Protonic Ceramic Fuel Cell Technology (PCFC) is a promising yet developing field with a lower Technology Readiness Level (TRL 2-3) compared to Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) (TRL 5-6). Further development is needed for reliable PCFC components, especially for fuel flexibility and scalability challenges. Do you want to work on this during your PhD? Read on to learn more!

Your job
You will delve into investigating and characterising the pore network of thin, porous electrode layers using advanced imaging techniques such as Micro Computational Tomography (uCT) and Focused Ion Beam-Scanning Electron Microscopy (FIB-SEM). Analysing the pore network will yield crucial insights into parameters like porosity, pore size distribution, and connectivity, guiding electrode development. Subsequently, degraded electrodes will be characterized to aid in devising degradation mitigation strategies.

Additionally, you will simulate two-phase flow at the pore scale to determine permeability and assess fluid transport quality, upscaling microscale parameters for macro-scale simulations to define Darcy-scale physical properties and facilitate cell-level performance analysis.

You have the following qualifications:

• a Master's degree in a relevant field, such as Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Energy Science, or Physics;
• competence in computational fluid dynamics simulations;
• familiarity with imaging techniques like electron microscopy;
• effective collaboration within a large consortium;
• strong analytical and problem-solving skills;
• excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• research experience in fuel cell/electrolyser technologies is preferred.

We offer:

• a position for one year, with an extension to a total of four years upon a successful assessment in the first year, and with the specific intent that it results in a doctorate within this period;
• a working week of 36 hours and a gross monthly salary between €2,770 and €3,539 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University has a number of schemes and facilities of its own for employees. This includes schemes facilitating professional development, leave schemes and schemes for sports and cultural activities, as well as discounts on software and other IT products. We also offer access to additional employee benefits through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage our employees to continue to invest in their growth. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

Universiteit Utrecht

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.

Utrecht University’s Faculty of Geosciences studies the Earth: from the Earth’s core to its surface, including man’s spatial and material utilisation of the Earth – always with a focus on sustainability and innovation. With 3,400 students (BSc and MSc) and 720 staff, the faculty is a strong and challenging organisation. The Faculty of Geosciences is organised in four Departments: Earth Sciences, Human Geography & Spatial Planning, Physical Geography, and Sustainable Development.