Postdoc Solid-State Electrolyte Materials

Challenge: Develop low-temperature oxide and proton conducting ceramics.

Change: Materials design with advanced in situ characterisation tools.

Impact: New materials to enable hydrogen-based economy.

Job description

At the TU Delft, we combine advanced characterization methods to guide the synthesis and development of next-generation materials. Ion conducting ceramics will play an instrumental role for the energy transition. They are core materials in solid oxide cells, which are key devices for efficient electrochemical conversion in a hydrogen-based economy (e.g. power-to-gas). Novel functional materials are required to attain mild operation temperatures without compromising reaction efficiency, with particular focus on perovskite oxides as solid-state electrolytes.

We are looking for an outstanding experimentalist with a passion for crystallography. In this project, you are going to design new materials for oxide ion and proton conduction in low-temperature solid oxide cells. You will employ advanced in situ characterization techniques, as NMR spectroscopy and neutron diffraction, to unravel the structural traits that determine the functional properties of novel solid-state electrolytes.

In this way, you will achieve in-depth understanding about structure-property relations governing ionic conductivity of electroceramics and, ultimately, contribute to the design of functional materials for a successful energy transition.

Requirements

• A PhD degree in Material Science or Chemistry with focus on inorganic materials.
• Experience with synthesis and characterisation of (oxide) materials supported by a PhD thesis in a related topic.
• Interest in advanced characterisation methods backed by a curiosity-driven approach.
• A proactive attitude and demonstrated good organisation/planning skills for experimental work are highly appreciated.
• Previous contact to Neutron Powder Diffraction and/or solid-state NMR spectroscopy, while not mandatory, is a valuable plus.
• Very good written and spoken communication skills in English are required.

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 Applied Sciences

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.

Conditions of employment

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.