Do you want to do hands-on experimental work on the chemistry of novel battery technologies, while also exploring the broader environmental implications of a technology?
In collaboration with the Climate Safety & Security centre (CaSS) and the Faculty of Applied Sciences, we invite applications for a PhD position focusing on the development of sodium-sulfur (Na-S) batteries as a sustainable, EU-based alternative to lithium-ion batteries. The research focuses on stationary energy storage applications aimed to mitigating the mismatch between supply and demand of sustainable energy sources.
This project addresses key aspects of this multidisciplinary challenge by, on the one hand, identifying and experimentally exploring the most promising Na-S battery concepts, and, on the other hand, mapping of the potential greenhouse gas emissions, ecological impact, and societal aspects - including safety and strategic autonomy- when deployed at scale within Europe. By considering both the battery material design route and the sustainability aspect of realizing this technology at scale within Europe, this project aims to provide key insights and a roadmap for the technology.
The PhD student will have a multidisciplinary journey, in which promising Na-S battery concepts will be prepared in the lab and evaluated using electrochemical testing and characterization methods such as XPS, XRD, SEM and solid state NMR. This requires that the candidate preferably has prior experience in:
- Hands-on synthesis of inorganic materials
- Electrochemical testing
- One or more of characterization techniques mentioned above
In parallel, the PhD student will map material flows and assess the environmental and criticality implications of Na-S battery production at scale within Europe. This involves material flow analysis (MFA) and life cycle assessment (LCA) of sodium and sulfur extraction routes and battery manufacturing steps, covering greenhouse gas emissions, ecological impacts, and the supply criticality of key materials. The aim is to identify environmental hotspots and potential supply chain vulnerabilities, and to assess how different material choices and production routes affect the overall sustainability and strategic profile of the technology. The estimated time devision between the labwork and the environmental and criticality assessment is expected to be roughtly 50%/50%.
You will work with leading researchers in materials science, electrochemistry, battery technology, and industrial ecology, and contribute to shaping the future of sustainable energy storage. If you are driven by curiosity, eager to work with cutting-edge experimental techniques, if you are interested in both the chemistry of energy storage and the systems-level analysis of its environmental implications, we encourage you to apply.
This PhD position is part of the interdisciplinary Climate Safety & Security centre (CaSS) at TU Delft | Campus The Hague. This centre conducts research on fair access to fundamental human needs - water, food and energy - and their crucial enablers: infrastructures and materials. Our goal is to contribute to a safe and secure future society by connecting insights from engineering, design and governance. The PhD-student will contribute to the Energy Security flagship within CaSS. The successful candidate will work 1 day/week at TU Delft | Campus The Hague and will have the opportunity to collaborate with researchers from across TU Delft, as well as policy makers from (national) governments and (inter)national organisations in The Hague and beyond.
For more information on CaSS.
Master’s degree in (Applied) Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Industrial Ecology or a closely related field with prior experience in preferably all of the following
- Synthesis of inorganic materials, including experience with electrochemical testing
- Preferably experience with the characterization using NMR, XPS and XRD
- Strong interest in sustainability and critical raw materials
- Preferably experience with industrial ecology-related sustainability tools, such as life cycle assessment, material flow analysis, and/or other related methods.
TU Delft (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!
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.
Conditions of employment
Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.
Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3059 - €3881 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.
As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.
The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.
Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.
Additional information
For more information about this vacancy, please contact Dr. Swapna Ganapathy (s.ganapathy@tudelft.nl) and Prof. Marnix Wagemaker (m.wagemaker@tudelft.nl).
Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 7 June 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:
- A cover letter addressed to Prof. Marnix Wagemaker, describing your motivation for pursuing a PhD and your interest in this position
- A CV including information on your qualifications, previous projects and/or publications Links to other online materials are welcome
- Academic transcripts with courses and grades (BSc and MSc)
- A PDF of your master’s thesis or another relevant project report
Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.
Please note:
- You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
- As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest. You can find more information about this assessment on our website about knowledge security.
- Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.
