PhD position on “Exploring transport limitations in alkaline electrolysis”

Job description

Within the Soft Matter, Fluidics, and Interfaces (SFI) group and closely working with the Physics of Fluids (PoF) group, we have a vacancy for a PhD student. The topic of this PhD position is rooted within fundamentals of mass transport, emphasizing chemical engineering and fluid physics aspects.

Hydrogen is a recognized crucial component, required for many industrial processes such as fertilizer production. However, the main production route still relies on fossil sources. The sustainable electrochemical production of hydrogen, i.e. green hydrogen, needs to economically compete with the conventional production methods. To this end, you will explore the optimization of hydrogen production through alkaline electrolysis in a larger consortium of PhDs and post-docs. This specific PhD position is focused on the experimental investigation of bubble formation in strongly confined geometries, using microscopic observations. The role of concentration and temperature distribution during electrolysis will be explored in detail, and experimental information generated in this project will act as inputs/guides to other research lines within this consortium.

Within this project, the PhD will work closely together in a consortium of partners from the University of Twente, the Technical University of Eindhoven, the Technical University of Dresden, and the Helmholtz Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, as well as industrial partners, VDL, SPG Prints, Vitesco, and industry De Nora. This consortium provides a great network to excellent academic groups and industrial innovators and will provide a dynamic and stimulating environment for your development as a research scientist.

As part of the PhD program, you would have the opportunity to receive further education within the Twente Graduate School and within various graduate education programmes in the NL, such as the J.M. Burgerscentrum for Fluid Mechanics. Furthermore, you may actively contribute to the teaching program, e.g. by supervising BSc and MSc assignments or by acting as a teaching assistant in courses taught by department staff.

Your profile

• You are an enthusiastic and highly motivated researcher with affinity for experimental investigations.
• You have acquired, or will shortly acquire, a master degree in the field of (electro)chemical engineering, electrochemistry, physical chemistry, or (fluid) physics.
• You have affinity for innovations towards sustainable solutions.
• Preferably you have experience with electrochemical systems or microscopic observation techniques.
• You have a creative mindset, excellent analytical and communication skills and a demonstrated ability to work both independently and in collaboratively in a team environment
• You have a good team spirit and like to work in an interdisciplinary and internationally oriented environment.
• You are proficient in English per the University guidelines. A written test and scientific presentation in English can be part of the interview procedure.

Our offer

• A full-time position for four years, with a qualifier in the first year, and the flexibility to work (partially) from home.
• Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU).
• You will receive a gross monthly salary ranging from € 2770,- (first year) to €3539 ,- (fourth year).
• There are excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme.
• A minimum of 232 leave hours in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours. A full-time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis.
• Free access to sports facilities on campus.
• A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid).
• You will have a training programme as part of the Twente Graduate School where you and your supervisors will determine a plan for a suitable education and supervision.

Information and application

Are you interested in this position? Please send your application via the 'Apply now' button below before 15-07-2024, and include:

• A cover letter (maximum 2 pages A4), emphasizing your specific interest, qualifications, motivations to apply for this position.
• A Curriculum Vitae, including a list of all courses attended and grades obtained, and, if applicable, a list of publications and references.
• An IELTS-test, Internet TOEFL test (TOEFL-iBT), or a Cambridge CAE-C (CPE). Applicants with a non-Dutch qualification and who have not had secondary and tertiary education in English can only be admitted with an IELTS-test showing a total band score of at least 6.5, internet. TOEFL test (TOEFL-iBT) showing a score of at least 90, or a Cambridge CAE-C (CPE).

About the department

The Soft Matter, Fluidics, and Interfaces (SFI)group is part of the Department of Membrane Science and Technology (MST), often referred to as Twente Membranes. Research in SFI focuses on transport and interfacial phenomena in processes such as catalysis, materials synthesis and separation technology. MST consists of several research chairs focused on the development of new membrane materials and modules, membrane characterization, transport phenomena near and through membrane surfaces and the development of membrane processes and applications. MST has a history in membranes stretching back more than 50 years, and is internationally recognized as a leading department in membrane science and technology. The department boasts an impressive track record of over 250 PhD graduates, over 1000 peer reviewed scientific publications and over 40 granted patents, as well as numerous spin-off companies.

About the organisation

The Faculty of Science & Technology (Technische Natuurwetenschappen, TNW) engages some 700 staff members and 2000 students in education and research on the cutting edge of chemical technology, applied physics and biomedical technology. Our fields of application include sustainable energy, process technology and materials science, nanotechnology and technical medicine. As part of a people-first tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally and is strengthened by the many young researchers working on innovative projects with as doctoral candidates and post-docs. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.