The open PhD position will fit within this larger team of 5-8 PhD and postdocs, while working on an independent research project embedded with the ERC Starting Grant title RECALLCO2. Here the candidate will seek to develop an entirely new set of electrodes that unify the two fields of molecular catalysts and metallic electrodes to perform novel CO2/CO electrochemical reactions. Target products include primarily ethanol and methanol while there is a wide range of possibilities for the metal electrodes and molecular compounds. The researcher will learn to utilize both H-cell and flow-cell electrochemical systems. Technical skills such as hands-on electrochemical experience, working with metallic molecular complexes, hands-on coordination chemistry experience, working with analytical instrumentation, chemical synthesis of molecular compounds are all valuable. A preprint illustrating one approach for the research project is here: https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-2986898/v1

The successful candidate is expected to publish first-authored papers that advance state-of-the-art fundamental and applied knowledge in the research field. Further the candidate will present their work at national and international conferences while building their own personal career pathway in consultation with the group principal investigator Thomas Burdyny. More information about the research group can be found on the www.burdynyenergylab.com 

We’re looking for a candidate with:

• An MSc in chemical engineering with electrochemistry and/or coordination chemistry experience
• An MSc in chemistry, and a strong background in synthetic organic chemistry, coordination chemistry or homogeneous catalysis.
• A pro-active and creative mind-set
• Fluent or working proficiency in English.
• Starting date planned for Fall 2024 or early 2025
• Able to work independently and as part of a greater team. Contributes to the social well-being and culture of the research group.
• A demonstrated record of an academic mindset illustrating critical thinking. For example through thesis or internship work. 

Fixed-term contract: 4 years (initial 1,5 years, followed by 2,5 years after a positive Go/No Go progress assessment).

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Applied Sciences

With more than 1,100 employees, including 150 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,600 passionate students, the Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem. Focusing on key enabling technologies, such as quantum- and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology and materials for energy storage and conversion, our faculty aims to provide solutions to important problems of the 21st century. To that end, we educate innovative students in broad Bachelor's and specialist Master's programmes with a strong research component. Our scientists conduct ground-breaking fundamental and applied research in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Engineering Physics. We are also training the next generation of high school teachers.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Applied Sciences.