Leiden University
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PhD in PFAS-Free Membranes for Electrolysers Leiden University in Netherlands
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Chemistry
Funding
PhD employment contract for 12 months initially, extendable by 3 more years upon satisfactory performance. Salary is €3,204 to €4,051 gross per month based on a full-time 38-hour appointment, plus 8% holiday allowance, 8.3% end-of-year bonus, pension scheme, commuting reimbursement, and other employment benefits. The post is a temporary funded PhD position, not funded by an EU programme.
Deadline
Nov 20, 2026
Country
Netherlands
University
Leiden University

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About this position
Leiden University in the Netherlands is advertising a PhD position in PFAS-free membranes for use in electrolysers. The project sits at the interface of electrochemistry, materials chemistry, membrane science, and metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), with the goal of developing next-generation proton-conductive membranes that do not rely on PFAS-based materials such as Nafion®.
The successful candidate will work on designing innovative membrane materials by combining proton-conductive MOFs with proton-conductive polymers. The research includes systematic study of molecular structure, composition, and membrane architecture, as well as testing the materials in different electrolyser configurations. The project aims to establish design principles for high-performance membranes and contribute to cleaner, more sustainable chemical industry technologies.
The PhD will be supervised by Dennis Hetterscheid at the Leiden Institute of Chemistry. The position is embedded in a collaborative and international research environment within the Faculty of Science at Leiden University, with access to electrochemistry laboratories, synthesis and measurement facilities, and support from technical workshops.
Eligibility highlights: an MSc in Physical Chemistry, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related field is required. Relevant experience in electrochemistry, membrane chemistry, MOF synthesis, or materials characterization is preferred. Strong experimental skills, curiosity, motivation, good organization, independent working ability, teamwork, and excellent English are emphasized.
Funding and conditions: this is a paid PhD employment contract for 4 years maximum, starting with 12 months and extendable for 3 more years. Salary ranges from €3,204 to €4,051 gross per month for a full-time 38-hour week, plus holiday allowance, end-of-year bonus, pension, commuting reimbursement, and other employment benefits.
Deadline: 20 November 2026 at 22:59 UTC. The post indicates that applications should be submitted via the AcademicTransfer portal, with an additional Euraxess view/apply link available.
Funding details
PhD employment contract for 12 months initially, extendable by 3 more years upon satisfactory performance. Salary is €3,204 to €4,051 gross per month based on a full-time 38-hour appointment, plus 8% holiday allowance, 8.3% end-of-year bonus, pension scheme, commuting reimbursement, and other employment benefits. The post is a temporary funded PhD position, not funded by an EU programme.
What's required
Applicants should hold an MSc degree in Physical Chemistry, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related discipline. A background in electrochemistry, membrane chemistry, MOF synthesis, or materials characterization is preferred. Hands-on experimental experience and co-authorship of scientific publications are an advantage. Strong motivation, curiosity, organizational and time-management skills, the ability to work independently, excellent written and spoken English, and a collaborative mindset are required.
How to apply
Apply through the AcademicTransfer application page or the Euraxess view/apply link. Submit your application before 20 November 2026 at 22:59 UTC.
More information can be found here
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