Postdoc Corrosion in Bipolar Plates

Delft University of Technology; Delft; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Customisable compensation package

Discounts on health insurance

Monthly work costs contribution

Flexible work schedules

Job summary

A leading technical university in the Netherlands seeks a researcher to investigate the corrosion behaviour of bipolar plates used in water electrolysis cells. Applicants should hold a PhD and have extensive experience in materials science and engineering. The role involves developing testing methods and protocols, with a contract lasting 2 years. Strong communication and team collaboration skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in materials processing and surface analysis.
• Proven ability to write scientific and technical publications.
• Critical and creative approach to research is essential.
• Publications: Proven experience in writing scientific and technical publications.
• Communication Skills: Excellent communication skills, both spoken and written, in English.
• Team Collaboration: Enthusiastic about working in a multidisciplinary team that includes both academic and industrial partners.

Responsibilities

• Investigate the corrosion behaviour of bipolar plates in electrolysis cells.
• Develop tailored testing methods for initial material assessment.
• Create standardized corrosion testing protocols for alternative materials.

Skills

Materials processing

Surface analysis

Electrochemical experimental analysis

Excellent communication skills in English

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in Materials Science and Engineering, Applied Physics, Chemical Engineering, or Electrical Engineering

Job description

Job Description

The project investigates the corrosion behaviour of bipolar plates (BPPs) in water electrolysis cells. BPPs play a crucial role in water and electron transport in an electrolyser stack and are typically made of expensive materials such as titanium coated with platinum and gold. Corrosion testing of BPPs in stack conditions is expensive and time‑consuming. Thus, novel accelerated corrosion tests are required for initial material assessment. The project will study the corrosion behaviour of more cost‑effective BPP material systems and develop tailored testing methods to gain a fundamental understanding of BPP corrosion. The project will develop standardized corrosion testing protocols to identify and test alternative material solutions for BPPs, while also enhancing the corrosion resistance. The protocols can then be applied in industry, e.g. by the funding partner Bosch Transmission B.V., to develop the next generation of electrolyser stacks where these novel materials can be leveraged to their full potential. The research will take place at the Materials Science and Engineering department of the Delft University of Technology.

Job Requirements

• Educational Background: Possess a PhD in a relevant field such as Materials Science and Engineering, Applied Physics, Chemical Engineering, or Electrical Engineering.
• Technical Expertise: Demonstrated and extensive experience in materials processing, surface analysis, and electrochemical experimental analysis.
• Research Approach: A critical and creative approach to research is essential.
• Publications: Proven experience in writing scientific and technical publications.
• Communication Skills: Excellent communication skills, both spoken and written, in English. The ability to convey complex technical information effectively.
• Team Collaboration: Enthusiastic about working in a multidisciplinary team that includes both academic and industrial partners.

Conditions of Employment

• Duration of contract is 2 years.
• A job of 36‑40 hours per week.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

Additional Information

If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Dr. Peyman Taheri ([e-mail]).

Application Procedure

Are You Interested In This Vacancy? Please Apply No Later Than 4 January 2026 Via The Application Button And Upload The Following Documents

• Your CV
• A cover letter

You can address your application to Arjan Mol.

Please Note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre‑employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• A knowledge security check will be part of the selection procedure (for details page 45: national knowledge security guidelines).
• Applying for an exemption for specific research and educational areas is an obligatory part of the selection procedure for this vacancy. This exemption must be obtained from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) before an employment contract is agreed upon. Click here for more information.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.