PhD position: PFAS free membranes for use in electrolysers

Universiteit Leiden; Leiden; On-site; EUR 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Universiteit Leiden invites applications for a PhD position focused on PFAS-free membranes for use in electrolysers. You will develop high-performance proton-conductive membranes by combining MOF-based materials with PFAS-free polymers to study structure–property relationships in electrolyser environments.

The project spans materials chemistry, electrochemistry and membrane science, and is supervised by Dennis Hetterscheid (Leiden Institute of Chemistry).

Qualifications

• MSc degree in Physical Chemistry, Chemistry, or Materials Science.
• Background in electrochemistry, membrane chemistry, MOF synthesis, or materials characterization.
• Curious, eager to learn, and able to work across disciplinary boundaries.

Responsibilities

• Work on PFAS-free proton-conductive membranes for electrolysers.
• Collaborate with an international research team on MOF-based membrane design.
• Publish findings and contribute to membrane science and energy technology knowledge.

Skills

Interdisciplinary mindset

Curiosity

Collaborative teamwork

Education

MSc in Physical Chemistry

MSc in Chemistry

MSc in Materials Science

Tools

MOF synthesis

Characterization techniques

Job description

PhD position: PFAS free membranes for use in electrolysers Job Description PhD position: PFAS free membranes for use in electrolysers Vacancy number: 16951 Job type: PhD positions Contract hours min: 38 Contract hours max: 38 Location: Leiden Applying is possible up to and including: 20 November 2026

Why apply?

This multidisciplinary project integrates electrochemistry, metal–organic framework-based materials, and membrane chemistry to develop the next generation of high-performance membranes and unlock new possibilities for advanced molecular separation and transport.

Can you design the membrane that powers the next generation of electrolysers?

Electrolysis and electrocatalysis have a key role to play in creating a more sustainable chemical industry. At the heart of these technologies are membranes that control the transport of protons and other species—but today’s proton exchange membranes rely heavily on PFAS-based materials such as Nafion®. We are looking for a PhD candidate to develop a new generation of high-performance, PFAS-free proton-conductive membranes. In this project, you will combine the unique properties of proton-conductive metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with those of proton-conductive polymers to create innovative membrane materials. You will systematically investigate how molecular structure, composition, and membrane architecture determine proton transport and overall performance. Your research will span materials chemistry, membrane science, and electrochemistry. You will establish design principles for high-performance proton-conductive membranes and put your materials to the test in different electrolyser configurations. This is an opportunity to work at the interface of fundamental materials science and real-world energy technology, with the ambition to develop membrane materials that can help enable a cleaner and more sustainable chemical industry. The PhD students will be supervised by Dennis Hetterscheid (Leiden Institute of Chemistry).

What you bring

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated candidate who is excited to pursue an interdisciplinary PhD at the interface of electrochemistry, materials chemistry, and membrane science. The project combines electrochemistry, MOF synthesis and characterization, physical measurements, and electrolysis studies, offering the opportunity to develop expertise across multiple fields.

You hold an MSc degree in Physical Chemistry, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related discipline, with a background in one or more of the following areas: electrochemistry, membrane chemistry, MOF synthesis, or materials characterization. Most importantly, you are curious, eager to learn, and motivated to work across disciplinary boundaries.

You will join a highly collaborative and international research team of PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, MSc students, and scientific staff. We collaborate extensively with research groups both locally and internationally, and work closely with industry partners to translate fundamental scientific discoveries into technologies with real-world societal impact.

We are committed to creating an environment where everyone can thrive. Our lab values diversity, accessibility, and inclusion in all their forms, and we strive to foster a safe and supportive workplace that encourages personal and professional growth, well-being, scientific integrity, and responsible research.

If you are excited by the opportunity to combine fundamental materials chemistry with electrochemical energy technologies and help develop the membranes of the future, we would love to hear from you.

Skills:

• Hands-on