer for leading international journals including Nature Chemistry, Macromolecules, and the Journal of Membrane Science. His research philosophy bridges rigorous fundamental science with engineering reality, from atomic-scale simulation to industrial-scale process design.

Academic Background

Education

PhD

PhD in Chemical Engineering

KU Leuven · Leuven, Belgium

Thesis: "Electric-field Assisted Membrane Fabrication"

Supervisor: Dr. Xing Yang

MSc

M.Sc. in Polymer Engineering; Polymer Processing

Amirkabir University of Technology · Tehran, Iran

Thesis: "Synthesis and Characterization of Functionalized Polyolefins Based on Copolymerization of 1-Hexene and Methylstyrene using Post-Metallocene Catalysts"

Supervisor: Dr. Mostafa Ahmadi

BSc

B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering; Polymer Science & Technology

Isfahan University of Technology · Isfahan, Iran

Thesis: "Nanocellulose-Based Composites for Tissue Engineering"

Supervisor: Dr. Tayebeh Behzad

BSc

B.Sc. in Chemistry; Applied Chemistry

Isfahan University of Technology · Isfahan, Iran

Thesis: "Bio-Based Synthesis of Elastomeric Silica-Based Nanocomposites"

Supervisors: Dr. Amir Abdolmaleki & Dr. Hassan Hadadzadeh

Recognition

Honors & Awards

🥇

Gold Medal; International Chemistry Olympiad

2015, Plovdiv, Bulgaria. International recognition of exceptional mastery in chemistry among the world's top student scientists.

🥈

Silver Medal; Iranian Chemistry Olympiad

2013. National competition; top performer among Iran's brightest chemistry students.

Recognised as an Exceptional Talent by the National Elites Foundation of Iran.

Recognised as an Exemplary Employee in the Iranian Petrochemical Industry, 2021.

Research Profile

Expertise & Skills

Research Interests

Bridging fundamental science and engineering across membrane science, catalytic polymerization, and computational materials design; from atomic-scale simulation to industrial application.

Membrane Science Ion Separation Catalytic Polymerization DFT Simulation MD Simulation Smart Materials Resources Recovery Nanocomposites
Computational & Software Skills

Combining theoretical modelling with experimental expertise to drive materials innovation from atomic scale to industrial process design.

Python GROMACS LAMMPS Gaussian Materials Studio Abaqus MATLAB
Laboratory Expertise

Hands-on experience in polymer synthesis, membrane fabrication, and materials characterisation across academic and industrial settings.

Membrane Fabrication Polymer Synthesis Catalyst Design Rheology GPC / SEC FTIR / NMR SEM / TEM
Peer Review & Service

Active reviewer (2020 to present) for leading international journals spanning chemistry, materials science, and polymer engineering.

Nature Chemistry Macromolecules J. Membrane Science J. Applied Polymer Sci. Polymer Eng. & Sci. J. Materials Science
Professional Path

Experience

2018 to 2023

Researcher; Jam Petrochemical Company (JPC)

Led industrial R&D in polymerization chemistry, Ziegler-Natta catalyst design, and polyethylene resin engineering. Delivered multiple patented innovations advancing catalyst formulation and copolymer production for large-scale industrial use.

2020 to Present

Peer Reviewer

Active reviewer for leading international journals: Nature Chemistry, Macromolecules, Journal of Membrane Science, Chemistry, Journal of Applied Polymer Science, Journal of Macromolecular Science, Journal of Materials Science, and Polymer Engineering and Science.

2024 to 2025

Teaching Assistant; KU Leuven

Thermodynamics, Department of Chemical Engineering, KU Leuven.

Peer-Reviewed

Journal Publications

  1. 1

    "A two-faced membrane channel"

    X. Yang, M. H. Jandaghian · Science, 2024

  2. 2
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Intellectual Property

Patents

"New Ziegler-Natta Catalysts Resistant to Fluctuations in the Manufacturing Process"

Patent No. 106738 · Iran, 2022

"A Process for the Production of Olefinic Copolymers for Water and Gas Transportation Pipes"

Patent No. 106530 · Iran, 2022

"A Process to Increase the Conversion Efficiency of Magnesium Alkoxides to Magnesium Halides"

Patent No. 106761 · Iran, 2022

"A Process for Replacing Organohaloaluminiums with Halocarbons in Ziegler-Natta Catalyst Formulations"

Patent No. 104710 · Iran, 2022

"A Process for Injecting alpha-olefins into Polymerization Reactors"

Patent No. 106397 · Iran, 2022

Behrad Jandaghian

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Location

Department of Chemical Engineering, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F, 3001 Leuven, Belgium.