Postdoc Corrosion in Bipolar Plates

Postdoc Corrosion in Bipolar Plates

Passionate about advancing green hydrogen technology through materials innovation? Join us in shaping the next generation of electrolyser stacks! We're seeking a skilled Postdoc researcher to optimise corrosion-resistant materials and develop cutting-edge testing protocols for bipolar plates in water electrolysis cells together with Bosch Transmission B.V. as the industrial partner.

Job description

The project investigates the corrosion behaviour of bipolar plates (BPPs) in water electrolysis cells. BPPs play a crucial role in water and electron transport in an electrolyser stack and are typically made of expensive materials such as titanium coated with platinum and gold. Corrosion testing of BPPs in stack conditions is expensive and time-consuming. Thus, novel accelerated corrosion tests are required for initial material assessment. The project will study the corrosion behaviour of more cost-effective BPP material systems and develop tailored testing methods to gain a fundamental understanding of BPP corrosion.

The project will develop standardized corrosion testing protocols to identify and test alternative material solutions for BPPs, while also enhancing the corrosion resistance. The protocols can then be applied in industry, e.g. by the funding partner Bosch Transmission B.V., to develop the next generation of electrolyser stacks where these novel materials can be leveraged to their full potential. Your tasks as a postdoc researcher will include a range of techniques:

• Conduct electrochemical, advanced surface, and microstructural analyses to develop materials.
• Interpret experimental results to assess the corrosion resistance and durability of new BPP materials, and translate findings into practical testing protocols.
• Work closely with Bosch Transmission B.V. to align research outcomes with industrial application and contribute to the next generation of electrolyser technologies.

Department Material Science and Engineering

You’ll be joining the Corrosion Technology and Electrochemistry (CTE) group, part of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. Our dynamic team of researchers, including PhD candidates, postdocs, and faculty members. Our group focuses on understanding and mitigating corrosion processes, and on the development of electrocatalysts and electrochemical sensors through the synthesis of materials and the use of advanced electrochemical methods and surface analysis techniques. We aim to deepen the fundamental knowledge of electrochemistry and surface science and translate this into practical, sustainable solutions for energy and materials applications. Supervision of the PhD project will be Prof. Arjan Mol and Dr. Peyman Taheri.

You will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, labs and equipment to help develop your research. The environment is open and collaborative, promoting daily interaction and knowledge exchange. With minimal hierarchical barriers, you’ll benefit from strong mentorship and tailored training. Professional growth is a priority, ensuring your success in academia.

Job requirements

You need to have:

• Educational Background: Possess a PhD in a relevant field such as Materials Science and Engineering, Applied Physics, Chemical Engineering, or Electrical Engineering.
• Technical Expertise: Demonstrated and extensive experience in materials processing, surface analysis, and electrochemical experimental analysis.
• Research Approach: A critical and creative approach to research is essential.
• Publications: Proven experience in writing scientific and technical publications.
• Communication Skills: Excellent communication skills, both spoken and written, in English. The ability to convey complex technical information effectively.
• Team Collaboration: Enthusiastic about working in a multidisciplinary team that includes both academic and industrial partners.

The following will make you stand out:

• Creative, open-minded, and proactive researcher.
• Excellent experimental, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Self-driven attitude, creativity and autonomy.

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!

Faculty Mechanical Engineering

From chip to ship. From machine to human being. From idea to solution. Driven by a deep-rooted desire to understand our environment and discover its underlying mechanisms, research and education at the ME faculty focusses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and (mechanical) systems.

ME is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. It’s a large faculty but also versatile, so we can often make unique connections by combining different disciplines. This is reflected in ME’s outstanding, state-of-the-art education, which trains students to become responsible and socially engaged engineers and scientists. We translate our knowledge and insights into solutions to societal issues, contributing to a sustainable society and to the development of prosperity and well-being. That is what unites us in pioneering research, inspiring education and (inter)national cooperation.

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is 2 years.
• A job of 36-40 hours per week.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

Additional information

If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Dr. Peyman Taheri (p.taheri@tudelft.nl).