Doctoral scholarship holder Electrocatalysis in an European grant Threading-CO2

Department: Chemistry/Biochemistry
Regime Full-time

Let’s shape the future - University of Antwerp

The University of Antwerp  is a dynamic, forward-thinking, European university. We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20 000 students, conduct pioneering scientific research and play an important service-providing role in society. We are one of the largest, most international and most innovative employers in the region. With more than 6000 employees from 100 different countries, we are helping to build tomorrow's world every day. Through top scientific research, we push back boundaries and set a course for the future – a future that you can help to shape. 

The research group ELCAT  in the Faculty of Applied Engineering is looking for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of electrocatalysis.

As researcher you will start within the research group ELCAT, currently employing around 30 people. The research of ELCAT revolves around electrochemistry. The main research activities are related to the development of state-of-the-art electrochemical reactors and catalyst, with as most important purpose the electrification of the industry and thus the replacement of traditional chemical processes with green and sustainable alternatives. The research falls mainly under 5 key activities: (1) electrochemical CO2  conversion; (2) green hydrogen production; (3) redox flow batteries; (4) power to chemicals; and (5) reactor design for electrochemical purposes.

Position

• You will work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in the field of electrochemical reactor engingeering. Electrochemistry is gaining more and more attention as a potential alternative to several traditional industrial processes because of its positive impact on global greenhouse gas emissions (mainly CO2 ), its ability to store periodic renewable energy and the production of alternative energy sources such as H2 . More specifically you will actively participate in a recently acquired European grant Threading-CO2 , where you will be responsible for the production of medium- to large-scale CO2  electrolyzers for the production of CO. The electrolyzers need to be upscaled to an industrial scale of TRL6. You will participate in project meetings with partners from the different participating countries (Belgium, France, Spain, Finland, Italy, Germany and Estonia) where you will present your research. 
• You compete for externally funded research grants.
• You will publish scientific articles and/or patents related to the research project.
• As a PhD student of ELCAT you also support a part of the general research and teaching tasks to support the good day-to-day functioning of the research group and the Faculty of Applied Engineering.
• You are also responsible for safety in the research labs, in particular with regard to chemicals.

Profile

• You hold a Master’s degree in industrial science/applied engineering: chemistry (industrial engineer), Master's degree in engineering: chemistry or materials science (civil engineering), Master in chemistry or equivalent through experience or you will have obtained it by the time you start work.
• You can demonstrate excellent study results.
• Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision .
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies .
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
• You are enthusiast.
• You can communicate well, both in speaking and in writing.
• You are strong in planning and organizing, you can work independently.
• You don’t forget about safety and you have some good technical skills.

What we offer

• We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of 1 year. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed for another three years.
• The planned start date is as soon as possible.
• Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts  for doctoral scholarship holders on the pay scales for Contract Research Staff (Dutch: Bijzonder Academisch Personeel, BAP).
• You will do most of your work at Campus Drie Eiken in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
• Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here .

Want to apply?

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform. Click on the 'Apply' button, complete the online application form and be sure to include the following attachments: a motivation letter, your academic CV.
• The selection committee will review all of the applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision has been made, we will inform you about the next steps in the selection procedure.
• If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions  or send an email to [email protected] . If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact dr. Nick Daems, dr. Jonas Hereijgers or An Bellens via [email protected] .

The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award  for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity  and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.