Rik Mom
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PhD position: Operando X-ray spectroscopy on electrocatalytic interfaces Leiden University in Netherlands
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Chemistry
Funding
Available
Deadline
Sep 20, 2026
Country
Netherlands
University
Leiden University
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About this position
This PhD position at Leiden University is part of the MSCA Doctoral Networks project e-ChemIn, a European training network connecting research institutes and companies to advance electrochemical interfaces for electrocatalysis and batteries.
The project focuses on understanding how the electrode-electrolyte interface controls activity, selectivity, and stability in electrocatalytic reactions, including water oxidation to hydrogen peroxide, water reduction to hydrogen, and nitrate reduction to ammonia. The selected doctoral researcher will use operando XPS and soft XAS to probe the active interface under catalytic conditions and examine how it changes with catalyst crystallinity, elemental ratio, pH, and ions in the electrolyte.
The work is highly collaborative and will be carried out in close connection with catalyst synthesis, complementary surface X-ray diffraction, and in situ electron microscopy efforts across the consortium. Two secondments are planned: four months at the University of Trieste (Prof. Paolo Fornasiero) to work on electrocatalyst preparation for anodic H2O2 production, and four months at the University of Liverpool (Dr. Yvonne Grunder) for SXRD studies complementing the operando spectroscopy.
The ideal candidate has a Master’s degree in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, or a related field, and a strong interest in spectroscopy and electrochemistry. Good experimental skills, English proficiency, analytical thinking, creativity, and an independent but collaborative working style are emphasized. Experience with electrochemistry, vacuum equipment, or in situ spectroscopy is considered an advantage.
This is a funded PhD opening with an initial one-year appointment, extendable to four years in total subject to satisfactory performance. The salary ranges from €3,059 to €3,881 gross per month depending on experience, with additional Marie Skłodowska-Curie mobility and family allowances, holiday allowance, and end-of-year bonus. Applicants must not already hold a doctoral degree and must satisfy the MSCA mobility rule of not having lived or carried out their main activity in the Netherlands for more than 12 months in the 36 months before recruitment.
Applications must be submitted through the Leiden University online recruitment system. The deadline is 2026-09-20, and the preferred project start is 1 April 2027 or earlier.
Funding details
Available
What's required
Applicants must not already hold a doctoral degree at the date of recruitment and must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in The Netherlands for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before recruitment. Candidates should have a Master’s degree in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, or a related discipline, a strong interest in spectroscopy and electrochemistry, excellent English proficiency, good technical experimental skills, and the ability to work collaboratively on experimentally complex projects. Experience with electrochemistry, vacuum equipment, or in situ spectroscopy is an advantage.
How to apply
Apply through the online recruitment system using the apply now button. Include your CV with 3-year residence/activity details, a motivation letter, copies of degrees and transcript, and contact details for at least two references. Submit before 2026-09-20 23:59 Europe/Amsterdam.
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