The Dutch Institute for Fundamental Energy Research (DIFFER) performs leading fundamental research on materials, processes, and systems for a global sustainable energy infrastructure. We work in close partnership with (inter)national academia and industry. Our user facilities are open to industry and university researchers. As an institute of the Dutch Research Council (NWO) DIFFER plays a key role in fundamental research for the energy transition.

Differ is looking for a Postdoc Energy Researcher (QCF Fellowship Program)

DIFFER offers a two-year postdoctoral research position enabled through the Quadrille Climate Fund (QCF) fellowship program. The QCF Fellowship is a unique, first-of-a-kind position where a talented individual will work freely on their own energy research project. The research project, is positioned in the Plasma Solar Fuels Devices group of the Chemical Energy department, and will be on the topic of plasma-driven chemical conversion of simple molecules such as CO2, N2/O2 and CH4, utilizing the state-of-the-art plasma facilities present in the group, such as microwave generated plasma’s and plasma-activated electrochemical reactors. In addition to the research, the Fellow will be asked to collaborate with QCF’s internal science team, supporting our evidence-based approach to climate philanthropy. This could involve giving running a research sprint on a topic related to the Fellow’s area of expertise, presenting results to the QCF team, pointers towards interesting scientific developments, and participating in working groups organised to design and test QCF’s strategies.

Responsibilities

Use advanced plasma diagnostics to characterize the plasma chemical conversion process and to develop understanding of the complex mechanism at play.
(Co-)supervise students at bachelor and master level.
Disseminate research findings through publications, presentations, and stakeholder engagement activities.

Position and requirements

Requirements

A Phd in physics, chemistry/chemical engineering or equivalent.
We would like the QCF Fellows to be open-minded, innovative, and motivated to help solve big problems – in their own research and through their engagement with us.
We would like them to be proactive about scoping bottlenecks to energy/climate action or innovation and bringing new angles/perspectives to our existing focus areas.
The QCF Fellows should be excellent communicators and team players.

We seek an exceptional experimental scientist with deep expertise in plasma physics/chemistry with knowledge of plasma diagnostics.

Terms and conditions

This position is for 1 FTE, will be for a period of 2 years and is graded in pay scale 10. The position will be based at DIFFER (www.differ.nl) and the working location will be at DIFFER in Eindhoven. When fulfilling a position at DIFFER, you will have an employee status at NWO. You can participate in all the employee benefits NWO offers. We have a number of regulations that support employees in finding a good work-life balance.

In our institute physicists, chemists, engineers, and other specialists work together in multidisciplinary teams to accelerate the transition to a sustainable society. DIFFER’s workforce is currently composed of ~160 scientists (of which 60 guests and interns), supported by ~40 technicians and ~30 support staff members. The global nature of the energy challenge is apparent from the international representation of our employees, who originate from over 30 different countries. To strengthen our commitment to diversity, in January 2018 we formed a task force to design, implement, and monitor diversity and gender equality initiatives.

At DIFFER we believe that a workforce diverse in gender, age and cultural background is key to performing excellent research. We therefore strongly encourage everyone to apply. More information on working at NWO can be found at the NWO website (https://www.nwo-i.nl/en/working-at-nwo-i/jobsatnwoi/)

Information and application

You can apply for this position via de button. The application closing date is June 6 2025. Interviews will take place in week 24 and 25. For questions about the position you can contact Richard van de Sanden: [email protected].

Closing date

June 06, 2025