PhD position on Terahertz Spectroscopy for (Photo-)Electrochemistry

Irène Curie Fellowship

No

Department(s)

Applied Physics and Science Education

Reference number

V34.6861

A vacancy is available for a PhD student in the field of Terahertz Spectroscopy for (Photo-)Electrochemistry within the groups Plasma and Materials Processing (PMP) and Photonics and Semiconductor Nanophysics (PSN) at the Department of Applied Physics and Science Education, Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), The Netherlands. 

Research groups
The Surface Photonics research group within the Photonics and Semiconductor Nanophysics capacity group focuses on the development of advanced THz spectroscopies based on pump-probe techniques and near-field detection. A major interest of the group is in the investigation of resonant structures for field enhancement and the local near-field characterization of these fields, together with high spatial resolution measurements for spectroscopy. The Plasma and Materials Processing (PMP) group focuses on advancing the science and technology of plasma and materials processing, a multidisciplinary research area that encompasses the research fields of plasma physics, surface science and material science. More information can be found at https://www.tue.nl/en/research/research-groups/photonics-and-semiconductor-nanophysics , and https://www.tue.nl/en/research/research-groups/plasma-materials-processing . 

Eurotech PhD position
The PhD position on Terahertz Spectroscopy for (Photo-)Electrochemistry is a Eurotech (https://eurotech-universities.eu/ ) PhD position and is a collaboration with the Technische Universität München (TUM). This means that the PhD student will spend six months at this university to perform research.  

Sun-light driven chemistry is key to the energy transition: it enables day-night and seasonal availability of electricity from intermittent renewable sources (like solar and wind) and delivers hydrogen and hydrocarbons, from simple feedstocks such as water, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide. Light absorbers and (photo-)electrocatalysts drive these chemical reactions, but their design and engineering demand insights into key processes such charge generation, charge transfer, and surface reactions. Thus, an understanding of the charge carrier dynamics is critical in providing a solid foundation towards an educated and rational design of future solar energy conversion devices. So far, a variety of spectroscopic techniques have been applied to disclose charge carrier dynamics in semiconductors and their impact on energy conversion efficiency. However, the application of in situ and operando spectroscopic techniques to monitor carrier charge dynamics under normal working conditions is, so far, very limited. For this purpose, time-resolved THz time-domain spectroscopy (TRTDS) is selected as a non-contact probe of material conductivity with sub-picosecond resolution. The aim is to explore TRTDS as in situ and operando spectroscopy of (photo-)electrocatalysts. Current spectro-electrochemical methods do not include TRTDS due to the complexity of designing THz transparent (photo-)electrochemical cells and the possibility of strong absorption of THz radiation by the electrolyte. The applicants will apply TRTDS, as well as complementary optical spectroscopies to case studies of interest in (photo-)electrochemistry. 

The aim of this EuroTech project is to develop TRTDS as a technique for the operando spectroscopy of charge carrier dynamics in photo-electrochemical processes. Therefore, the PhD candidate will integrate TRTDS in a (photo-)electrochemical (P)EC cell at TU/e and investigate the most promising (photo)electrocatalyst materials, which will be synthesized also at TU/e. In parallel, the Technical University of Munich (TUM) will host the PhD candidate for six months to strengthen the understanding of the (photo)electrocatalysts when interfacing with electrolytes in terms of kinetics of the surface reactions, as well as mapping the (photo-)electrochemical response at microscopic level. 

We are looking for a talented, motivated and enthusiastic PhD student with a background in applied physics or chemical engineering. We’re searching for an excellent candidate with proven capacities who recently finished his/her master (MSc) or will obtain his/her MSc soon. Knowledge, experience and affinity with electrochemistry and/or THz spectroscopy 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 prof.dr. M. Creatore (Mariadriana) e-mail: m.creatore[at]tue.nl; or prof.dr. J. Gomez Rivas (Jaime) e-mail: j.gomez.rivas[at]tue.nl 

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact Mr. S. van Kampen, HR-advisor, s.q.v.kampen[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.