PhD Position on Thin Film Energy Materials

Would you like to develop new materials that can allow the quantification of the hydrogen concentration in an electrolyser?

Job description

Thin film materials have a variety of applications in the energy domain. These materials are also fascinating, as thin film effects like nanoconfinement, clamping, and high surface-to-volume ratios can drastically alter their thermodynamics. In this PhD project, energy materials will be synthesized with thin film deposition techniques such as magnetron sputtering. They will be studied both from an application point of view, focusing on the efficiency and performance of the devices they are used for, and from a fundamental point of view.

This project will be a true team effort, involving research technicians and scientific staff, both within and outside of TU Delft. There will be a predominant experimental focus, and advanced material characterisation methods including neutron and X-ray reflectometry, X-ray spectroscopy and diffraction will be a major part of it.

The responsible supervisor of the project will be Lars Bannenberg.

Tasks

• Synthesize thin film energy materials using physical vapor deposition techniques such as magnetron sputtering.
• Perform advanced material characterization with techniques such as neutron and X-ray reflectometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction.
• Characterize the functional performance of the thin film materials.
• Write academic papers and deliver presentations and updates in which you communicate your experimental work.
• Co-supervise bachelor and master student thesis projects.
• Contribute to the teaching activities of the group within the bachelor and master programs of the Faculty of Applied Sciences, including helping or coordinating exercise lectures and practical assignments, for a maximum of 10% of your time.

The team

The Storage of Electrochemical Energy group of the Radiation Science and Technology department focuses on fundamental processes in electroceramics and next-generation batteries using experimental probes such as neutron and X-ray scattering, as well as solid state NMR and computational approaches including density functional theory calculations. The direct access to these facilities and collaborative atmosphere represents a stimulating environment for research and development.

Job requirements

• Master's degree in chemical engineering, chemistry, physics, material science or a related subject.
• Experience with thin film deposition techniques including magnetron sputtering.
• Experience with neutron and X-ray reflectometry.
• Programming experience, preferably Python.
• Excellent command of the English language in both speaking and writing.
• Speaking Dutch is an advantage, as some teaching assistant activities require Dutch-speaking candidates.
• Team-working mentality, as well as the ability to work efficiently individually, with good communication skills.
• Demonstrated excellent experimental and analytical skills.

Working at TU Delft

Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.

At TU Delft, you will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional in an international community of professionals and students. Together, people create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, in the form of two employment contracts. The initial contract is for 1.5 years, with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. This is followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2.5 years, assuming performance requirements are met.

As a PhD candidate, you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The 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.

TU Delft also offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, a monthly work costs contribution, and flexible work schedules.