Job Description

As a researcher, you will have the opportunity to make a significant contribution to sustainable energy solutions by analyzing hydrogen technologies, developing decarbonization strategies, and conducting techno-economic and environmental impact analyses. Next to developing a groundbreaking PhD thesis, the selected candidate will focus on two tasks as a part of UT’s responsibilities within the European Commission-funded project entitled “From Industrial Symbiosis to Hubs for Circularity – IS2H4C:

1. Developing and optimizing large-scale, multi-vector energy systems supported by hydrogen. This task includes designing, simulating, and testing energy conversion technologies that maximize resource efficiency and industrial symbiosis.
2. Conducting performance analysis and technical optimization of hydrogen technologies using advanced simulation models to deliver actionable recommendations for full-scale industrial applications.

The research outcomes aim to enhance the integration of hydrogen as a central component in circular energy hubs, reduce carbon emissions, and improve energy efficiency. For more information, please check this website

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct thermodynamic and techno-economic analyses of hydrogen-based energy systems.
• Develop simulation models for multi-vector energy systems, incorporating renewable energy integration and waste recovery.
• Collaborate with industrial and academic partners to gather inputs and validate research findings.
• Prepare technical reports, publications, and deliverables aligned with project milestones.
• Contribute to the transition of linear energy systems to circular frameworks by leveraging hydrogen technologies.

• We seek a motivated, dedicated, and forward-thinking individual to join our research team.
• You are an exceptional Master's graduate in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a closely related field. You have a distinct inclination toward interdisciplinary research projects.
• Your academic background includes a deep understanding of energy systems, waste recovery, and sustainability principles, aligning with the project's focus on contributing to the circular economy.
• You have specialized knowledge and demonstrable experience in hydrogen technologies, including—but not limited to—hydrogen production, storage, transport, system integration, and applications in multi-vector energy systems.
• You have the ambition and talent to thrive in tackling complex multidisciplinary technological challenges. You are keen on driving innovation in hydrogen technologies to optimize industrial synergies.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or MATLAB is required, along with strong skills in mathematical modeling and simulation. Experience with optimization techniques and techno-economic analysis is highly desirable.
• Your analytical and problem-solving skills are complemented by an ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, both in writing and verbally.
• Teamwork is key: You should be comfortable working in a multidisciplinary research environment, collaborating with academics, industry professionals, and technology providers from various sectors.
• Effective communication skills and a structured approach to project management are essential for success in this role.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English is mandatory, as the project involves international collaboration.
• You can do independent work but also value the insights from collaborative efforts, maintaining a balance that serves the project's objectives.
• We encourage you to apply if you meet these criteria and are enthusiastic about contributing to a pioneering research project that aims to shape the future of sustainable and circular energy systems.
• This is a unique opportunity to work on a cutting-edge research project with a talented team, access state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, and receive a competitive salary and benefits package.

• A full-time, 4-year Ph.D. position;
• Mentorship and a stimulating international research environment with excellent facilities;
• A professional and personal development program within Graduate School Twente;
• A starting salary of € 2.872 and a salary of € 3.670 in the fourth year gross per month;
• A holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.3%;
• A solid pension scheme;
• A minimum of 29 holidays per year in case of full-time employment;
• A dynamic and international environment, combining the benefits of academic research with a topic of high industrial relevance;
• Full status as an employee at the UT, including pension and health care benefits;
• Excellent working conditions, an exciting scientific environment, and a lively green campus.

You can apply for this position by December 20th, 2024, by clicking the ‘apply now’ button below. Please include:

• A cover letter of at most 1 page A4 explaining why you qualify for this position. Please make sure the cover letter explicitly addresses the following:
• Motivation for applying
• Alignment with the position's goals
• How your background and skills qualify you for the research
• Specific examples of relevant experience (e.g., hydrogen technologies, simulations, optimization)
• Your understanding of circularity and hydrogen's role in it.

Your updated CV, including:

• Clearly highlighted technical skills (e.g., programming, thermodynamics, optimization)
• Relevant projects or publications (e.g., hydrogen and circular energy systems)
• Full contact information for at least two academic references
• A mini proposal of 1-2 pages describing a key challenge in hydrogen integration within hubs for circularity and proposing a research approach
• Copies of your academic transcripts from your Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees
• Title and abstract of your Master’s project/thesis
• Any additional supporting documents, such as publications or research experience

Please ensure that your application is submitted by the announced deadline. However, we reserve the right to close the application period earlier if a qualified candidate is identified, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Applications must include all required documents. Missing items must be accompanied by a clear explanation; otherwise, your application will not be considered. To facilitate evaluation, submissions should be bundled into a single PDF file. If separate files are uploaded, they must be clearly named for easy identification.

The first round of interviews is tentatively scheduled between January 5th and January 12th, but these dates may be adjusted if the application timeline changes. If necessary, a second round of interviews may also be scheduled.

We look forward to receiving your application and welcoming you to our team. If you have any questions about the Ph.D. vacation, please contact Canan Acar at c.a.acar@utwente.nl.