Research group

At the Sustainable Process Engineering  group, we focus on the improvement of two water electrolysis techniques, namely Alkaline and Anion-exchange membrane (AEM) water electrolysis. Both of these technologies have the advantage of  having  a much smaller dependence on scarce noble and rare earth materials than competing technologies and therefore seem particularly suitable for large scale green hydrogen production. In the research group we carry out research related to three key aspects of the technologies, namely efficiency, flexibility and durability. We closely work with industrial partners to make sure that we carry out relevant research and that the generated insights will be used to optimize large-scale electrolyzers. More information on the group can be found at: Electrochemical Engineering (tue.nl)

PhD position

The PhD position will focus on the behavior of an electrolyzer when it is turned off. This is especially relevant for electrolyzers that are coupled to variable renewable electricity supply, such as sun and wind that are not always available. When an electrolyzer is shut down, there is still a lot of energy inside the electrolyzer, which will slowly dissipate in a self-discharge process. This can potentially be detrimental to the electrodes and can lead to a poorer performance when the electrolyzer is taken into operation again. Goal of the PhD position is to elucidate the self-discharge process. The generated insights can then be used to develop an accelerated stress test protocol that can be used to screen new electrode materials on their vulnerability to this self-discharge.

 The PhD position will be a combination of modeling activities and experimental activities. The PhD position is part of a European project with both academic and industrial partners across Europe.

We are looking for talented, motivated and enthusiastic PhD student with a background in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, applied physics or mathematics. We're searching for an excellent candidate with proven capabilities who recently finished his/her master (MSc) or will obtain his/her MSc soon. Knowledge, experience and an affinity with electrochemistry are appreciated. The candidate should have experience in modelling, but not necessarily for electrochemical systems. Strong modelling candidates without experimental experience are also invited to apply. Moreover, excellent communication skills in English are vital.

We offer a challenging job for four years in a highly motivated team at a dynamic and ambitious University. You will be part of a highly profiled multidisciplinary collaboration where expertise of a variety of disciplines comes together.

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!
We offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. €2,770 max. €3,539).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.