The energy transitions requires the large-scale deployment of electrolysers, both for producing hydrogen and for converting CO2 into hydrocarbons. Further steps are needed to reduce the use of critical materials, and make the systems more energy-efficient and cost-effective.

 In our group, a PhD position is available to contribute to solving these challenges. The future PhD student will develop novel thin film technology – especially based on atomic layer deposition – for electrolysers, e.g. to synthesize electrocatalysts or to provide the material with protective coatings. Together with the project partners, the PhD student will assess the needs of future electrolysers, and will contribute to the development of novel electrolyser technology in which the novel materials are optimally applied. The focus will be on making electrocatalytic material, including tuning the wettability and controlling mass transfer, as well as testing these materials.

 This PhD position is part of the project Third Generation Electrolysers within the NXTGEN HIGHTECH program (nxtgenhightech.nl), in which several universities, research institutes, and companies collaborate to develop a range of novel technologies with atomic level precision for different types of electrolysers. The idea is to strengthen the Dutch high-tech industry. This unique consortium will ensure that the offered PhD project will combine doing ground-breaking science with developing practical technology to speed up the energy transition.    

We are looking for a candidate that meets the following criteria:

• MSc degree in a relevant field (preferably in Chemical Engineering or a related discipline)
• Creative, open-minded and proactive;
• Excellent experimental and analytical skills;
• Good team player;
• Good English communication and writing skills.
• Preferred qualifications:
  - Prior experience with atomic layer deposition, or a related coating technology
  - Prior experience with electrochemical converions
  - Prior experience with modelling in the field of chemical engineering (transport phenomena / wettability / (electro)chemistry / reactor operation)

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years (1,5 year initial + 2,5 year after go/no-go evaluation).

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2541 per month in the first year to € 3247 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

• A preferred start date around December 2023
• A full-time employment for four years.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Applied Sciences

With more than 1,100 employees, including 150 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,600 passionate students, the Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem. Focusing on key enabling technologies, such as quantum- and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology and materials for energy storage and conversion, our faculty aims to provide solutions to important problems of the 21st century. To that end, we educate innovative students in broad Bachelor's and specialist Master's programmes with a strong research component. Our scientists conduct ground-breaking fundamental and applied research in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Engineering Physics. We are also training the next generation of high school teachers.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Applied Sciences.