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PhD position on electrochemical nanofluidics for energy research

How do charge and mass transport affect the effectiveness of advanced materials for the energy transition? Using microfabrication technology, you will fabricate model systems to study fundamental aspects of electrochemical processes under nanoscale confinement and explore novel concept to enhance them. Join our multidisciplinary team spanning two departments at the University of Twente for a cutting-edge research project!

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Key takeaways

  • Hours
    38 - 40 hr.
  • Salary indication
    Salary gross/monthly
    based on full-time
    € 2,872 - € 3,670
  • Deadline
    19 Jan 2025

Modern energy applications, including batteries, supercapacitors, fuel cells and electrolyzers, usually rely on nanoporous, disordered materials through which molecules and ions must travel. This nanoconfinement  induces a plethora of couplings between charge and fluid transport, in no small part due to the inherently high surface-to-volume ratio inherent to such structures. Disentangling these effects in realistic materials represents a formidable challenge which has so far remained largely unmet.

Using the excellent microfabrication facilities of the MESA+ Institute’s Nanolab, you will construct artificial nanofluidic systems to isolate, probe and manipulate new phenomena and behaviors under confinement. This includes for example electrochemical self-induced convection, an effect recently explored in our labs; creating positive feedback between electrocatalysis and ionics to improve performance; and harnessing gas evolution to enhance the transport of a reagent to a catalyst.  

Join a multidisciplinary team attempting to unravel the fundamental principles underpinning the energy transition. The BioElectronics and Physics of Complex Fluids groups have extensive experience in nanoscale electrochemistry, charge and mass transport, and nanoscale probing This project is further embedded in the Advanced Nano-Electrochemistry Institute Of The Netherlands (ANION), a major Gravitation program bringing together the expertise of the top researchers in the field nationwide.

Your profile

* You have, or will shortly acquire a master degree in physics, physical chemistry or closely related disciplines.

* You are an excellent experimentalist with an interest in microfabrication.

* You also have aptitudes for theory and modelling.

* You are an enthusiastic and highly motivated.

* You have a creative mindset and excellent analytical and communication skills.

* You have a good team spirit and like to work in an interdisciplinary and internationally oriented environment.

Our offer

* A full-time position for four years, with a qualifier in the first year, and the flexibility to work (partially) from home.

* Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU).

* You will receive a gross monthly salary ranging from € 2.872,- (first year) to € 3.670,- (fourth year)

* There are excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme.

* A minimum of 232 leave hours in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours.

* A full-time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis.

* A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid).

* You will have a training programme as part of the Twente Graduate School where you and your supervisors will determine a plan for a suitable education and supervision.

Information and application

Are you interested in this position? Please send your application via the 'Apply now' button below before January 19, 2025 and should include:

* A cover letter (maximum 2 pages A4), emphasizing your specific interest, qualifications, motivations to apply for this position.

* A Curriculum Vitae, including a list of all courses attended and grades obtained, and, if applicable, a list of publications.

* The names, affiliations and email addresses of three references.

* An IELTS-test, Internet TOEFL test (TOEFL-iBT), or a Cambridge CAE-C (CPE). Applicants with a non-Dutch qualification and who have not had secondary and tertiary education in English can only be admitted with an IELTS-test showing a total band score of at least 6.5, internet. TOEFL test (TOEFL-iBT) showing a score of at least 90, or a Cambridge CAE-C (CPE).

We will review candidates until the position is filled.

For more information regarding this position, you are welcome to contact Prof. Serge Lemay (s.g.lemay@utwente.nl) or Prof. Frieder Mugele (f.mugele@utwente.nl).

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About the organisation

The Faculty of Science & Technology (Technische Natuurwetenschappen, TNW) engages some 700 staff members and 2000 students in education and research on the cutting edge of chemical technology, applied physics and biomedical technology. Our fields of application include sustainable energy, process technology and materials science, nanotechnology and technical medicine. As part of a people-first tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally and is strengthened by the many young researchers working on innovative projects with as doctoral candidates and post-docs. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.

Want to know more?

Lemay, S.J.G. (Serge)
Full Professor

Do you have questions about this vacancy? Then you can contact Serge for all substantive questions about this position and the application procedure. For general questions about working for the UT, please refer to the chatbot.

How to apply

Step 1

Apply.
When you see a vacancy that appeals to you, you can apply online. We ask you to upload a CV and motivation letter and/or list of publications. You will receive a confirmation of receipt by e-mail.

Apply now

Step 2

Selection.
The selection committee will review your application and you will receive a response within 2 weeks after the vacancy has been closed.

Step 3

1st interview.
The 1st (online or in person) meeting serves as an introduction where we introduce ourselves to you and you to us. You may be asked to give a short presentation. This will be further explained in the invitation.

Step 4

2nd interview.
In the second interview, we will further discuss the job content, your skills and your talents.

Step 5

The offer.
If the conversations are positive, you will be made a suitable offer. If applicable, we will sign you up for screening.

Your Colleagues

About the TNW Faculty

Curious about what the Faculty of Science and Technology (TNW) stands for? Check out the Science and Technology website for more information.

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