PhD position: Molecular structure of electrode-electrolyte interfaces in electrochemistry

Enhance the fundamental understanding of the structure of electrode-electrolyte interfaces and their response to applied voltages and imposed currents. Perform high resolution Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) experiments and analyze them in collaboration with a theory and molecular simulation PhD-colleague at Leiden University and with your colleagues in the Physics of Complex Fluids (PCF) and Photocatalytic Synthesis groups (PCS) at the University of Twente.

Electrochemical processes play a major role in the current energy transition. They make batteries, fuel cells, and electrolyzers work. Despite this importance, the properties of electrode-electrolyte interfaces are at present rather poorly understood because they are extremely difficult to characterize at the molecular scale. Electrochemical (EC) AFM bares the promise to combine atomic scale imaging with force spectroscopy to probe the structure of these interfaces and their response to EC reaction conditions (think of changes in the hydration structure, ion adsorption, and surface reconstruction). However, the interpretation of such measurements remains tentative without detailed modeling. In the current project, Prof. Mugele’s PCF group in Twente and Prof. Doblhoff-Dier’s Theoretical Electrochemistry group in Leiden team up to combine high resolution AFM experiments (PhD 1, University of Twente) and atomistic modelling (PhD 2, Leiden University) to address these challenges. Next to your AFM measurement at PCF, you can also explore the fabrication and characterization of catalyst nanoparticles with Prof. Mul’s PCS group.

If you are interested in the high resolution AFM experiments at the PCF chair of our Faculty TNW, please send your application via the “Apply now“ button below, before 31-112-2024.

If you are interested in the theory position at Leiden University, please contact Katharina Doblhoff-Dier. The position will become available soon (or may already be available) on the Leiden University websit.

This project is embedded in the Advanced Nano-electrochemistry Institute Of the Netherlands (ANION), a ‘Gravitation’ program bringing together the expertise of the top researchers in the field nationwide.

Requirements:

• You have, or will shortly, acquire a master degree in physics, physical chemistry or closely related disciplines.
• You are an excellent experimentalist with an interest in advanced measurement techniques.
• You are enthusiastic about science and highly motivated.
• You have a creative mindset and excellent analytical skills.
• You have a good team spirit and like to work in an interdisciplinary and internationally oriented environment.
• You like to contribute to the open spirit in the PCF team, by sharing and discussing openly your ideas with colleagues.
• You enjoy contributing to the educational program of PCF by tutoring student classes and by suggesting and supervising bachelor and master projects

Salary Benefits:

• A full-time position for four years, with a qualifier in the first year, and the flexibility to work (partially) from home.
• Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU).
• You will receive a gross monthly salary ranging from € 2.872,- (first year) to € 3.670,- (fourth year) with additional benefits.
• There are excellent benefits, including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme.
• A minimum of 29 holidays in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours.
• A full-time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis.
• A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid).
• You will have a training programme as part of the Twente Graduate School where you and your supervisors will determine a plan for a suitable education and supervision.
• Embedding into the scientific family of the MESA+ institute in Twente and the national ANION electrochemistry institute

38 - 40 hours per week

Drienerlolaan 5