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Dutch Institute for Fundamental Energy Research

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PhD Position in Nitrogen Valorization in High-Temperature Electrochemical Cells Dutch Institute for Fundamental Energy Research in Netherlands

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Chemistry

Funding

PhD employment for 4 years at 1 FTE. Gross monthly salary starts at €3,115 in the first year and increases to €3,989 in the fourth year, plus 8% holiday allowance and 8.33% end-of-year bonus. Employee status at NWO with benefits.

Deadline

Nov 29, 2026

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Country

Netherlands

University

Dutch Institute for Fundamental Energy Research

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Keywords

Chemistry
Electrical Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Materials Science
Catalysis
Electrochemistry
Electrocatalysis
Ammonia Synthesis
Physics

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About this position

PhD position in nitrogen valorization in high-temperature electrochemical cells at the Dutch Institute for Fundamental Energy Research (DIFFER), with the work location at TU Eindhoven in the Netherlands.

The project focuses on sustainable ammonia production using renewable electricity and advanced electrochemical routes. Research topics include electrochemistry, materials science, catalysis, solid oxide electrochemical cells (SOEC/SOFC), and protonic ceramic electrochemical cells (PCEC/PCFC). The successful candidate will develop catalytic electrodes, fabricate and test ceramic cells, study electrode/electrolyte interfaces, and investigate nitrogen- and NOx-containing streams for conversion to NH3.

Work will include catalyst integration strategies such as infiltration and exsolution, electrochemical characterization (including EIS and polarization measurements), gas analysis (GC, QMS/MS, FTIR), and materials characterization (XRD, XPS, SEM/EDX, TEM). The role also involves long-term durability testing, degradation analysis, publications, conference presentations, and supervision of BSc/MSc students.

Applicants should have a Master’s degree or equivalent in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Applied Physics, Energy Engineering, Electrochemistry, or a closely related field. Strong experience with SOFC/SOEC or PCFC/PCEC research is preferred, along with familiarity with ceramic electrolytes, porous electrodes, mixed ionic-electronic conductors, and high-temperature experimental setups. Excellent English communication skills and the ability to work in an international, multidisciplinary team are expected.

The position is a 4-year PhD appointment at 1 FTE. Salary starts at €3,115 per month in year one and rises to €3,989 per month in year four, plus an 8% holiday allowance and 8.33% end-of-year bonus. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the vacancy is filled; the listed closing date is 2026-11-29.

Funding details

PhD employment for 4 years at 1 FTE. Gross monthly salary starts at €3,115 in the first year and increases to €3,989 in the fourth year, plus 8% holiday allowance and 8.33% end-of-year bonus. Employee status at NWO with benefits.

What's required

A Master's degree or equivalent in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Applied Physics, Energy Engineering, Electrochemistry, or a closely related discipline is required. Strong background in electrochemistry, materials science, and catalysis is preferred. Practical research experience with SOFC/SOEC, PCFC/PCEC, or related ceramic electrochemical-cell technologies is strongly preferred, especially hands-on fabrication, assembly, or electrochemical testing. Familiarity with ceramic electrolytes, porous electrodes, mixed ionic-electronic conductors, and electrode/electrolyte interfaces is highly desirable. Experience with EIS, polarization measurements, high-temperature setups, gas handling, fuel-cell/electrolyser stations, GC, QMS/MS, FTIR, electrocatalysis, infiltration, exsolution, or ceramic-material synthesis is an advantage. Excellent English communication skills, analytical ability, initiative, creativity, and ability to work in a collaborative international environment are expected.

How to apply

Apply via the application button on AcademicTransfer. Submit a motivation letter, CV with contact details of at least two references, and a list of BSc and MSc courses and grades. Applications are screened as they arrive, so apply early.

More information can be found here

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