Job description
As part of the ~30 Mio€ ‘SLDBatt’ project, the largest R&D project into battery technology for long-term storage of sustainably generated electricity in the Netherlands, we are looking for a PhD Researcher to investigate and develop a low-cost, safe and high energy density long-duration battery using sodium chloride and (recycled) aluminum. You will work very closely with Exergy Storage, the battery developer, and another postdoctoral researcher in the CPM research group at the University of Twente. Your tasks are to probe the molten salt NaAlCl4 electrolyte chemistry by among others in situ Raman probe spectroscopy to investigate spatially resolved compositional changes during charging/discharging of the battery, and associated electrochemical parameters using impedance spectroscopy. The evaluation of the cell and ceramic membrane impedances will also be part of your investigations, studying bi-directional Na+ transport, interfacial phenomena, and performance degradation induced by e.g. salt accumulation or Al deposition. By leveraging your experimental data with the modelling approach of the collaborating Post Doc, we aim to unlock innovations allowing for cell capacities up to 4 kWh and discharge durations of up to 100 hours.
Your profile
- You have a Master degree in chemical engineering, chemistry, applied physics or a related field.
- You are strongly motivated for experimental Research & Development – love to be in the laboratory and aim to set up experimental facilities.
- You have experience and/or willing to learn hands-on cell testing via electrochemical characterisation (i-V, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) and analytical techniques (SEM-EDX, XRD, Raman).
- You have a drive towards understanding the underlying mechanisms behind the observations and like to think in terms of e.g. (phenomenological) models
- You are self-driven and able to work independently but also happy to contribute to a team effort in an enthusiastic group of scientists and engineers working on a common theme.
- You are willing to mentor Master and Bachelor researchers in the group and help out with group responsibilities.
- You are fluent in English and able to collaborate intensively with external parties from academia and industry in regular meetings and work visits.
Our offer
- A full-time position for four years, with a qualifier in the first year.
- Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labor agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU).
- You will receive a gross monthly salary ranging from € 3.059,- (first year) to € 3.881,- (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.
- Industry collaboration, international conference travel budget, teaching opportunities, career training or leadership programs.
- 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.
Information and application
Your application should include:
- a 1 A4 page cover letter, emphasizing why you would be a good fit for the position,
- a detailed CV including the name and e-mail address for at least two references, and
- a half A4 page summary of your MSc research.
An interview (or two) comprising of a scientific presentation followed by discussion will be part of the selection procedure. Following a pre-selection, short-listed candidates will likely be invited for interviews 1-2 weeks after the application deadline.
For more information and/or specific questions about the position, you are welcome to contact Prof. Dr. Guido Mul (G.Mul@utwente.nl). However, please do not send applications to this email address or via LinkedIn. They will not be taken into consideration.
You can apply via the button below.
About the department
You will be a part of the Photo Catalytic Synthesis lab (). PCS is part of the Department of Chemical Engineering of the Faculty of Science and Technology at the University of Twente. At PCS, you will join a team of ~30 highly motivated researchers all working to accelerate photocatalytic and electrochemical technology development for the low carbon energy and materials transition by bridging nano-scale material science and photo- and electrocatalysis to industrial-scale systems.
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.
