Electrochemical materials and interfaces are present in many energy systems, such as fuel cells, batteries, electrochromic windows and water splitting devices. The performance of such devices is strongly related to the materials and interface properties. Therefore, understanding and tuning of these properties are crucial in order to reach highest performance and to supply alternative, sustainable energy solutions for the future.

In the group "Electrochemical Materials and Interfaces (EMI)", we focus on the fabrication, characterization, and optimization of photo-/electrochemical materials and interfaces. We are combining in a highly multidisciplinary approach experiments with modeling & simulations. This allows us to elucidate the limitations in the materials and at the interface and to design materials and interfaces with improved performance.

In this vacancy, we are looking for an experimental Postdoc who can strengthen our team in characterization of metal oxide electrodes at the interface to a liquid electrolyte by spectroscopic techniques, in particular ATR-FTIR spectroscopy.

Responsibilities and tasks:

• Organizing and executing own research projects
• Contributing to research projects from colleagues and collaborators
• Supervising and co-supervising of students (PhD, Master, Bachelor, interns)
• Organizing the lab together with the lab technicians
• Collaborating with modeling colleagues from the same group: scientific discussions, exchange of data, etc.
• Writing and contributing to proposals
• Disseminating of research output at conferences and with scientific papers

Requirements:

We seek an enthusiastic and highly talented experimental materials scientist, (electro)chemist or physicist with a solid background in spectroscopy, in particular in ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. Basic knowledge in electrochemical spectroscopy is expected. Practical experience in the fields of water splitting or CO2 reduction and/or ATR-FIR spectroscopy is desirable. The applicant should hold, or be close to completing, a relevant PhD degree as a physicist, chemist, or materials scientist. Good verbal and written communication skills in English as well as pleasure in supervising students in the lab are a prerequisite in order to work in our international and interdisciplinary team.

This position is for 1 FTE, will be for a period of 2 years and is graded in pay scale 10. The position will be based at DIFFER (www.differ.nl) and the working location will be at TU Eindhoven. When fulfilling a position at DIFFER, you will have an employee status at NWO. You can participate in all the employee benefits NWO offers. We have a number of regulations that support employees in finding a good work-life balance. At DIFFER we believe that a workforce diverse in gender, age and cultural background is key to performing excellent research. We therefore strongly encourage everyone to apply. More information on working at NWO can be found at the NWO website (https://www.nwo-i.nl/en/working-at-nwo-i/jobsatnwoi/)

Dutch Institute for Fundamental Energy Research

The Dutch Institute for Fundamental Energy Research (DIFFER) performs leading fundamental research on materials, processes, and systems for a global sustainable energy infrastructure. We work in close partnership with (inter)national academia and industry. Our user facilities are open to industry and university researchers. As an institute of the Dutch Research Council (NWO) DIFFER plays a key role in fundamental research for the energy transition.

We use a multidisciplinary approach applicable on two key areas, solar fuels for the conversion and storage of renewable energy and nuclear fusion - as a clean source of energy.