Job description
Hydrogen is a recognized crucial component, required for many industrial processes. The sustainable electrochemical production of hydrogen, i.e. green hydrogen, needs to economically compete with the conventional (fossil based) production methods. You will explore the optimization of hydrogen production through alkaline electrolysis in a large consortium of academia and industry. This specific PhD position is focused on the development of diaphragms and separators. These separators need to provide excellent ionic transport, limit gas cross over, and be able to withstand harsh conditions (high pH and temperature) for prolonged times. You will work within the Membrane Science and Technology department of the University of Twente.
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 PTN graduate school. 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, materials science;
- You have affinity for innovations towards sustainable solutions and membrane science;
- Preferably you have experience with electrochemical systems or membrane fabrication/development;
- 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 € 2901,- (first year) to € 3707,- (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 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).
For more information regarding this position, you are welcome to contact (Rob Lammertink, [email protected])
About the department
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.
