The surface of an electrocatalyst in operation is a crowded place, filled with reactants, products, adsorbates, ions and water molecules. The interactions of each of these components with each other and with the electrode surface determine how well the electrocatalytic process performs, and how stable the electrode is during prolonged operation. Using a new spectroscopic method, electrochemical X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy [JACS 2019, 141, 6537-6544], we can get a grip on these interactions by producing a chemical fingerprint for every element at the electrode-electrolyte interface. You will be part of the team that takes the next step with this technique, constructing a purpose-built set-up at the Leiden Institute of Chemistry, in collaboration with the Fritz Haber Institute in Berlin. With the new instrument, you will investigate the interface structure of model platinum fuel cell cathodes. You will have the opportunity to combine your studies with electrochemical current-voltage measurements, Raman spectroscopy, and synchrotron X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy/X-ray absorption spectroscopy in order to get a very complete picture of how the performance of fuel cell cathodes is related to their structure under operating conditions.

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

• A Master’s degree in Chemistry or Physics, or related disciplines;
• A strong interest in surface science and/or electrochemistry;
• Excellent proficiency in English;
• Good technical experimental skills.

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

We offer a position for initially one year. After a positive evaluation of the progress of the thesis, personal capabilities, and compatibility, the appointment will be extended by a further three years. Salary range from € 2,325 to € 2,972 gross per month (pay scale P in accordance with the Collective Labour 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 and sabbatical leave. 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 programme. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.

All our PhD students are embedded in the Leiden University Graduate School of Science. Our graduate school offers several PhD training courses at three levels: professional courses, skills training and personal effectiveness.

Diversity
Leiden University is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups.

Leiden University

The Faculty of Science 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 bachelor’s and twelve master’s programs. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 1,300 staff and almost 4,000 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.

The chemistry and life science research in the Leiden Institute of Chemistry (LIC) is organized around two major research areas: ‘Chemical Biology’ and ‘Energy & Sustainability’. The institute’s research themes illustrate the central position of chemistry between biology, medicine and physics. The various research topics carried out within these themes are ideal for executing interdisciplinary research.