DIFFER operates the only ion beam facility for materials characterization in the Netherlands. It consists of three beam lines and is currently used primarily for ex-situ materials characterization. In the coming years, we want to open the facility as a full user facility and want to offer in-situ and operando measurement feasibilities as well as ion-irradiation. Part of the research will focus on operando electrochemical measurements in the field of Solar Fuels, in particular on electrochemical interfaces as present in energy conversion and storage applications.

With diverse ion beam measurement methods, such as RBS, ERD, NRA, PIXE, PIGE, we want to study reaction mechanisms and materials degradation in water splitting (dark and light) as well as fuel cell applications. Operando measurements will allow to connect the materials and interface properties to the electrochemical and catalytic characteristics which will give new insight into the mechanisms taking place at the interface and limiting the performance.

In this vacancy, we are looking for an experimental Post Doc who will work together with our ion beam specialists and experts from the department Solar Fuels together to realize proof-of-concept measurements for operando electrochemical measurements. Once proof of concept is shown, the research can be extended to different applications.

Responsibilities and tasks:

• Setting-up operando electrochemical measurements at the existing ion beam facility at DIFFER
• Collaborating with all groups in the Solar Fuel department on realizing (operando) ion beam measurements
• Organizing and executing own research projects
• Contributing to research projects from colleagues and collaborators
• Supervising and co-supervising of students (PhD, Master, Bachelor, interns)
• Disseminating of research output at conferences and with scientific papers
• Writing and contributing to proposals

Requirements:

We seek an enthusiastic and highly talented experimental electrochemist, chemist or other scientist with electrochemical (engineering) background. The candidate should have a track record on developing in-situ / operando experiments and is keen on using ion beams to address specific challenges in the research field of Solar Fuels. Expertise in ion beam methods, synchrotron measurements, and/or electrochemical spectroscopy is desired. Practical experience in the fields of water splitting or CO2 reduction is of advantage. The applicant should hold, or be close to completing, a relevant PhD degree as a physicist, chemist, or materials scientist. Excellent skills in team working as well as pleasure in supervising students in the lab are a prerequisite in order to work in our international and interdisciplinary team. Good verbal and written communication skills in English are natural.

This position is for 1 FTE, will be for a period of 2 years and is graded in pay scale 10. The position will be based at DIFFER (www.differ.nl) and the working location will be at TU Eindhoven. When fulfilling a position at DIFFER, you will have an employee status at NWO. You can participate in all the employee benefits NWO offers. We have a number of regulations that support employees in finding a good work-life balance. At DIFFER we believe that a workforce diverse in gender, age and cultural background is key to performing excellent research. We therefore strongly encourage everyone to apply. More information on working at NWO can be found at the NWO website (https://www.nwo-i.nl/en/working-at-nwo-i/jobsatnwoi/)

Dutch Institute for Fundamental Energy Research

The Dutch Institute for Fundamental Energy Research (DIFFER) performs leading fundamental research on materials, processes, and systems for a global sustainable energy infrastructure. We work in close partnership with (inter)national academia and industry. Our user facilities are open to industry and university researchers. As an institute of the Dutch Research Council (NWO) DIFFER plays a key role in fundamental research for the energy transition.

We use a multidisciplinary approach applicable on two key areas, solar fuels for the conversion and storage of renewable energy and nuclear fusion - as a clean source of energy.