Aayan Banerjee

The University of Twente is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher for a project focused on multiphysics modelling and electrochemical testing of Na-salt batteries. This position is part of the €30 million SLDBatt project, aiming to design and scale up low-cost, safe, and high energy density (up to 100 Wh/kg) long-duration batteries using sodium chloride and recycled aluminum with a NaAlCl4 electrolyte. The successful candidate will work closely with Exergy Storage and the PCS research group to investigate limiting physico-chemical phenomena in batteries and propose innovative design and operational strategies. The core responsibilities include combining multiphysics modelling for cell design with electrochemical testing (such as charge-discharge cycling and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) for model parametrization and validation. The research aims to enable cell capacities up to 4 kWh and discharge durations of up to 100 hours, contributing to advancements in energy storage technology. Applicants should have a PhD in chemical engineering, chemistry, applied physics, or a related field, with a strong background in physics-based battery modelling. Experience in coding (C++/Python/Julia) or using COMSOL Multiphysics, as well as hands-on cell testing and analytical techniques (SEM-EDX, XRD, IR, Raman), is required or expected to be developed. The candidate should be self-driven, able to work independently and collaboratively, and willing to mentor junior researchers. Fluency in English and the ability to engage with academic and industry partners are essential. The position offers a full-time contract for 36 months, with a gross monthly salary between €4,241 and €5,538, plus excellent benefits including holiday and end-of-year bonuses, a solid pension scheme, generous leave, free campus sports facilities, and family-friendly policies. The research will be conducted within the Sustainable Electrochemical Engineering and Digitalisation (SEED) lab, co-hosted by the Catalytic Processes and Materials and Inorganic Membranes groups in the Faculty of Science and Technology. The University of Twente is recognized for its high-profile research in sustainable energy, process technology, materials science, and nanotechnology, and offers a supportive, people-first environment for professional development. To apply, candidates should submit a cover letter, detailed CV with at least two references, and a summary of their PhD research via the University of Twente careers portal by January 15, 2026. For substantive questions, contact Dr. Aayan Banerjee at [email protected]. Applications sent via email or LinkedIn will not be considered.

The University of Twente's SEED lab is offering a fully funded postdoctoral position as part of the SLDBatt project, focusing on the design and scale-up of sodium-salt (Na-salt) batteries. The research aims to develop low-cost, safe, and high energy density batteries (up to 100 Wh/kg cell-level) for long-duration energy storage, using sodium chloride and recycled aluminum with a NaAlCl4 electrolyte. The successful candidate will combine multiphysics modelling for cell design with electrochemical testing, such as charge-discharge cycling and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, to investigate and optimize battery performance. This role involves close collaboration with Exergy Storage and another postdoctoral researcher in the PCS research group. The research will address limiting physico-chemical phenomena in the battery and propose design and operational strategies to overcome them. The ultimate goal is to enable cell capacities up to 4 kWh and discharge durations of up to 100 hours, contributing to innovations in sustainable energy storage. Applicants should have a PhD in chemical engineering, chemistry, applied physics, or a related field, with a strong background in physics-based battery modelling. Experience in coding (C++/Python/Julia) and/or using COMSOL Multiphysics is required, as is experience or willingness to learn hands-on cell testing and analytical techniques (SEM-EDX, XRD, IR, Raman). The position requires self-motivation, teamwork, mentoring skills, and fluency in English. The SEED lab is a dynamic group of around 10 researchers working on electrochemical engineering for the low-carbon energy transition, bridging nano-scale physics to industrial-scale systems. The appointment is for 36 months, with a gross monthly salary of €4,241–€5,538, plus excellent benefits including holiday and end-of-year bonuses, pension, generous leave, free sports facilities, and family-friendly policies. The University of Twente is a leading Dutch technical university with a strong focus on sustainability, innovation, and societal impact. To apply, submit a cover letter, detailed CV with at least two references, and a summary of your PhD research via the University of Twente careers portal. The application deadline is January 15, 2026. For substantive questions, contact Dr. Aayan Banerjee at [email protected]. Do not send applications by email or LinkedIn. Keywords: batteries, multiphysics modelling, electrochemical testing, Na-salt battery, electrochemical engineering, energy storage, sustainability, chemical engineering, applied physics.

University of Twente is advertising a 24-month postdoctoral position in the SEED lab (Sustainable Electrochemical Engineering and Digitalisation) within the Faculty of Science and Technology. The project focuses on protonic ceramic cells (PCCs) for both Power-to-X and fuel cell applications, with a strong emphasis on high-temperature electrochemistry , cell fabrication, characterization, and testing. The core research theme is the development of novel pressurised PCC reactor concepts . The postdoc will help advance selective electrochemical conversion of CO2 into chemicals such as methanol and olefins , and N2 into ammonia . The role also includes contributing to a pressurised tubular cell test setup currently being built in the group. In parallel, the successful candidate will work on fuel-flexible protonic ceramic fuel cells (PCFCs) and broader high-temperature electrochemistry projects spanning protonic ceramic and solid oxide cells. This opportunity is aimed at an experienced experimentalist with hands-on skills in synthesis, fabrication, characterization, and testing of ceramic cells . Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is explicitly required, and experience with i-V testing , MS , GC , and materials characterization methods such as SEM-EDX , XRD , Raman , and/or DRIFTS is highly relevant. The postdoc should be self-driven, collaborative, and willing to mentor PhD, MSc, and BSc students. The position offers a full-time appointment with a gross monthly salary of €4,241–€5,538 depending on experience and qualifications, plus Dutch university benefits including holiday allowance, year-end bonus, pension, and campus sports access. The application deadline is 19 July 2026 . Applicants should submit a CV , a 1-page motivation letter , and a half-page summary of prior research through the official University of Twente vacancy portal. Do not apply by email or LinkedIn. For questions, the contact person is Dr. Aayan Banerjee at [email protected] .