Solving some of our major societal challenges related to climate, energy and sustainability will require a significant reduction in CO2 emissions through implementation of completely new hydrogen-based or electrified industrial processes. Producing hydrogen via pyrolysis of (bio)methane, which captures carbon as solid by-products, is an important step towards the decarbonization of industries and to reach the Paris agreement. Your aim will be to develop novel processing pathways to electro chemically upcycle pyrolysis carbons into value added graphene(oxide) colloids.

Your PhD project is part of a larger collaboration between TU Eindhoven and Shell on sustainability. The overarching goal of this collaboration is to turn byproducts of pyrolysis into valuable functional materials at scale thereby contributing to the decarbonization of industries. Your position is embedded within the Laboratory of Physical Chemistry at the Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry and will be supervised by dr. Heiner Friedrich and prof. Rolf van Benthem.

Research at the Laboratory of Physical Chemistry is positioned at the intersection of theoretical and experimental physical chemistry and the fields of polymer and colloid science. We focus on gaining a fundamental understanding of the physical and chemical properties and processes relevant to the behavior of colloids, polymers, and their mixtures. We study the properties and processes in our systems by combining experiments [synthesis & assembly of polymers and (bioinspired) colloids, (cryo, in situ, electron, light) microscopy, (X-ray, neutron, light) scattering, interfacial methods, rheology, (3D) printing], theory (mean-field computations on bulk phase behavior and interfacial properties, colloidal interactions) and computer simulations. Of particular interest are designing molecules, particles, and interfaces to perform a specific function, and to develop novel technologies for producing ingredients and making products and related processes sustainable.

• A master's degree (or an equivalent university degree) in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, applied physics or related discipline.
• Prior experience with electro chemistry, physical chemistry, and graphene intercalation
• A research-oriented attitude.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and interested in collaborating with industrial partners.
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).

You are:

• A talented, motivated, and enthusiastic researcher.
• Analytical skills, initiative and creativity are valuable properties.
• A naturally curious person who is eager to learn more and has a strong interest in research.
• A social person, have a good team spirit and like to work in an internationally oriented environment.

International and female candidates are especially encouraged to apply: we think our research group benefits from a diverse group of talented people. 

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

Interviews and a scientific presentation are part of the selection procedure.

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 four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. €2,770 max. €3,539).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.