Postdoctoral researcher on polymer electrolyte water electrolysis

The Electrochemical Materials Systems group in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry at Eindhoven University of Technology invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in the field of electrochemical science and engineering, in close cooperation with Bosch Transmission Technology BV. 

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our team to work on proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolysis for sustainable hydrogen production. The successful candidate will work on advancing the efficiency, durability, and scalability of PEM electrolysis systems, contributing to cutting-edge research in renewable energy and electrochemical technologies.   The focus of the project is on the understand and development of tailored made porous transport layers and microporous layers.  In this project, you will investigate the role of the electrode structure (porosity, pore size, thickness) as well as surface properties. Based on this fundamental knowledge, you shall conceptualize new electrode architectures and manufacture them using scalable methods. The developed electrode materials will be characterized using microscopy, spectroscopy, and fluid dynamic measurements. Finally, the developed materials will be tested in PEM water electrolyzer setups.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct experimental research on PEM water electrolysis, including materials development, device testing, and system optimization.
• Analyze performance data, evaluate cell degradation, and explore strategies for improving electrolysis efficiency.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team and contribute to the publication of research findings in top-tier journals.
• Engage and nurture a close collaboration between the teams at TU Eindhoven and Bosch Tilburg.  The candidate will perform experimental work on both locations, the labs in Eindhoven and Bosch Tilburg, which are located within 30 minutes by train.
• Engage in project management, including report writing and presentation of results to both academic and industrial partners.
• Mentor and support graduate and undergraduate students in the laboratory.

• PhD in Electrochemistry, Electrochemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry or a related discipline.
• Strong background in PEM electrolysis or related disciplines (fuel cells, flow batteries), electrochemical techniques, and material characterization.
• Strong experimental background in electrochemical techniques, including cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and electrolyzer testing, microfluidics, etc.
• We are looking for a talented, motivated, and enthusiastic researcher who is driven by fundamental and applied research in electrochemical energy technologies and wants to make a positive impact in our team and society.
• Excellent mastering of the English language (both written and verbal).
• Excellent problem-solving skills, with a strong ability to work independently and within collaborative teams.
• Proven track record of rigorous and original scientific publications.
• Leadership, supervision skills, and strong communication skills.
• We prefer candidates with a good team spirit, who like to work in an internationally oriented, social environment.

An interview (online and in person) and a scientific presentation are part of the selection procedure.

A meaningful job in a highly motivated team at a dynamic and ambitious University. You will be part of a highly profiled multidisciplinary collaboration where expertise of a variety of disciplines comes together and you will have the opportunity to present your work in international conferences. The TU/e is located in one of the smartest regions of the world and part of the European technology hotspot 'Brainport Eindhoven'; well-known because of many high-tech industries and start-ups. A place to be for talented scientists!

• A full-time employment for two years, with an intermediate evaluation after one year.
• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 10 (min. €4,060 max. €5,331).
• 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.

About us

Electrochemical Materials and Systems Laboratory

The Electrochemical Materials and Systems Laboratory is led by dr. Forner-Cuenca (www.fornercuencaresearch.com). We aim 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.

More information

Candidates possessing both suitable experience and qualifications are invited to apply.

For information about this position, please contact Dr. Antoni Forner-Cuenca (e-mail: a.forner.cuenca@tue.nl , phone: +31 40 247 6258).

For information concerning employment conditions, click here or contact ms. P.J. van de Weijer (Sandra), HR-advisor, p.j.v.d.weijer@tue.nl

The postdoc will work in the Electrochemical Materials and Systems group. Further information about the Electrochemical Materials and Systems Laboratory, see www.fornercuencaresearch.com.

Applications

Please send your application via the apply-now button and upload the following documents:

• a cover letter briefly describing your qualifications and motivation for this position.
• a curriculum vitae including a publication list and the contact details of three references.
• a list of your self-selected top 3 publications. 
• a list of BSc and MSc courses and grades.

Review of applications will start as soon as applications are received and will continue until the position has been filled. You can upload a maximum of 5 documents of up to 2MB each.