Are you passionate about the energy transition, reducing CO2 emissions, and recycling? You might enjoy the challenge of constructing functional materials using upcycled graphene(oxide) colloids.

Position: PhD student

Irène Curie Fellowship: No

Department(s): Chemical Engineering and Chemistry

FTE: 1.0

Date: 10/10/2024

Reference number: V37.7721

Job Description

Addressing major societal challenges related to climate, energy, and sustainability requires significant CO2 emission reductions through new hydrogen-based or electrified industrial processes. Producing hydrogen via pyrolysis of (bio)methane captures carbon as solid by-products, crucial for decarbonizing industries and achieving the Paris agreement. These carbon byproducts can be upcycled into graphene(oxide) colloidal suspensions and further assembled into higher-order carbon materials. Your goal will be to organize graphene(oxide) colloids into value-added functional carbon materials.

This PhD project is part of a collaboration between TU Eindhoven and Shell, aiming to convert pyrolysis byproducts into valuable functional materials, contributing to industrial decarbonization. Your role will be within the Laboratory of Physical Chemistry at the Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, supervised by dr. Heiner Friedrich and prof. Rolf van Benthem.

The Laboratory of Physical Chemistry focuses on the intersection of theoretical and experimental physical chemistry, and polymer and colloid science. We aim to understand the physical and chemical properties of colloids, polymers, and their mixtures through experiments, theory, and simulations. Our research includes designing molecules and particles for specific functions and developing sustainable technologies for producing ingredients and products.

Job Requirements

• A master’s degree in materials science, mechanical or chemical engineering, applied physics, or a related discipline.
• Experience with physical chemistry, rheology, and materials design.
• Experience with carbon materials, structural characterization, DoE, and scaling challenges is a plus.
• A research-oriented attitude.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and collaborate with industrial partners.
• Motivation to develop teaching skills and mentor students.
• Fluency in spoken and written English (C1 level).

You are:

• A talented, motivated, and enthusiastic researcher.
• Analytical, initiative-taking, and creative.
• Curious and eager to learn, with a strong interest in research.
• Social, with good team spirit, and enjoy working in an international environment.

International and female candidates are encouraged to apply. We value diversity in our research group.

Interviews and a scientific presentation are part of the selection process.

Conditions of Employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary and international setting. You will work on a beautiful, green campus close to the city center and central train station. We offer:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation after nine months. You will spend 10% of your time on teaching tasks.
• Salary and benefits in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. €2,872 max. €3,670).
• An 8.3% year-end bonus and 8% annual vacation pay.
• High-quality training programs to develop into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e, we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• Excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus childcare, and sports facilities.
• Allowances for commuting, working from home, and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (30% facility) for international candidates.

Information and Application

About Us

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands, combining scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our collaborative spirit results in a top-five position in working with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for today’s and tomorrow’s complex problems.

Curious about life as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Watch the video.

Information

Candidates with suitable experience and qualifications are invited to apply. For more information about this PhD position, please contact: dr. Heiner Friedrich (h.friedrich@tue.nl, +31 40 247 3041) or prof. Rolf van Benthem (r.a.t.m.v.benthem@tue.nl, +31 40 247 2029).

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. Contact HRservices.helix@tue.nl or mr. L. van Houten, HR-advisor (L.v.houten@tue.nl).

For more information about the Physical Chemistry research group, see https://www.tue.nl/en/research/research-groups/physical-chemistry/.

Inspired? Learn more about working at TU/e on our career page.

Application

Submit a complete application using the apply button. Include:

• A cover letter describing your motivation and qualifications.
• A curriculum vitae, including a list of publications and contact information for three references.

We will screen applications as they are received. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.