The Leiden Institute of Chemistry invites applications for a

PhD position: X-ray spectroscopy on electrochemical interfaces (1.0 FTE)

Project description
Electrochemical devices such as batteries, fuel cells, and electrolyzers play a key role in the energy transition, facilitating electrical energy storage and the production of green chemicals. This PhD project focuses on resolving the molecular-level interactions that occur at the interface between the electrodes and the electrolyte of such devices. At this interface, the interactions between the electrode surface, reactants, products, adsorbates, ions, and water molecules determine how well the electrochemistry performs and how stable the device is during prolonged operation. Using the new X-ray spectroscopy methods developed in our group, we can get a grip on these interactions by producing a chemical fingerprint for every element at the electrode-electrolyte interface. You will use this methodology to unravel the electrode-electrolyte interactions that occur at the surface of carbon electrodes, which are widely used in both batteries and electrocatalysis. Your work will be embedded in the ANION consortium, enabling you to interact with electrochemists, spectroscopists, and microscopists from six knowledge institutes spread over the Netherlands. For your research, you will have the opportunity to combine our unique electrochemical X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy set-up with X-ray spectroscopy at synchrotron facilities.

This project is a good match for you if you like:

• Understanding electrochemistry at the molecular level
• Learning new (X-ray) spectroscopy methods
• Working as a team, both within the group and in collaborations with other institutes

Selection criteria
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate, who has:

• a Master’s degree in Physics or Chemistry, or a related discipline;
• A strong interest in spectroscopy and electrochemistry;
• Excellent proficiency in English;
• Good technical experimental skills.

You should feel comfortable working in a collaborative environment with complex experiments. Analytical thinking, creativity, and an independent working attitude are highly valued. Experience with vacuum equipment and/or electrochemistry is considered an advantage.

More information
For more information about the project, please contact Dr. Rik Mom (r.v.mom@lic.leidenuniv.nl). If you have any questions about the procedure please contact Jessica van Krimpen (j.e.van.krimpen@lic.leidenuniv.nl)

Application procedure
Please submit your application via the online recruitment system using the “apply now” button at the top or bottom of this page. Please ensure that you quote the vacancy number and include the following documents in your application:

• A letter of motivation;
• An updated CV;
• A copy of your MSc thesis or any other publication (if available);
• The transcripts of your MSc studies;
• At least two references, including names, affiliations and email addresses.

Only applications received no later than 24-01-2025 can be considered.

Terms of employment
The position is offered for 12 months initially, to be extended for 3 more years upon satisfactory performance. The candidate will be appointed in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities. The salary ranges from €2.872,- to € 3.670,- gross per month, depending on experience (pay scale P in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities). Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. For international spouses we have set up a dual career program. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. For more information, see the website.

Faculty
The Faculty of Science at Leiden University is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are committed to expand fundamental knowledge by curiosity and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science, and to make a contribution to addressing the major societal challenges of the future.

The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organized in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelors’ and twelve master’s programmes. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2,300 staff and over 5,000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together.

University
Leiden University is one of Europe’s leading international research universities. Thanks to its committed and inspired employees, the university enjoys a leading role in academic research and education. Leiden also scores very well every year in prominent rankings. This means that, to maintain our position, the bar is set very high. Regardless of the work you do at our university, you are always encouraged to broaden your horizons, develop your talents and reach your full potential. Will you become our newest colleague?

You can find more information about the faculty of Science at https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science/about-faculty-of-science.

For more information about working at Leiden university please visit https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at.