PhD position on electrochemical synthesis of ammonia in ceramic membrane reactors

RUG; Groningen; On-site; EUR 36,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary (€3,204–€4,051)

Vacation hours 232 per year

End-of-year bonus 8.3%

Professional development opportunities

PhD training program

Job summary

The University of Groningen invites applications for a PhD position in electrochemical ammonia synthesis within the ENTEG institute. You will develop and evaluate catalysts for ammonia production in ceramic membrane reactors, and contribute to a national project with multiple partners.

We seek a motivated researcher with a Master’s in relevant fields, strong analytical skills, and excellent English communication. Teaching duties and supervision of students are part of the role.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field.
• Analytical skills, initiative and creativity are highly desired.
• Excellent written and oral English communication skills are required.

Responsibilities

• Synthesis and characterization of electrocatalysts at intermediate and high temperatures.
• Fabrication of single cells with targeted characteristics.
• Characterization of materials and interfaces for reaction mechanisms.
• Preparation of scientific articles and conference communications.
• Teaching activities (10% of workload) including supervision of Bachelor and Master students.
• Contribute to the scientific and collaborative research environment in Chemical Engineering and ENTEG.

Skills

Analytical skills

English proficiency

Team spirit

Education

Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry or related

Job description

PhD position on electrochemical synthesis of ammonia in ceramic membrane reactors

In the Engineering and Technology Institute Groningen (ENTEG), we are looking for a talented and motivated PhD student for the development and evaluation of (electro)catalysts for electrochemical ammonia synthesis from sustainable sources in ceramic electrochemical reactors.

Faculty of Science and Engineering

PhD position on electrochemical synthesis of ammonia in ceramic membrane reactors

Ammonia is not only a key-chemical for sustaining global population, but also an intriguing carbon-free energy carrier. Ammonia, however, is the most energy intensive commodity chemical, responsible for 1-2% of energy consumption and CO2 emissions worldwide. The PhD project will support the efforts for creating innovative electrochemical membrane reactors that produce sustainable ammonia at high efficiency for decentralized applications. The PhD research will be part of the 20.3 Meuros HyNITROGEN project (https://groenvermogennl.org/rd/werkpakket-5/) of the National Growthfund GroenvermogenNL. This unique consortium brings together more than 40 companies, universities and research institutes, covering the entire value chain.

Responsibilities and tasks:

• Synthesis and characterization of electrocatalysts at intermediate and high temperatures.
• Fabrication of single cells with targeted characteristics.
• Characterization of materials and relevant interfaces for their role in the reaction mechanisms.
• Preparation of scientific articles and conference communications.
• Teaching activities (10% of total workload), including assistance to courses, as well as supervision of Bachelor and Master students.
• Contribution to the scientific and collaborative research environment in Chemical Engineering group and the ENTEG institute.

Faculty of Science and Engineering

Who are you?

• A Master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or related discipline.
• We are looking for a talented, motivated and enthusiastic researcher. Analytical skills, initiative and creativity are highly desired.
• You are a naturally curious person who is eager to learn more and has a strong interest in research.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are a prerequisite.
• We prefer candidates with a good team spirit, who like to work in an internationally oriented, social environment.

What can you expect from us?

• In accordance with the collective labor agreement for Dutch universities, we offer a salary of at least € 3.204up to a maximum of € 4.051 (promovendus)gross per month for a full-time employment contract.
• 232 vacation hours per year, based on a 38-hour workweek (1.0 FTE). You can also work more or fewer hours in exchange for more or fewer free hours. For example, with a 40-hour workweek, you save 96 extra free hours, and with a 36-hour workweek, you lose 96 hours.
• End-of-year bonus of 8.3% and 8% holiday allowance.
• Extensive opportunities for personal and professional development.
• First, you will get a temporary position of one year with the option of renewal for another three years; prolongation of the contract is contingent on sufficient progress in the first year to indicate that successful completion of the PhD thesis within the contract period is to be expected. A PhD training program is part of the agreement and you will be enrolled in the Graduate School of the Faculty of Science and Engineering.

Where will you be working?

At the University of Groningen (UG), researchers from all fields of academia and technology are working on academic challenges and societal questions. Lecturers prepare their students for meaningful careers within or outside the academic world. Interdisciplinary research and teaching, sharing of knowledge, collaboration with businesses, government institutions, and societal organizations are aspects that are of the utmost importance to this European top university. The UG aims to be an open academic community with an inclusive and safe working climate that invites you to add your value.

The Engineering and Technology institute Groningen (ENTEG) in which this position is embedded is the engineering science and technology institute of the University of Groningen, The Netherlands. ENTEG research is highly multidisciplinary in nature and focuses on fundamental and applied research on the development of new and innovative processes and products for a wide range of product sectors. Process driven research activities are performed in the field of chemical and biochemical systems, mechanical and electric systems and system networks. Typical product sectors include biobased products, tailored, complex materials such as advanced polymers or polymeric formulations, catalysts, mechatronic devices and software and algorithms. Design, control and modelling and analyses complement the activities.

Do you have any questions or need more information?

Questions about your application process?

When scheduling meetings, we will take your schedule into account as much as possible.

The University of Groningen considers social safety important. We strive to be a university where staff and students feel respected and at home, regardless of differences in background, experiences, perspectives, and identity. For more information, see also our page about our diversity policy .

Acquisition is not appreciated.

Our selection procedure follows the guidelines of the NVP Application Code.