PhD position: Operando X-ray spectroscopy on electrocatalytic interfaces Leiden University in Netherlands

Leiden University is offering a fully funded PhD position in Operando X-ray spectroscopy on electrocatalytic interfaces within the MSCA Doctoral Networks project e-ChemIn. The project brings together 10 research institutes and 3 companies across Europe to develop design principles for electrochemical interfaces relevant to electrocatalysis and batteries.

The doctoral researcher will investigate how the electrode-electrolyte interface controls catalytic activity, selectivity, and stability. The scientific focus is on reactions including water oxidation to hydrogen peroxide, water reduction to hydrogen, and nitrate reduction to ammonia. The work uses advanced operando XPS and soft XAS to reveal the active interface under catalytic conditions, and to track how it changes with catalyst crystallinity, elemental composition, pH, and ion identity.

The project combines spectroscopy with close collaboration across the consortium, including catalyst synthesis, complementary surface X-ray diffraction, and in situ electron microscopy. Two secondments are planned: four months at the University of Trieste with Prof. Paolo Fornasiero on electrocatalyst preparation for anodic hydrogen peroxide production, and four months at the University of Liverpool with Dr. Yvonne Grunder for SXRD studies that complement the X-ray spectroscopies.

The successful candidate will enroll in a PhD program at Leiden University and be supervised by Dr. Rik Mom, with co-supervision from Dr. Yvonne Grunder and Prof. Paolo Fornasiero. Applicants must not already hold a doctoral degree and must satisfy the MSCA mobility rule: they must not have lived or carried out their main activity in the Netherlands for more than 12 months in the 36 months before recruitment. A Master’s degree in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, or a related discipline is required, along with strong interest in spectroscopy and electrochemistry, excellent English, and good experimental skills. Experience with electrochemistry, vacuum equipment, or in situ spectroscopy is an advantage.

The position is initially offered for one year and, upon satisfactory performance, extended for three more years. The salary is €3,059 to €3,881 gross per month depending on experience, with additional MSCA mobility and family allowances where applicable. Leiden University also offers holiday allowance, end-of-year bonus, training and career development opportunities, and support such as a dual career programme for international spouses.

Applications must be submitted via the online recruitment system. Applicants should include a CV with residence/activity history for the last three years, a motivation letter, copies of academic degrees and transcript, and contact details of at least two references. The deadline is 20 September 2026, and the project is scheduled to start by 1 April 2027 at the latest, with earlier start preferred.