Energy storage is an indispensable factor for bridging the electricity consumption with the intermittent renewable energy supply. Flow batteries can leverage their large (and relatively cheap) liquid reservoir to cover the daily or even multiple-day fluctuations in energy consumption and production. However, most flow battery technologies are still in an early stage of development.

In the RELEASE (Reversible Large scale Energy Storage) project, a multi-disciplinary team addresses several challenges in multiple routes for energy storage. This vacancy addresses specifically the aspects in engineering operational strategies for flow batteries. We’re looking for an excellent postdoc, with good engineering skills, to investigate how flow geometries and control (flow in batch or continuous, operate at constant or dynamic current, etc.) can improve the technology of flow batteries. The flow batteries involved in this project are the H2-Br2 flow battery (in collaboration with the company Elestor) and the salt water (acid/base) flow battery (in collaboration with the company AquaBattery). You will work together with PhD’s that are developing components (membranes, electrodes), and you will bring together the properties of novel components to assess the performance in an integrated flow battery. The job will include both simulations and experimental work.

Your daily operation is in the David Vermaas research group. The work of our group addresses electrochemical flow systems, including applications of electrolysis, water technology, CO2 capture and flow batteries. The work will also contribute to TU Delft’s e-Refinery programme on electrochemical synthesis that includes >20 principal investigators across the campus, where electrochemical advances are used and valorised in upscaled prototypes, in collaboration with industrial partners.

• A PhD degree obtained, or nearly obtained, in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics (Optics) or similar.
• A background in engineering or process control
• Experience in electrochemical cells (not per se batteries; also backgrounds in fuel cells, electrolyzers or water technologies are considered relevant)
• Experience in (electrochemical) simulations is considered a plus
• Initiative for designing novel electrochemical architectures

Fixed-term contract: 3 years.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation. An International Children's Centre offers childcare and there is an international primary school.
Inspiring, excellent education is our central aim. We expect you to obtain a University Teaching Qualification (UTQ) within three years if you have less than five years of teaching experience. This is provided by the TU Delft UTQ programme.

TU Delft sets high standards for the English competency of the teaching staff. The TU Delft offers training to improve English competency. If you do not speak Dutch, we offer courses to learn the Dutch language.

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 and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

Challenge. Change. Impact! 

Faculty Applied Sciences

With more than 1,000 employees, including 135 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,400 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 train 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 and science communicators.

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