PhD position on alkaline water electrolysis

A vacancy is available for a PhD student in the field of alkaline water electrolysis within the group Sustainable Process Engineering at the Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), The Netherlands.

Irène Curie Fellowship

No

Department(s)

Chemical Engineering and Chemistry

Reference number

V37.7187

Research group

At the Sustainable Process Engineering  group, we focus on the improvement of two water electrolysis techniques, namely Alkaline and Anion-exchange membrane (AEM) water electrolysis. Both of these technologies have the advantage of  having  a much smaller dependence on scarce noble and rare earth materials than competing technologies and therefore seem particularly suitable for large scale green hydrogen production. In the research group we carry out research related to three key aspects of the technologies, namely efficiency, flexibility and durability. We closely work with industrial partners to make sure that we carry out relevant research and that the generated insights will be used to optimize large-scale electrolyzers. More information on the group can be found at: Electrochemical Engineering (tue.nl)

PhD position

The PhD position will focus on the flexibility improvement of alkaline water  electrolysis. This is especially relevant for electrolyzers that are coupled to variable renewable electricity supply, such as sun and wind that are not always available. An important aspect of flexibility is the tolerance to frequent shutdowns, which can potentially damage electrodes. Goal of the PhD position is to elucidate the shutdown process and its potentially detrimental effects. The generated insights can then be used to develop an accelerated stress test protocol that can be used to screen new electrode materials on their vulnerability to frequent shutdowns.

 The PhD position will be a combination of modeling activities and experimental activities. The PhD position is part of a European project with both academic and industrial partners across Europe.

We are looking for talented, motivated and enthusiastic PhD student with a background in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, applied physics or mathematics. We’re searching for an excellent candidate with proven capabilities who recently finished his/her master (MSc) or will obtain his/her MSc soon. Knowledge, experience and an affinity with electrochemistry are appreciated. Moreover, excellent communication skills in English are vital.

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. €2,770 max. €3,539).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process .
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

About us

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow.

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

Information

For more detailed information about this vacancy you can contact dr. M.T. de Groot (Thijs) e-mail: m.t.d.groot[at]tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact Ms. P.J. van de Weijer, HR-advisor, p.j.v.d.weijer[at]tue.nl.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page .

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button.
The application should include a:

· Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.

· Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.