PhD on Sustainable Polymers and Coatings for Low Temperature Fuel Cells

Introduction

Do you want to creatively design polymers and coatings for cutting-edge energy applications? Are you motivated by the challenge of advancing emission-free transport? Do you thrive in a multidisciplinary and international research environment?

Job Description

We are looking for a motivated and creative PhD candidate to join our team in developing next-generation polymers and coatings for low-temperature fuel cells. Today’s fuel cells rely heavily on fluorinated polymers—such as Nafion ionomers for proton conductivity or PTFE coatings for water management. However, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) pose severe environmental hazards and persist in ecosystems, making their replacement urgent and essential.

In this project, you will pioneer new strategies to replace conventional hydrophobic coatings and ionomers. Using advanced grafting techniques, you will explore a wide range of molecular groups to precisely tailor liquid repellency and proton conductivity on conductive surfaces. Alongside polymer synthesis, you will employ state-of-the-art characterization methods and test your materials in realistic fuel cell devices, in close collaboration with industrial partners.

This position offers a unique opportunity to combine polymer chemistry, surface science, and electrochemistry to develop sustainable materials that can shape the future of clean energy.

Job Requirements

• A master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related disciplines. Experience with organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, and/or surface science will be positively considered.
• 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 project will involved collaboration with leading industrial partners.

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 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.