The physical chemistry of reaction-diffusion processes for aqueous electrolytes in contact with mineral surfaces underlies various dissolution/precipitation reactions in nature and technology. A prominent example is the dissolution of olivine leading to the precipitation of magnesite. To better understand and eventually control these processes, we are setting up a research program to elucidate the complexity arising from the coupling of bulk and interfacial reactions. We are looking for a postdoc who wants to contribute to this program by designing and executing experiments (optical visualization and spectroscopies: Raman, IR, fluorescence; AFM; microfluidics) and/or by (numerically) modeling coupled chemical speciation and transport problems. Physical and chemical intuition will be essential to identify the dominant processes.

An example process is the capture of CO2 and chemical conversion to thermodynamically stable mineral carbonates, which is emerging as a viable negative emission technology. Using earth-abundant olivine rock as a source of Mg2+ ions, subsequent reaction with carbonate ions leads to thermodynamically stable magnesite. This reaction is already being applied but under ambient temperature and pressure conditions it is rather slow. The rate-limiting process of olivine dissolution is not only determined by aqueous solubility but also by concentration gradients, which in turn are influenced by surface alteration layers and local flow conditions.

• For this ambitious project we are looking for a researcher with excellent academic skills. A PhD degree in physical chemistry or chemical engineering is required.
• Experience with numerical modeling or microfluidic microscopy is considered advantageous.
• Good proficiency with English is required.
• You will be working in the Physics of Complex Fluids group, while collaborating with other groups at the University and in industry.

• A Postdoc position for maximally 2 years. The terms of employment are in accordance with the Dutch Collective Labour Agreement for Universities (CAO) and include:
• The university offers a dynamic ecosystem with enthusiastic colleagues in a stimulating scientific environment.
• a gross monthly salary between € 3.557,- to a maximum of € 4.670-, depending on experience.
• A holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.3%.
• The number of holiday hours for full-time employment is 232 hours per calendar year.

In addition, we offer you:

• A multi-disciplinary team
• State-of-the-art equipment
• A green campus working environment
• Possibility to visit (national/international) conferences

In the Physics of Complex Fluids (PCF) group at the University of Twente (Enschede, The Netherlands), research is aimed at understanding behaviours of multicomponent fluids near interfaces.