Solving some of our major societal challenges related to climate, energy and sustainability will require a significant reduction in CO2 emissions through implementation of completely new hydrogen-based or electrified industrial processes. Producing hydrogen via pyrolysis of (bio)methane captures carbon as solid by-products which is an important step towards the decarbonization of industries and to reach the Paris agreement. These solid carbon byproducts can be upcycled into graphene(oxide) colloidal suspensions (micro-scale), and further self-assembled to higher-order carbon materials on the macro-scale. Your aim will be to organize these graphene(oxide) colloids bottom-up into value-added functional carbon materials.

Your PhD project is part of a larger collaboration between TU Eindhoven and Shell on sustainability. The overarching goal of this collaboration is to turn byproducts of pyrolysis into valuable functional materials at scale thereby contributing to the decarbonization of industries. Your position is embedded within the Laboratory of Physical Chemistry at the Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry and will be supervised by dr. Heiner Friedrich and prof. Rolf van Benthem.

Research at the Laboratory of Physical Chemistry is positioned at the intersection of theoretical and experimental physical chemistry and the fields of polymer and colloid science. We focus on gaining a fundamental understanding of the physical and chemical properties and processes relevant to the behavior of colloids, polymers, and their mixtures. We study the properties and processes in our systems by combining experiments [synthesis & assembly of polymers and (bioinspired) colloids, (cryo, in situ, electron, light) microscopy, (X-ray, neutron, light) scattering, interfacial methods, rheology, (3D) printing], theory (mean-field computations on bulk phase behavior and interfacial properties, colloidal interactions) and computer simulations. Of particular interest are designing molecules, particles, and interfaces to perform a specific function, and to develop novel technologies for producing ingredients and making products and related processes sustainable.

• A master's degree (or an equivalent university degree) in materials science, mechanical or chemical engineering, applied physics or related discipline.
• Prior experience with physical chemistry, rheology, and designing materials.
• Prior experience with carbon materials, their structural characterization, DoE, and scaling challenges are a plus.
• A research-oriented attitude.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and interested in collaborating with industrial partners.
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).

You are:

• A talented, motivated, and enthusiastic researcher.
• Analytical skills, initiative and creativity are valuable properties.
• A naturally curious person who is eager to learn more and has a strong interest in research.
• A social person, have a good team spirit and like to work in an internationally oriented environment.

International and female candidates are especially encouraged to apply: we think our research group benefits from a diverse group of talented people. 

Interviews and a scientific presentation are part of the selection procedure.

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the city center and central train station. In addition, 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. €2,872 max. €3,670).
• 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.

About us

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow.

Curious to hear more about what it's like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

Information

Candidates possessing both suitable experience and qualifications are invited to apply.

For information about this Ph.D. position, please contact: 
dr. Heiner Friedrich (email: h.friedrich@tue.nl, phone: +31 40 247 3041) or 
prof. Rolf van Benthem (email: r.a.t.m.v.benthem@tue.nl, phone: +31 40 247 2029).

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment.
You can also contact HRservices.helix@tue.nl or contact mr. L. van Houten, HR-advisor, l.v.houten@tue.nl.

Further information about the Physical Chemistry research group, see https://www.tue.nl/en/research/research-groups/physical-chemistry/.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button.
The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references.
   

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.