Scientist Solid Oxide Electrolysis

About this position

‘Green’ hydrogen plays a major role in all energy transition scenarios. It is crucial for sectors that are difficult to decarbonise. Electrolysis is the technology used to produce renewable hydrogen and sustainable chemicals, which makes it a crucial key technology. Together with top international players from industry and academia, we are accelerating the innovation and implementation of water electrolysis and Power-2-x. TNO is leading the way in this research. Will you join us in pushing the boundaries, experimenting, and innovating in our Faraday laboratory?

What will be your role?

The main challenges in the application of Solid Oxide Electrolysis (SOE) systems for the industrial sector lie in the development of a cost-reducing and scaled-up technology and improved system lifetime. These technological challenges can be addressed by developing Solid Oxide Cells (SOCs) with cost-effective raw materials and sufficiently high electrocatalytic activity and durability. In order to accelerate innovation, it is essential to validate the performance of newly developed SOCs. To further strengthen our team that is working on the production and validation of SOCs, we are looking for a scientist who has an affinity for this technology and is eager to contribute to its development at TNO.

Your home base will be the Faraday laboratory, where you will set up and carry out research projects in SOC development and validation. You will make a significant contribution to the formulation of research questions and translate them into specific research plans that deliver fit-for-use results. As the person responsible for technical progress, you will be involved in the development and manufacture of SOCs and the feedback loop between cell performance and material development, up to a unique scale of 30 by 30 cm, reversible and at pressures up to 10 bar. Some key challenges play a major role here: scaling up cells to the unique size of 30 by 30 cm, reversibility and electrolysis under pressures up to 10 bar. You will use your knowledge of materials science and electrochemical analysis methods to determine and improve the quality and performance of the SOCs.

You will join the fast-growing Electrolysis team. This team has a drive to develop innovative, yet pragmatic solutions to increase technology performance and reduce costs, working on everything from better and more sustainable materials to improved equipment design. You will devote yourself to applied technological research, putting your in-depth knowledge and competences to good use. You will alternate projects – something that comes naturally to you, as does dealing with partners and clients. Your communication skills and cultural awareness will help you be a valuable member of dedicated project teams achieving tangible results that contribute to our ambitious goals.

Your home base at TNO Energy and Materials Transition will be the Sustainable Technologies for Industrial Processes research group in Petten. This is a diverse and growing team with members of different ages and more than 15 nationalities, and with plenty of expertise. Your colleagues have backgrounds in physics, chemical engineering, materials science, electrochemistry, and project management. Each of us operates at the boundary of our knowledge level, which makes the work enjoyable and challenging.

What we expect from you

At TNO, you are never alone. You are often surrounded by various colleagues and external partners. This requires good collaboration and communication skills. You also understand the art of looking beyond what is already there. You are not afraid to break new ground and contribute to solutions for the energy transition that did not exist or were not even imaginable only yesterday.

You are an open-minded, enthusiastic, creative, and results-oriented person. You are a good listener and can translate a research question into a project. You have experience in high-temperature materials science (inorganic chemistry/physics/ceramic technology) and electrochemistry for application in the development of SOCs or Proton-conducting Ceramic Electrolyser Cells (PCECs). You are able to organise your work well, you switch easily between different duties within projects, and you have a critical attitude towards the evaluation of results. You report results and conclusions in a transparent and insightful manner. You enjoy working in a multidisciplinary, international, and gender-balanced team. You have an open mind and are keen to learn from your colleagues and share knowledge within your team.

Other knowledge and skills you bring to TNO:

• Master’s degree or PhD in materials science for high-temperature fuel cells or electrolysis, or equivalent.
• At least 4 years of relevant work experience.
• Experience with conventional and other ceramic manufacturing techniques, such as tape-casting, screen-printing, and sintering technologies.
• Experience with analysing electrochemical impedance measurements (EIS) for material and process characterisation.
• Experience with materials/electrochemical modelling is an advantage.
• Good oral and written communication skills in English.
• Knowledge of the Dutch language or a willingness to learn Dutch at the highest NT2 level.

What you'll get in return

Challenging and varied work with a real impact. And plenty of opportunities as, at TNO, you are in charge of shaping your career. We offer a gross monthly salary between € 4,600 and € 6,000 (based on your knowledge and experience), 8% holiday pay, a 13th month bonus of 8.33% and a flex budget (5.58% + € 180). In addition, you will be given every opportunity to develop yourself.

TNO offers optional employee benefits, enabling you to tailor your benefits package to match your personal situation. You may also expect:

• An extremely professional, innovative working environment where colleagues are leading experts in their field.
• The opportunity to attend courses, workshops and conferences, and to receive training and coaching based on your needs.
• 33 days annual leave on a full-time basis.
• We offer a comprehensive and flexible mobility plan that also includes full compensation for public transportation for commuting and business travel.
• Great social events with your team and other TNO colleagues. That’s how you will get to know a lot of people really quickly.
• Flexible working hours, the possibility to work parttime (32 of 36 hours) and the possibility of working from home.
• Extensive relocation package for international candidates.
• A good pension scheme.

TNO as an employer

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy.