We are looking for a highly motivated PhD student on electrochemical engineering to develop and evaluate electrocatalysts for the activation of abundant molecules towards sustainable chemicals and fuels in ionic ceramic cell reactors. Electrochemistry allows the direct conversion of chemical energy carriers into electrical energy, and vice versa, which renders electrochemical systems promising candidates for renewable energy storage. The challenge is in many cases, however, to substantially increase the efficiency of the existing processes through the development of electrocatalytically active and selective materials for electrodes, as well as to deeply understand the pathways of the involved reactions. This position is part of the ECOLEFINS project which is funded by EU in the context of the EIC Pathfinder Challenge, and aims to introduce co-ionic ceramic membrane reactors as RES-powered systems for CO2/H2O valorization to valuable chemicals. Therefore, the student will also have the opportunity to work closely with academic and industrial partners involved in the project from around EU and abroad.

Responsibilities and tasks:

- synthesis and characterization of new electrocatalysts for protonic and co-ionic ceramic conducting cells for the production of chemicals or fuels
- fabrication of solid-state electrochemical cell reactors with targeted characteristics
- preparation of scientific articles and conference communications
- teaching activities (10% of total workload), mostly on supervision of bachelor and master students
- contribution to the scientific and collaborative research environment in Chemical Engineering group and the ENTEG institute


Organization

The Engineering and Technology institute Groningen (ENTEG) in which this position is embedded is the engineering science and technology institute of the University of Groningen, the Netherlands. ENTEG research is highly multidisciplinary in nature and focuses on fundamental and applied research on the development of new and innovative processes and products for a wide range of product sectors. Process driven research activities are performed in the field of chemical and biochemical systems, mechanical and electric systems and system networks. Typical product sectors include biobased products, tailored, complex materials such as advanced polymers or polymeric formulations, catalysts, mechatronic devices and software and algorithms. Design, control and modelling and analyses complement the activities.

The University of Groningen has an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative center of higher education offering high-quality teaching and research. Balanced study and career paths in a wide variety of disciplines encourage the 31,000 students and researchers to develop their own individual talents. Belonging to the best research universities in Europe and joining forces with prestigious partner universities and networks, we are truly an international place of knowledge. The Faculty of Science and Engineering harbours a kaleidoscope of disciplines and research strengths. Our programmes in research and education range from nanomaterials and biomachinery to astronomy, from mathematics to pharmacy, from neurosciences to computer science, and from molecular and evolutionary biology to marine biology.

- a master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or related disciplines
- we are looking for a talented, motivated and enthusiastic researcher. Analytical skills, initiative and creativity are highly desired
- 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

Fixed-term contract: 48.

We offer you, following the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities:

- a salary of € 2,770 gross per month in the first year, up to a maximum of € 3,539 gross per month in the fourth and final year for a full-time working week
- a full-time position (1.0 FTE) for 4 years
- a holiday allowance of 8% gross annual income
- an 8.3% end-of-the-year allowance
- a Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates
- a position for 4 years: first, you will get a temporary position of one year with the option of renewal for another three years; prolongation of the contract is contingent on sufficient progress in the first year to indicate that successful completion of the PhD thesis within the contract period is to be expected. A PhD training program is part of the agreement and you will be enrolled in the Graduate School of the Faculty of Science and Engineering.