PhD position on the CO2 and CO Conversion on value-added chemicals and fuels in Protonic Ceramic Electrochemical Cells

In the Engineering and Technology Institute Groningen (ENTEG), we are looking for a talented and motivated PhD student for the development and evaluation of electrocatalysts’ performance and degradation for CO2 and CO conversion in Protonic Ceramic Electrochemical Cells (PCECs). PCECs have the capability of operating at the industrially attractive intermediate temperature range of operation (350-600 °C), enabling the direct production of CH4, higher hydrocarbons (C2, and C3), and alcohols, besides syngas. These emerging technologies hold significant potential for advancing power-to-X (P2X) applications and enabling chemical process electrification and intensification. One of the main challenges is, however, to substantially increase the efficiency and stability of the existing processes through the development of electrocatalytically active and durable materials for electrodes, as well as to deeply understand the pathways of the involved reactions. The PhD project will be part of the HyCarb consortium (https://groenvermogennl.org/en/project/hycarb-hydrogen-and-green-electrons-for-carbon-based-chemistry/) of the National Growthfund GroenvermogenNL. This unique consortium connects 16 knowledge organisations, including 9 universities, and 30 companies—23 clean-tech firms and 7 industrial end-users, covering the entire value chain. 

What are you going to do?

Responsibilities and tasks:

• Synthesis and characterization of electrocatalysts at temperatures between 350-600 °C.
• Fabrication of single cells with targeted characteristics.
• Characterization of materials and relevant interfaces for their role in the reaction mechanisms.
• Preparation of scientific articles and conference communications.
• Teaching activities (10% of total workload), including assistance to courses, as well as supervision of bachelor and master students.
• Contribution to the scientific and collaborative research environment in Chemical Engineering group and the ENTEG institute.

We are looking for someone who meets the following qualifications:

• 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.

An interview, a scientific presentation and a writing assignment are part of the selection procedure.

• 232 vacation hours per year, based on a 38-hour workweek (1.0 FTE). You can also work more or fewer hours in exchange for more or fewer free hours. For example, with a 40-hour workweek, you save 96 extra free hours, and with a 36-hour workweek, you lose 96 hours.
• End-of-year bonus of 8.3% and 8% holiday allowance.
• Extensive opportunities for personal and professional development.

At the University of Groningen (UG), researchers from all fields of academia and technology are working on academic challenges and societal questions. Lecturers prepare their students for meaningful careers within or outside the academic world. Interdisciplinary research and teaching, sharing of knowledge, collaboration with businesses, government institutions, and societal organizations are aspects that are of the utmost importance to this European top university. The UG aims to be an open academic community with an inclusive and safe working climate that invites you to add your value.

The Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) provides teaching and research across a wide range of disciplines, from physics and biology to artificial intelligence, mechanical engineering, and pharmacy. In close collaboration with partners from industry, healthcare, and society, we contribute to the urgent challenges of our time, such as energy, sustainability, digitization, and medical technology. Our community is open and informal, with more than 7,000 students, 1,000 PhD students, and 1,400 staff members from all over the world. If you would like to learn more about the Faculty of Science and Engineering, visit rug.nl/fse. 

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.

Do you have any questions or need more information?

Questions about the content of the job?
Vassilis Kyriakou (Assistant Professor): v.kyriakou@rug.nl

Questions about your application process?
Vassilis Kyriakou (Assistant Professor): v.kyriakou@rug.nl