Postdoc on Electrochemical CO2 capture and compression

How to remove CO2 from the air and use it as a renewable resource?

To accelerate the energy transition, the capturing and re-using CO2 as a resource is indispensable. Our group has developed an electrochemical technology to capture CO2 from water or air, via bipolar membrane electrodialysis. In this way, we are able to tap CO2 from the atmosphere and balance the hard-to-abate, decentralized emissions. This technology has been identified as a game changer for deploying negative emission technology, which is a missing link in reducing climate change and closing the carbon cycle. You can read more about electrochemical CO2 capture principles in our papers in Energy & Environmental Science and Nature Catalysis . Within TU Delft, we collaborate with industrial partners and multiple research groups in the e-Refinery institute , where we aim to bring novel electro-conversion technologies to large scale application. This particular research is in close collaboration with the tech-company HyET .

To scale up the electrodialysis-based CO2 capture technology, and integrate the technology with a direct air capture unit and CO2 compression, we are looking for a proactive, engineering-minded postdoc to join our team. We expect both scientific and engineering work, exploring a new idea that spin-offs from our previous work on electrochemical capture CO2.

You will work together with industry (partly on-site) to leverage both the scientific basis at TU Delft and engineering expertise at HyET, and work together with our team of researchers to develop the technology for practical application. Given the rapid development and large interest in the technology, we expect you to publish in scientific literature or present the technology to the general public. 

• A PhD degree, in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, applied physics or similar
• Experience in doing experiments with electrochemical systems
• Experience in membrane technology (e.g. electrodialysis, membrane distillation, etc.) is considered a plus
• Strong system-thinking skills: overviewing the whole system
• Knowledge of process technology
• Pro-active and creative mind-set
• Fluent in English. Speaking Dutch is a plus
• Starting soon is possible

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation. An International Children's Centre offers childcare and there is an international primary school.

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

With more than 1,000 employees, including 135 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,400 passionate students, the Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem. Focusing on key enabling technologies, such as quantum- and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology and materials for energy storage and conversion, our faculty aims to provide solutions to important problems of the 21st century. To that end, we train students in broad Bachelor's and specialist Master's programmes with a strong research component. Our scientists conduct ground-breaking fundamental and applied research in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Engineering Physics. We are also training the next generation of high school teachers and science communicators.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Applied Sciences.

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Dr.ir. David Vermaas ([email protected] )

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply before Friday 30 December 2022 via the application button and upload:

A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.

Applying for an exemption for specific research and educational areas is an obligatory part of the selection procedure for this vacancy. This exemption must be obtained from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) before an employment contract is agreed upon. Click here for more information.

You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.

Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.

How to remove CO2 from the air and use it as a renewable resource?

To accelerate the energy transition, the capturing and re-using CO2 as a resource is indispensable. Our group has developed an electrochemical technology to capture CO2 from water or air, via bipolar membrane electrodialysis. In this way, we are able to tap CO2 from the atmosphere and balance the hard-to-abate, decentralized emissions. This technology has been identified as a game changer for deploying negative emission technology, which is a missing link in reducing climate change and closing the carbon cycle. You can read more about electrochemical CO2 capture principles in our papers in Energy & Environmental Science and Nature Catalysis . Within TU Delft, we collaborate with industrial partners and multiple research groups in the e-Refinery institute , where we aim to bring novel electro-conversion technologies to large scale application. This particular research is in close collaboration with the tech-company HyET .

To scale up the electrodialysis-based CO2 capture technology, and integrate the technology with a direct air capture unit and CO2 compression, we are looking for a proactive, engineering-minded postdoc to join our team. We expect both scientific and engineering work, exploring a new idea that spin-offs from our previous work on electrochemical capture CO2.

You will work together with industry (partly on-site) to leverage both the scientific basis at TU Delft and engineering expertise at HyET, and work together with our team of researchers to develop the technology for practical application. Given the rapid development and large interest in the technology, we expect you to publish in scientific literature or present the technology to the general public. 

• A PhD degree, in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, applied physics or similar
• Experience in doing experiments with electrochemical systems
• Experience in membrane technology (e.g. electrodialysis, membrane distillation, etc.) is considered a plus
• Strong system-thinking skills: overviewing the whole system
• Knowledge of process technology
• Pro-active and creative mind-set
• Fluent in English. Speaking Dutch is a plus
• Starting soon is possible

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation. An International Children's Centre offers childcare and there is an international primary school.

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

With more than 1,000 employees, including 135 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,400 passionate students, the Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem. Focusing on key enabling technologies, such as quantum- and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology and materials for energy storage and conversion, our faculty aims to provide solutions to important problems of the 21st century. To that end, we train students in broad Bachelor's and specialist Master's programmes with a strong research component. Our scientists conduct ground-breaking fundamental and applied research in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Engineering Physics. We are also training the next generation of high school teachers and science communicators.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Applied Sciences.

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Dr.ir. David Vermaas ([email protected] )

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply before Friday 30 December 2022 via the application button and upload:

A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.

Applying for an exemption for specific research and educational areas is an obligatory part of the selection procedure for this vacancy. This exemption must be obtained from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) before an employment contract is agreed upon. Click here for more information.

You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.

Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.