PhD on Sustainable Polymers and Coatings for Low Temperature Fuel Cells

Do you want to creatively design polymers and coatings for cutting-edge energy applications? Are you motivated by the challenge of advancing emission-free transport? Do you thrive in a multidisciplinary and international research environment?

Information
We are looking for a motivated and creative PhD candidate to join our team in developing next-generation polymers and coatings for low-temperature fuel cells. Today’s fuel cells rely heavily on fluorinated polymers—such as Nafion ionomers for proton conductivity or PTFE coatings for water management. However, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) pose severe environmental hazards and persist in ecosystems, making their replacement urgent and essential.

In this project, you will pioneer new strategies to replace conventional hydrophobic coatings and ionomers. Using advanced grafting techniques, you will explore a wide range of molecular groups to precisely tailor liquid repellency and proton conductivity on conductive surfaces. Alongside polymer synthesis, you will employ state-of-the-art characterization methods and test your materials in realistic fuel cell devices, in close collaboration with industrial partners.

This position offers a unique opportunity to combine polymer chemistry, surface science, and electrochemistry to develop sustainable materials that can shape the future of clean energy.

• A master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related disciplines. Experience with organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, and/or surface science will be positively considered.
• 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.
• The project will involved collaboration with leading industrial partners.

An interview, a scientific presentation and a writing assignment 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 central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment.
• 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. € 3,059 max. € 3,881).
• 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.