Sterilization of medical equipment generally proceeds by several process steps using mechanical, thermal, radiative and/or chemical technologies, to battle a broad spectrum of pathogenic microorganisms. This PhD trajectory will focus on plasma-induced synthesis of sterilants. Contrary to classically thermal activation, plasma chemistry uses energetic electrons to overcome the activation energy barrier of chemical reactions, where process-dependent potential efficiency gain may be reached.

Your tasks will comprise investigation of chemical precursor recipes, identification of appropriate diagnostics to monitor the formation of sterilants & general chemical reactivity, plasma reactor design, mapping of critical plasma parameters & process conditions, process optimization and validation of plasma-synthesized sterilant formulations in cooperation with an important OEM in medical equipment disinfection systems and related biomedical research partners. In this unique assignment, your efforts will contribute to the medical profession on biomedical & chemical safety and green chemistry!

We are looking for a candidate with a strong background in both organic and analytical chemistry and preferably an additional experience with - or at least - a firm affinity to plasma chemical, biomedical and electrophysical processes. Your position will be within the Electrical Engineering Systems group at the TU/e department of Electrical Engineering. In addition to expertise in energy transmission & distribution and electromagnetic compatibility, we also are a strong player in pulsed power technology, designing fast pulse - high power systems for efficient plasma generation regarding environmental, agricultural, synthetic and biomedical applications. Besides research you will also contribute to education within the department. Apart from supervising BSc and MSc students in their research projects, other assistance in education, e.g. in bachelor courses, is usually limited to around 5% of your contract time.

• A master's degree (or an equivalent university degree) in Chemistry, CGPA > 80%
• A research-oriented, proactive, independent attitude and strong motivation
• Inspired by interdisciplinary research and teamwork including external partners

Fluency in spoken and written English

• A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university with the possibility to present your work at international conferences.
• A full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months.
• To develop your teaching skills, you will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• To support you during your PhD and to prepare you for the rest of your career, you will make a Training and Supervision plan and you will have free access to a personal development program for PhD students (PROOF program).
• A gross monthly salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• Additionally, an annual holiday allowance of 8% of the yearly salary, plus a year-end allowance of 8.3% of the annual salary.
• Should you come from abroad and comply with certain conditions, you can make use of the so-called '30% facility', which permits you not to pay tax on 30% of your salary.
• A broad package of fringe benefits, including an excellent technical infrastructure, moving expenses, and savings schemes.
• Family-friendly initiatives are in place, such as an international spouse program, and excellent on-campus children day care and sports facilities.