PhD on Synthesis of Advanced Electrodes for Redox Flow Batteries

Introduction

Do you want to help accelerate the energy transition?   Are you excited about developing large-scale and low cost battery technologies?   Do you want to work in a multidisciplinary and international team? 

Job Description

We are looking for a motivated and creative PhD student to join team at TU/e. This project (SPACER) aims to develop new architectures for porous electrodes to improve the power density and energy efficiency of redox flow batteries (RFB), enabling affordable and durable long-duration energy storage. The approach is to use hierarchical structures, i.e. complex material layers that can be optimized to specific battery chemistries and flow phenomena from the microscale up. The developed technologies will be validated in half-cells and full working batteries at industrial partners at TRL 6.

In this specific PhD project, we are aiming to use advanced manufacturing techniques (lithography-based) to manufacture highly controlled three-dimensional electrode structures.  Strong collaboration is expected with other project partners in areas such as multiscale modelling of porous electrodes, advanced imaging and characterization, and validation in electrochemical cells. Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Networks are joint research and training projects funded by the European Union. Funding is provided for doctoral candidates from both inside and outside Europe to carry out individual project work in a European country other than their own. The training network “SPACER” is made up of 21 partners, coordinated by Fraunhofer ICT in Germany.

Job Requirements

• A master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in Chemical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or related disciplines.
• Following the rules of the Marie Curie fellowships, the candidate must meet the eligibility requirements specified in the GA (no PhD; no residence in the host country for more than 12 months out of the previous 36 months)
• We are looking for a talented, motivated and enthusiastic researcher. Analytical skills, initiative and creativity are highly desired.
• You are a naturally curious person who is eager to learn more and has a strong interest in research.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are a prerequisite.
• We prefer candidates with a good team spirit, who like to work in an internationally oriented, social environment.
• The recruited researcher will have the opportunity to work as part of an international, interdisciplinary team of 17 doctoral candidates, based at universities and industrial firms throughout Europe. She/he will be supported by two mentors within the SPACER project, and will have multiple opportunities to participate in professional and personal development training. Through her/his work she/he will gain a unique skill-set at the interface between modelling and prototyping of electrode materials, including characterization of electrodes using spectroscopical and electrochemical techniques at different levels from micro-scale to macro-scale.

An interview, a scientific presentation and a writing assignment are part of the selection procedure.

Conditions of Employment

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 assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment. 
• 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. € 3,059 max. € 3,881).  
• 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. 

Information and application

About us

Electrochemical Materials and Systems Laboratory

The Electrochemical Materials and Systems Laboratory (www.fornercuencaresearch.com) aims to accelerate the deployment of transformative energy technologies in the real world. To do so, we employ fundamental principles at the convergence of materials science, electrochemical engineering, and surface science to synthesize, characterize, simulate, and implement novel materials into next-generation electrochemical devices. Areas of application include large-scale energy storage with flow batteries, energy conversion through hydrogen fuel cell, and sustainable manufacturing with electrolysis.

Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e)

The TU/e offers academic education that is driven by fundamental and applied research. We combine scientific curiosity with a hands-on mentality. Our educational philosophy is based on personal attention and room for individual ambitions and talents. Our research meets the highest international standards of quality. We push the limits of science, which puts us at the forefront of rapidly emerging areas of research.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Dr. Antoni Forner-Cuenca (e-mail: a.forner.cuenca@tue.nl, phone: +31 40 247 6258).

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact ms. Medea Weertman, HR-advisor, m.weertman@tue.nl.

The PhD candidate will work in the Electrochemical Materials and Systems group. Further information about the Electrochemical Materials and Systems Laboratory, see www.fornercuencaresearch.com.

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:

• a motivation letter.
• a curriculum vitae (including contact details of at least two references).
• a list of BSc and MSc courses and grades.

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.