2 PhD positions for electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2RR)

In partnership with coworkers from the University of Groningen (NL), University of Aachen (DE), University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (DE), and several technology providers and technology end-users, 2 PhD positions in the PCS group of the University of Twente are available to develop durable carbon- based electrodes for the electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2RR) to the platform chemicals formic acid and formaldehyde. Within the collaboration framework, we will also develop a consecutive catalytic route to selectively reduce formic acid to formaldehyde. The project also aims at pairing the electrochemical reduction of CO2 with value added oxidation reactions, such as the oxidative valorization of biobased acids.

One PhD position in electrocatalysis at Twente is aimed at the validation of the feasibility of carbon based electrodes for stable and selective conversion of CO2 (to formaldehyde or formic acid), including material and reactor design, and process parameter optimization. Another PhD position aims to improve the understanding of the fundamental steps which lead to selective cathodic or anodic transformations, using state of the art infrared and Raman spectroscopies.

Your profile

You are highly motivated and an enthusiastic researcher (F/M).

You have a MSc degree in Chemistry, Physics (Ph.D. student 2) or equivalent, with excellent experimental skills.

You have a keen interest in Materials Science and bridging Chemistry and Physics.

You have strong analytical skills and a keen interest in the interpretation of complex data.

You are fluent in English.

Our offer

A full-time position for four years, with a qualifier in the first year, and the flexibility to work (partially) from home;

Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU);

You will receive a gross monthly salary ranging from € 2.770,- (first year) to € 3.539,- (fourth year);

There are excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme;

A minimum of 232 leave hours in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours. A full-time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis;

Free access to sports facilities on campus;

A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid);

You will have a training programme as part of the Twente Graduate School where you and your supervisors will determine a plan for a suitable education and supervision

Information and application

Are you interested in this position? Please send your application via the 'Apply now' button below before 26.11.2023 and include:

A cover letter (maximum 2 pages A4), emphasizing your specific interest, qualifications, motivations to apply for this position.

A Curriculum Vitae, including a list of all courses attended and grades obtained, and, if applicable, a list of publications and references.

Applicants with a non-Dutch qualification and who have not had secondary and tertiary education in English can only be admitted with an IELTS-test showing a total band score of at least 6.5, internet. TOEFL test (TOEFL-iBT) showing a score of at least 90, or a Cambridge CAE-C (CPE).

For more information regarding this position, you are welcome to contact Dr. Marco Altomare ([email protected])

About the department

You will perform the research within the Photocatalytic Synthesis group (PCS), which is part of the Faculty of Science and Technology and the MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology. The PCS group has a dynamic, multidisciplinary, and international character, and it offers an outstanding infrastructure. The research focus of the department is on the conversion of electrical or solar energy into chemical energy, i.e., to drive in a sustainable manner reactions of environmental relevance, such as water splitting or reduction of carbon dioxide, among others.

The PCS group within the Cluster Process and Catalysis Engineering is a wonderful place to work due to the friendly atmosphere and enthusiastic colleagues, excellent facilities, challenging research and attention to social relations.

About the organisation

The Faculty of Science & Technology (Technische Natuurwetenschappen, TNW) engages some 700 staff members and 2000 students in education and research on the cutting edge of chemical technology, applied physics and biomedical technology. Our fields of application include sustainable energy, process technology and materials science, nanotechnology and technical medicine. As part of a people-first tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally and is strengthened by the many young researchers working on innovative projects with as doctoral candidates and post-docs. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.

Want to know more? Altomare, M. (Marco)

Assistant Professor

Altomare, M. (Marco)

Assistant Professor

Do you have questions about this vacancy? Then you can contact Marco for all substantive questions about this position and the application procedure. For general questions about working for the UT, please refer to the chatbot.

Contact

Phone:+31534894586

Email:[email protected]

How to apply Step 1

Apply. When you see a vacancy that appeals to you, you can apply online. We ask you to upload a CV and motivation letter and/or list of publications. You will receive a confirmation of receipt by e-mail.

Step 2

Selection. The selection committee will review your application and you will receive a response within 2 weeks after the vacancy has been closed.

Step 3

1st interview. The 1st (online or in person) meeting serves as an introduction where we introduce ourselves to you and you to us. You may be asked to give a short presentation. This will be further explained in the invitation.

Step 4

2nd interview. In the second interview, we will further discuss the job content, your skills and your talents.

Step 5

The offer. If the conversations are positive, you will be made a suitable offer.

Your Colleagues

Altomare, M. (Marco)

Personal page

Katsoukis, G. (Georgios)

Personal page

Mul, G. (Guido)

Personal page

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Our university is a public institution that serves society. We are accountable to society for the ways in which we use our academic freedom. We are responsible for ensuring that the power of science and technology is harnessed to achieve the best possible impact in a changing world. We cherish our rich tradition of combining technical and social sciences in our five profiling themes: Improving healthcare by personalized technologies; Creating intelligent manufacturing systems; Shaping our world with smart materials; Engineering our digital society; and Engineering for a resilient world.

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We want our communities to flourish and show resilience, so we seize opportunities for innovation. We are knowledgeable and have an eye for what society needs. Our students and staff receive all the guidance they need in their quest for ecological, social and economic sustainability. “The University of Twente is all about people. Our sustainable technologies help to strengthen society.”

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