PhD Advanced polymer synthesis for proton exchange membrane fabrication

Are you a highly motivated and skilled PhD candidate with a recent MSc degree in polymer sciences, chemistry or related area? Do you have good communication skills, are you a result-driven team player and are you keen to develop yourself in a PhD project? And do you have experience in polymer synthesis? Then this could be the ideal PhD position for you!

Hydrogen plays an important role as a feedstock in various industrial processes, such as refining and ammonia production. Additionally, hydrogen can be used to generate electricity through fuel cells, particularly during periods when solar and wind power are insufficient. However, current technologies face challenges, including the use of fluorine-based polymers in proton exchange membrane fuel cells, which have significant environmental impacts.

This project, which brings together a consortium of partners from research organizations and industry, aims to address these challenges. You will focus on designing and synthesizing novel fluorine-free polymers for the fabrication of proton exchange membranes. These membranes will enhance the efficiency, performance, and sustainability of fuel cell systems, driving the advancement of clean energy technologies.

Your duties and responsibilities include:

• synthesizing and characterizing novel polymers for membrane fabrication;
• studying the electrochemical performance of the corresponding membranes in PEM fuel cell;
• teaching activities and supervision of MSc/BSc students;
• publishing research results in peer-reviewed journals and write a doctoral thesis.

You will work here
The research is embedded within the chair Biobased Chemistry and Technology (https://www.wur.nl/en/research-results/chair-groups/agrotechnology-and-food-sciences/biobased-chemistry-technology-group.htm) You will be supervised by Dr. Akbar Asadi Tashvigh.

Requirements:

Specific requirement:

• strong background knowledge in polymer chemistry and organic synthesis.

You also have:

• a master’s degree in materials science, chemistry, chemical engineering, or a related field;
• experience in laboratory research, with proficiency in experimental techniques and data analysis;
• excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team;
• expertise and practical experience with PEM fuel cells is an advantage but not required.

For this position your command of the English language is expected to be at C1 level. Sometimes it is necessary to submit an internationally recognised Certificate of Proficiency in the English Language. More information can be found here.

Salary Benefits:

Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:

• partially paid parental leave;
• working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
• the option to accrue additional compensation / holiday hours by working more, up to 40 hours per week;
• there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee;
• a fixed December bonus of 8.3%;
• excellent pension scheme.

In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will receive a fully funded PhD position and you will be offered a course program tailored to your needs and the research team.

The gross salary for the first year is € 2872,-- per month rising to € 3670,- in the fourth year in according to the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale P). This is based on a full-time working week of 38 hours. We offer a temporary contract for 18 months which will be extended for the duration of the project if you perform well.

There are plenty of options for personal initiative in a learning environment, and we provide excellent training opportunities. We are offering a unique position in an international environment with a pleasant and open working atmosphere.

You are going to work at the greenest and most innovative campus in Holland, and at a university that has been chosen as the “Best University” in the Netherlands for the 19th consecutive time.

Coming from abroad
Wageningen University & Research is the university and research centre for life sciences. The themes we deal with are relevant to everyone around the world and Wageningen, therefore, has a large international community and a lot to offer to international employees.

Because we expect you to work and live in the Netherlands our team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will help you with the visa application procedures for yourself and, if applicable, for your family.
Feeling welcome also has everything to do with being well informed. We can assist you with any additional advice and information about for example helping your partner to find a job, housing, or schooling. Finally, certain categories of international staff may be eligible for a tax exemption on a part of their salary during the first five years in the Netherlands.

38 hours per week

Droevendaalsesteeg