PhD Electrocatalysis for Solid Oxide Cells towards Energy Conversion and Storage

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 in Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells (SOECs). SOECs represent the most efficient device for the electrochemical production of green hydrogen, which renders these electrochemical systems promising candidates for renewable energy storage. 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 HyPRO consortium (https://groenvermogennl.org/en/project/hypro-research-on-technical-risks-and-cost-reduction-of-green-hydrogen/) of the National Growthfund GroenvermogenNL. This unique consortium connects 17 leading research organizations in The Netherlands (10 universities, 2 colleges and 5 universities of applied sciences), 7 leading international end-users from the refinery, chemical and energy sectors and 34 high-tech companies covering the entire value chain. These high-tech companies are engaged in activities ranging from equipment development to produce unique coating technologies to developers of key components, such as electrolysis stacks and/or Balance of Plant (BoP) systems.

Responsibilities and tasks

• Synthesis and characterization of electrocatalysts for solid oxide cells for steam electrolysis.
• Fabrication of single cells with targeted characteristics.
• Characterization of materials and electrocatalysts’ evaluation of the reaction mechanisms.
• Preparation of scientific articles and conference communications.
• Teaching activities (10% of total workload), mostly on supervision of Bachelor and Master students.
• Contribution to the scientific and collaborative research environment in Chemical Engineering group and the ENTEG institute.

Organisation
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.

• 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.

We offer you, following the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities:

• A salary of € 2,872 gross per month in the first year, up to a maximum of € 3,670 gross per month in the fourth and final year for a full-time working week.
• A full-time position (1.0 FTE) for 4 years.
• A holiday allowance of 8% gross annual income.
• An 8.3% end-of-the-year allowance.
• A position for 4 years: first, you will get a temporary position of one year with the option of renewal for another three years; prolongation of the contract is contingent on sufficient progress in the first year to indicate that successful completion of the PhD thesis within the contract period is to be expected. A PhD training program is part of the agreement and you will be enrolled in the Graduate School of the Faculty of Science and Engineering.

Candidates are expected to start by 1 March 2025