Doctoral scholarship holder redox flow batteries

University of Antwerp; Belgique; On-site; EUR 19,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Ecocheques

Internet connectivity allowance

Bicycle allowance

Job summary

University of Antwerp invites applications for a full‑time doctoral scholarship holder in the field of redox flow batteries. The project focuses on electrolyte formulation, battery design, and performance, under the ELCAT group in the Faculty of Applied Engineering.

You will conduct experiments, analyze data, and contribute to publications while collaborating with a team of researchers across facilities in Wilrijk and Antwerpen.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in chemical engineering or related field.
• Strong understanding of mass transfer and reactor engineering.
• Proactive mindset and strong motivation for scientific research.

Responsibilities

• You will work on preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in redox flow batteries for renewable energy storage.
• Publish scientific articles and/or patents from your research.
• Assist in teaching tasks and provide research support to the group.

Education

Master's in Chemical Engineering

Master's in Applied Engineering/Industrial Science

Related field equivalent

Tools

Mass transfer

Reactor engineering

English (C1)

Independent planning

Research mindset

Lab safety

Job description

Organisation/Company University of Antwerp Research Field Chemistry » Other Engineering » Chemical engineering Engineering » Other Technology » Energy technology Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 12 Nov 2026 - 22:59 (UTC) Country Belgium Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Let’s shape the future - University of Antwerp

The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking, European university. We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20,000 students, conducting pioneering scientific research and playing an important service-providing role in society. We are one of the largest, most international and most innovative employers in the region. With more than 6,000 employees from 100 different countries, we are helping to build tomorrow's world every day. Through top scientific research, we push back boundaries and set a course for the future – a future that you can help to shape.

The research group Applied Electrochemistry and Catalysis ( ELCAT ) in the Faculty of Applied Engineering is looking for a full time (100%)doctoral scholarship holder in the field of redox flow batteries. Batteries will be crucial to transform our society to a sustainable one. As a PhD student you will therefore conduct research to understand how battery design, operating conditions and redox chemistry affect performance and study the influence on lifetime.

Within the research group ELCAT you will find yourself in an excellent research environment consisting of more than 40 researchers and equipped with state-of-the‑art lab facilities and research equipment. The scope of ELCAT is situated in the field of electrochemistry and electrochemical engineering. Its scientific activities are related to the development of state-of-the‑art electrochemical reactors and batteries, striving towards a green and sustainable industry and society.

Position

• You will work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in the field of redox flow batteries for renewable energy storage. To guarantee energy supply in the future and keep on incorporating windmills and solar panels in our energy mix, it is crucial that we can store electricity for moments when production levels are too low. Redox flow batteries stand out in the field of energy storage but their performance and cost can still be improved. In this, electrolyte composition and battery design are important and still need to be improved. You will study in a team of researchers the novel titanium-cerium redox chemistry and how it’s electrolyte formulation (e.g. type of acid) affect charge/discharge rate and stability. You will conduct experiments to test how battery design (e.g. flow field design, membrane, scale‑up, stacking) with relation to the titanium‑cerium electrolyte formulation affects performance (e.g. cross‑over, power density, electrolyte precipitation).
• You will publish scientific articles and/or patents related to your research.
• You also assist in a limited number of teaching tasks and research support to aid in the good day‑to‑day functioning of the research group and the Faculty of Applied Engineering.

Profile

• You hold a Master’s degree in chemical engineering, Master’s degree in applied engineering/industrial science: chemistry, Master’s degree in a related field or equivalent through experience or you will have obtained it by the time you start working.
• You have a thorough understanding of mass transfer and reactor engineering
• You are pro‑active and have mind‑set for scientific research.
• You are enthusiast and highly motivated.
• You can work safely in research laboratories, in particular regarding chemical substances.
• Experience in performing experiments with electrochemical systems such as redox flow batteries is considered a plus.
• You have a good knowledge of English language. You can communicate well, both in speaking and in writing. A C1 in English is considered a plus.
• You are strong in planning and organizing; you can work independently.
• Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision .
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
• Recommendation letters are highly advised and considered an added value.

What we offer

• We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of one year. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed for a total of 4 years.
• The planned start date is preferably 01 January 2027 or sooner.
• Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders on the pay scales for Contract Research Staff (Dutch: Bijzonder Academisch Personeel, BAP).
• You will receive ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• You will do most of your work at Campus Drie Eiken (Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium) and Campus Groenenborger (Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerpen) in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
• Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here .

The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.