PhD position on “Separator development for alkaline water electrolysis”

Hydrogen is a recognized crucial component, required for many industrial processes. The sustainable electrochemical production of hydrogen, i.e. green hydrogen, needs to economically compete with the conventional (fossil based) production methods. You will explore the optimization of hydrogen production through alkaline electrolysis in a large consortium of academia and industry. This specific PhD position is focused on the development of diaphragms and separators. These separators need to provide excellent ionic transport, limit gas cross over, and be able to withstand harsh conditions (high pH and temperature) for prolonged times. You will work within the Membrane Science and Technology department of the University of Twente.

As part of the PhD program, you would have the opportunity to receive further education within the Twente Graduate School and within various graduate education programmes in the NL, such as the PTN graduate school. Furthermore, you may actively contribute to the teaching program, e.g. by supervising BSc and MSc assignments or by acting as a teaching assistant in courses taught by department staff.

Requirements:

• You are an enthusiastic and highly motivated researcher with affinity for experimental investigations;
• You have acquired, or will shortly acquire, a master degree in the field of (electro)chemical engineering, materials science;
• You have affinity for innovations towards sustainable solutions and membrane science;
• Preferably you have experience with electrochemical systems or membrane fabrication/development;
• You have a creative mindset, excellent analytical and communication skills and a demonstrated ability to work both independently and in collaboratively in a team environment;
• You have a good team spirit and like to work in an interdisciplinary and internationally oriented environment;
• You are proficient in English per the University guidelines. A written test and scientific presentation in English can be part of the interview procedure.

Salary Benefits:

• 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 € 2901,- (first year) to € 3707,- (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.
• Free access to sports facilities on campus.
• 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.

38 - 40 hours per week

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