Postdoc position on electrode coatings for alkaline water electrolysis

A vacancy is available for a Postdoc in the field of electrode coatings for alkaline water electrolysis at the Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), The Netherlands.

Information
Do you want to contribute to the development of water electrolysis technology and in this way accelerate the implementation of green hydrogen? Then this project could be for you. It explores new electrode coating materials for alkaline water electrolyzers. With these new coating materials better electrolyzers can be developed that have a higher efficiency and better durability and in this way enable more affordable green hydrogen production.

Goal of the project is to develop coatings that have a high performance, good durability, a simple production process and affordable raw materials. Some of the coatings materials will be synthesized in our own laboratories, but we will also actively engage with third parties that are developing promising materials. Where most academic studies stop at short-term beaker studies in 1 M KOH at room temperate, we will carry out flow cell measurements in real industrial conditions (30 wt% KOH, 80 °C) and will subject the coatings to though accelerated stress test protocols. If the coatings survive that they can really be used in practice!

The research is carried out in collaboration with a company developing alkaline water electrolyzers. In the project you will also closely work with another postdoc that will work on characterization (both electrochemical and non-electrochemical) of the coating materials.

Research group
The work will be carried out in the Electrochemical Engineering group at TU/e lead by professor Thijs de Groot. The research work in the group focuses on alkaline and anion-exchange membrane water electrolysis and addresses key aspects of these technologies, such as the membrane-electrode assembly design, gas crossover, ohmic resistance, bubble behavior, reverse currents and optimal integration with the rest of the plant. We closely work with industrial partners to ensure that the generated insights from our research will also find their way into practice.

We are looking for a talented, motivated and enthusiastic Postdoc with a background in chemical engineering. We are searching for an excellent candidate with proven capabilities that likes working with demanding laboratory setups and enjoys supervising BSc and MSc students. Knowledge, experience and affinity with chemical reactor engineering and electrochemistry are highly appreciated. Good analytical skills, initiative, creativity and excellent communication skills in English are vital.

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 2 years and 2 months.
• 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

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow.

Information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? For more detailed information about this vacancy you can contact dr. M.T. de Groot (Thijs) e-mail: m.t.d.groot@tue.nl.

For information concerning employment conditions you can contact Ms. P.J. van de Weijer, HR-advisor, p.j.v.d.weijer@tue.nl. Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.