The main objective of the multidisciplinary project RELEASE is improving the performance and reducing the costs of large-scale energy storage facilitating the transition to sustainable energy for the short (2030) and long term (2050). The project is a collaboration of multiple Dutch academic, industrial and non-profit organizations and involves the development of membranes and electrodes with tunable properties for cost-effective hydrogen production, hydrocarbon production by integrated capture and conversion of CO2 and scalable flow batteries. This is completed with efforts to address system integration and societal implementation.

Major key elements in all application areas investigated in RELEASE are the ion exchange membranes. The contribution of the Membrane Materials and Processes (MM/P) group at the Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) is the development of polymer ion exchange membranes with enhanced ion transport rates of the energy carrying species for cost-effective operation at high current densities at harsh conditions. Envisaged approaches involve among others the use of electrospinning and the development of mixed matrix membranes combining polymer matrices and inorganic additives. A major objective is the implementation of the developed membranes in the devices and processes for energy conversion and storage designed by the other project participants. Mutual collaboration with the other project partners is thus encouraged.

Membrane Materials and Processes at Eindhoven University of Technology

The research will be conducted at the research group MM/P, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry at the TU/e (The Netherlands).

The research group MM/P focuses on the design, development, characterization and application of polymer membranes and porous electrodes to control mass transport in sustainable processes. The research combines and integrates materials chemistry, materials engineering and process technology. Application areas are water and energy, with a strong focus on the recovery and reuse of resources, the valorization of waste streams and energy efficiency. 'Closing cycles' and 'value from waste' are leading themes in the research program. Next to fundamental academic research, application-oriented research in close collaboration with the industry is stimulated.

The TU/e offers academic education that is driven by fundamental and applied research. We combine scientific curiosity with a hands-on mentality. Our educational philosophy is based on personal attention and room for individual ambitions and talents. Our research meets the highest international standards of quality. We push the limits of science, which puts us at the forefront of rapidly emerging areas of research.

• We are looking for a talented, motivated and enthusiastic researcher
• Preferably, candidates have a strong background and interest in both chemistry and chemical engineering with experience in physical chemistry or an equivalent at master (MSc) level
• Candidates should have a scientific attitude combined with a hands-on mentality and interest for application-oriented research at industrial partner locations
• Analytical skills, initiative and creativity are valuable properties
• You are a naturally curious person who is eager to learn more and has a strong interest in research.
• Excellent 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.

• 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.