PhD Transient Fischer–Tropsch Catalysis Eindhoven University of Technology in Netherlands

PhD opportunity at Eindhoven University of Technology in Transient Fischer–Tropsch Catalysis, located in Eindhoven, the Netherlands. This project sits within the HyCarb consortium and focuses on sustainable carbon conversion under realistic operating conditions.

The research investigates how feedstock composition and catalyst structure influence Fischer–Tropsch synthesis performance during transient operation. You will study variations in CO/CO₂/H₂ ratios, contaminants, and other realistic process fluctuations to understand their impact on catalytic activity, selectivity from e-naphtha to e-wax, and long-term stability.

The project combines kinetic studies with advanced operando and quasi-in situ characterization. Techniques mentioned include bulk operando analysis, near-ambient pressure XPS, DRIFTS, and SSITKA-DRIFTS-MS. A key goal is to connect surface chemistry, surface coverage, and catalyst-state evolution to reaction kinetics and deactivation behavior.

Work will also involve developing robust workflows for sampling, handling, and analyzing catalysts after long reactor runs without air exposure. The position is embedded in a collaborative academic-industrial network, so the project is designed to align fundamental mechanistic insights with application-driven process conditions.

Applicants should have a master’s degree in chemical engineering, chemistry, or a related field, along with a strong interest in heterogeneous catalysis and reaction engineering. Experience with catalyst synthesis, characterization, or kinetic measurements is an advantage. Fluency in spoken and written English at C1 level is required.

The position is a full-time PhD appointment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. Salary and benefits follow the Dutch Universities collective agreement, scale P, with a monthly gross salary from €3,204 to €4,051, plus a year-end bonus and vacation pay. TU/e also offers training, infrastructure, commuting/work-from-home support, and international candidate support services.

Application deadline: 2026-08-15. Applications must be submitted online and should include a cover letter, CV with publication list, and contact information for three references.