PhD Position in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering for (photo)Electrochemical Synthesis

PhD Position in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering for (photo)Electrochemical Synthesis

Are you a chemist or chemical engineer and motivated by the transition towards a circular chemical industry to replace the need for polluting fossil resources?

Job description

This research aims to develop new sustainable chemical pathways for the post-fossil chemical industry. In this lab, we explore chemical approaches to challenges encountered in the transition towards a sustainable society and circular economy. Inspired by how nature solves problems, we use biomimetic concepts applied in (photo)electrochemistry and photocatalysis for the generation of specialty chemicals. Specifically, the PhD candidate will develop supramolecular and bio-inspired materials to convert simple building blocks into complex molecules in (photo)electrochemical cells. The start of the project has a strong focus on molecular synthesis, followed by integration of the materials onto electrodes for device fabrication for (photo)electrochemical catalysis. This research pushes artificial photosynthesis towards the light driven generation of solar chemicals in devices by combining synthesis of materials, electrode preparation, electrochemical characterization and mechanistic studies using different spectroscopic methods.

Keywords: (Photo)electrochemical synthesis, supramolecular materials, solar chemicals.

Job requirements

Applications are invited for a 4-year PhD position under supervision of Dr Tessel Bouwens at the Department of Chemical Engineering at TU Delft, The Netherlands.

The ideal candidate:

• Has a master's degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, material science, and/or related area.
• Has experience with small molecule synthesis, purification and characterization (required).
• Has experience with supramolecular chemistry, photochemistry and/or electrochemistry, or related subjects.
• Is an enthusiastic researcher who enjoys interdisciplinary projects including chemistry, chemical engineering, material science, device fabrication and an array of spectroscopic methods.
• Is a strong experimentalist with a competent analytical skills.
• Is fluent in English, has good communicative/reporting skills, and a team worker.

Department of Chemical Engineering

The Department of Chemical Engineering promotes the pursuit and dissemination of knowledge in chemical engineering, with a focus on materials for energy and health applications. At the department, we have strong background in the development and characterisation of new, functional, soft molecular and polymer materials with opto-electronic properties. We aspire to improve the quality of life in a sustainable society through discovery and innovation, through teaching, collaboration and exchange. With a proud heritage in chemical engineering, the department seeks to break new ground in areas where molecular understanding and engineering design meet.

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

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 € 2872 per month in the first year to € 3670 in the fourth year. 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.

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 Tessel Bouwens, via T.Bouwens@tudelft.nl.