Postdoc in high entropy alloys for alkaline water electrolysis

Short introduction

A vacancy is available for a Postdoc in the field of high entropy alloys for alkaline water electrolysis at the Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), The Netherlands.

Job Description

Recently, high entropy alloys (HEAs) have emerged in materials science, due to their vast compositional space, which provides enormous tunability of physical and chemical properties. HEAs are of particular interest to (electro)catalysis, since it enables to reduce the proportion of noble metals, without compromising performance. Recent reports have shown the potential of HEAs for electrocatalytic water splitting. Despite promising performances, reports on the application of HEAs in oxygen evolution reactions are still scarce, and the catalytic mechanisms of HEA electrocatalysts are poorly understood.

In this collaborative postdoc project between TU Eindhoven (TU/e) and Utrecht University (UU), you will synthesize new HEA materials (at UU), and assess their electrocatalytic performance in the oxygen evolution reaction (at TU/e). The overall aim is to unravel the relation between chemical composition and electrocatalytic performance, using a wide variety of analysis techniques including X-Ray diffraction, XPS, SEM-EDX, together with in-situ Raman and IR during electrocatalytic experiments. Finally, stability measurements will be done in collaboration with a chemical company.

About the group

The work will be carried out in the Electrocatalytic Synthesis and Electrochemical Interfaces group at TU/e, led by Marta Costa Figueiredo. The research work in the group is devoted to electrocatalysis and electro(catalytic)synthesis for sustainable processes and production of high-value chemicals like fuels and organic molecules from “waste” substrates, such as carbon dioxide and biomass. The main aim is to understand, develop, and optimize electrochemical reactions under practical, relevant conditions in order to take a step further on the usage of electrochemistry at an industrial scale.

Job Requirements

• Motivated researcher, with a PhD in electrochemistry or electrocatalysis research, or a comparable domain.
• Ability to conduct high quality academic research, reflected in demonstratable outputs.
• A team player who enjoys coaching PhD and Master's students and working in a dynamic, interdisciplinary team.
• A proven ability to manage complex projects to completion on schedule.
• Excellent (written and verbal) proficiency in English, good communication and leadership skills.
• Knowledge, experience and affinity electrochemistry and materials science are highly appreciated.

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 2 years.
• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 10 (min. € 4,241 max. € 5,538).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs on general skills, didactics and topics related to research and valorization.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• Partially paid parental leave and an allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs. 
• A TU/e Postdoc Association that helps you to build a stronger and broader academic and personal network, and offers tailored support, training and workshops.
• A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, as are a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) and a compensation for moving expenses.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Marta Costa Figueiredo, Assistant Professor (m.c.costa.figueiredo@tue.nl or +31 40 247 6310).

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HR Services Helix (HRServices.Helix@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 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.
• List of five self-selected ‘best publications’.

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.