Decarbonizing our energy economy is one of the greatest challenges of our generation. To this goal, the transportation sector needs to be fully transformed which is particularly challenging for heavy duty and long-range applications (e.g. trucks, planes, ships). Low temperature fuel cells are particularly well suited given their efficiency, high power, and ability to drive long distances with a fast tank refill. However, realizing these new applications necessitates radical innovations in the fundamental science of materials and devices to improve the power density and durability of fuel cells.

In this project you will synthesize and characterize new porous materials for low temperature fuel cells. You will employ electrochemical techniques, coatings methods, and porous material synthesis to fabricate new electrode concepts with improved performance and durability. You will deploy spectroscopic, microscopic, and in-operando electrochemical diagnostics to establish structure/composition - performance relationships. You will collaborate with other group members and several industrial and academic partners to bridge scales between fundamental materials science all the way to stack implementation. The main focus will be on understanding degradation modes and developing strategies to enhance materials durability to the stringent targets (ca. 30.000 hours).

• A master's degree (or an equivalent university degree) in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science or related disciplines.
• We are looking for a talented, motivated and enthusiastic researcher. Analytical skills, initiative and creativity are valuable properties.
• You are a naturally curious person who is eager to learn more and has a strong interest in research.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are a prerequisite.
• We prefer candidates with a good team spirit, who like to work in an internationally oriented, social environment.

An interview, a scientific presentation and a writing assignment are part of the selection procedure.

• A meaningful job in a highly motivated team at a dynamic and ambitious University. The TU/e is located in one of the smartest regions of the world en part of the European technology hotspot 'Brainport Eindhoven'; well-known because of many high-tech industries and start-ups. A place to be for talented scientists!
• A full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months.
• To develop your teaching skills, you will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• To support you during your PhD and to prepare you for the rest of your career, you will make a Training and Supervision plan and you will have free access to a personal development program for PhD students (PROOF program).
• A gross monthly salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• Additionally, an annual holiday allowance of 8% of the yearly salary, plus a year-end allowance of 8.3% of the annual salary.
• Should you come from abroad and comply with certain conditions, you can make use of the so-called '30% facility', which permits you not to pay tax on 30% of your salary.
• A broad package of fringe benefits, including an excellent technical infrastructure, moving expenses, and savings schemes.
• Family-friendly initiatives are in place, such as an international spouse program, and excellent on-campus children day care and sports facilities.