Guido Mul

The University of Twente invites applications for a PhD position within the ambitious “Redox Blend” project, focused on developing next-generation organic redox mediators for aqueous redox flow batteries. Redox flow batteries are a promising technology for long-duration electrical energy storage, offering rapid energy storage and retrieval with the environmental advantages of aqueous systems. However, challenges remain in improving energy density and ensuring long-term stability. As a PhD candidate, you will design and synthesize organic redox mediators to enhance system stability, develop solid booster materials to increase energy density, and assess their performance in electrochemical and redox flow battery systems. This research is part of the larger “Redox Blend” initiative, which brings together universities and industry partners under the National Growth Fund program Circular Batteries. You will work within the groups of Prof. Jurriaan Huskens (Department of Molecules & Materials) and Prof. Guido Mul (Department of Chemical Engineering), both part of the MESA+ Institute and the Faculty of Science & Technology at the University of Twente. The position offers access to state-of-the-art research facilities, including the renowned NanoLab, and a professional development program through Graduate School Twente. The international research environment is stimulating and supportive, with excellent mentorship and opportunities for collaboration. The appointment is full-time for four years, with a qualifier in the first year. The salary starts at €3,059 per month and increases annually to €3,881 in the fourth year. Additional benefits include an 8% holiday allowance, 8.3% end-of-year bonus, a solid pension scheme, at least 29 holidays per year, and free access to campus sports facilities. Applicants should have a Master’s degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, or nanoscience/technology, with experience in organic chemistry, materials chemistry, and/or electrochemistry. Fluency in English, strong communication skills, and the ability to collaborate with diverse partners are essential. Application materials must include a transcript of MSc grades, CV (with publication list if applicable), a motivation letter, and contact information for at least two references. The starting date is negotiable, and the application deadline is February 15, 2026. For more information, contact Prof. Jurriaan Huskens ([email protected]) or Prof. Guido Mul ([email protected]). Apply online via the University of Twente careers portal. Join a vibrant research community and contribute to the future of sustainable energy storage!

The University of Twente invites applications for a PostDoc position within the innovative “Redox Blend” project, focused on developing the next generation of organic redox mediators for aqueous redox flow batteries. This project addresses key challenges in long-duration electrical energy storage, targeting improvements in reversibility, energy density, and long-term stability of aqueous redox flow battery systems. The successful candidate will work on stack development for the reversible reduction of highly concentrated bicarbonate/formate solutions at the 1-3 kW scale, benchmarking these systems against established vanadium redox couples. Additionally, the role involves developing a trickle bed reactor (storage tank) with a 'booster' and exploring the integration of booster-based redox chemistry with bicarbonate/formate half-cells. This position is part of the larger “Redox Blend” initiative, which includes collaborations with other universities and research institutes such as DIFFER and TNO, under the National Growth Fund program Circular Batteries. The project is embedded in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Twente, specifically within the group of Prof. Guido Mul, and benefits from strong collaborations with groups like the Sustainable Process Technology Group. The department is renowned for its research in energy materials and sustainable chemical production technologies. The Faculty of Science & Technology at the University of Twente is a vibrant environment with over 700 staff and 2000 students, engaging in cutting-edge research in chemical technology, applied physics, and biomedical technology. The faculty maintains strong ties with industrial partners and international research networks, and its research is supported by multidisciplinary institutes such as the Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre, and Digital Society Institute. The position offers a full-time contract for two years, access to state-of-the-art research facilities, and excellent mentorship in a stimulating international environment. The gross monthly salary ranges from €4,241 to €5,538, with additional benefits including an 8% holiday allowance, 8.3% end-of-year bonus, a solid pension scheme, at least 29 holidays per year, and free access to campus sports facilities. Employment conditions are governed by the Dutch universities CAO-NU. Applicants must have a PhD in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, or nanoscience/technology, with experience in electrochemical engineering or reactor/process design. Fluency in English, strong communication skills, and the ability to collaborate with diverse teams are essential. The application should include an MSc transcript, executive summary of the PhD thesis and DOI, CV with publication list, motivation letter, and contact details for at least two references. The position is available from April 1, 2026, with a negotiable start date. The application deadline is March 31, 2026. For further information, contact Prof. Guido Mul at [email protected] . Apply online via the official University of Twente careers portal.

This PhD position at the University of Twente focuses on developing high-pressure CO2 electrolysis for the direct production of formate and formaldehyde, key platform chemicals for the sustainable chemical industry. The project is part of the HyCARB program, the largest European initiative on green carbon conversion, and is embedded within the Department of Chemical Engineering and the MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology. The research aims to advance electrochemical CO2 conversion by designing and synthesizing novel electrode materials, developing high-pressure continuous flow electrochemical cells, and applying advanced in situ spectro-electrochemical techniques. The goal is to achieve selective and efficient conversion of CO2 (or CO) into valuable chemicals using renewable electricity, contributing to sustainable manufacturing and carbon utilization technologies. As a PhD candidate, you will gain expertise in electrocatalysis, reactor engineering, and spectroscopy, and work within a large national consortium involving both academic and industrial partners. The project combines fundamental mechanistic studies with applied engineering, offering opportunities to publish in scientific journals and present at international conferences. You will be mentored by Dr. Marco Altomare and Professor Guido Mul, who will support your scientific and professional development. Applicants should have a relevant MSc degree (chemical engineering, chemistry, materials science, or related), a strong interest in electrochemistry or catalysis, and meet English language requirements (IELTS ≥6.5, TOEFL-iBT ≥90, or Cambridge CAE-C/CPE). The application deadline is April 10, 2026. The University of Twente offers a dynamic research environment with strong links to industry and a commitment to sustainable innovation. For more information, contact Dr. Marco Altomare at the provided email address. Apply online via the University of Twente careers portal.

The University of Twente invites applications for a PhD position focused on high-pressure CO2 electrolysis to formate and formaldehyde. This research is part of the HyCARB consortium, the largest European program on green carbon conversion, and is embedded within the Department of Chemical Engineering and the MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology. The project aims to develop novel electrochemical routes for converting CO2 (or CO) into valuable platform chemicals, specifically formate and formaldehyde, using renewable electricity. This work addresses a key challenge in sustainable chemical manufacturing and carbon utilization technologies. As a PhD candidate, you will design and synthesize advanced electrode materials, perform electrochemical testing and product analysis, and develop high-pressure continuous flow electrochemical cells. You will also apply in situ spectro-electrochemical techniques to study reaction mechanisms, relating catalyst properties and operating conditions to selectivity, energy efficiency, and system stability. The project combines fundamental mechanistic research with applied reactor engineering, aiming to advance the technology from proof-of-concept to higher technological maturity. You will gain expertise in electrocatalysis, reactor engineering, and advanced spectroscopy, and work within a large national research consortium with both academic and industrial partners. The position offers opportunities for international conference participation, teaching, and career development. Supervision will be provided by Dr. Marco Altomare and Professor Guido Mul, who will support your scientific and professional growth. The project is part of the GroenvermogenNL initiative, involving a broad network across the Netherlands. The University of Twente offers a four-year, full-time PhD position with a competitive salary (starting at €3,059 per month, rising to €3,881), excellent benefits including holiday and end-of-year bonuses, a solid pension scheme, generous leave, and access to sports facilities. The university is family-friendly and provides a supportive environment for career and personal development. Applicants should have a MSc degree in chemical engineering, chemistry, mechanical engineering, applied physics, or a related field, with hands-on experience in electrochemistry. Strong analytical, communication, and teamwork skills are essential, as is fluency in English. For candidates without Dutch qualifications or English-medium education, proof of English proficiency is required (IELTS ≥6.5, TOEFL-iBT ≥90, or Cambridge CAE-C/CPE). To apply, submit your application via the online portal by April 10, 2026. Required documents include a cover letter detailing your motivation and fit for the project, a CV with academic records and publications, and proof of English proficiency if applicable. For further information, contact Dr. Marco Altomare at [email protected].

This PhD position is part of the SLDBatt project, the largest R&D initiative in the Netherlands focused on battery technology for long-term storage of sustainably generated electricity. The project aims to develop a low-cost, safe, and high energy density battery using sodium chloride and recycled aluminum. As a PhD researcher, you will work closely with Exergy Storage, the battery developer, and a postdoctoral researcher in the CPM research group at the University of Twente. Your research will probe the molten salt NaAlCl4 electrolyte chemistry, utilizing in situ Raman probe spectroscopy to investigate spatially resolved compositional changes during battery charging and discharging. You will also analyze electrochemical parameters using impedance spectroscopy, evaluate cell and ceramic membrane impedances, and study bi-directional Na+ transport, interfacial phenomena, and performance degradation caused by salt accumulation or aluminum deposition. The experimental data you generate will be leveraged with modeling approaches from the collaborating postdoctoral researcher, aiming to unlock innovations for cell capacities up to 4 kWh and discharge durations of up to 100 hours. You will join the Photo Catalytic Synthesis (PCS) lab, part of the Department of Chemical Engineering within the Faculty of Science and Technology at the University of Twente. PCS is a dynamic team of around 30 researchers working to accelerate photocatalytic and electrochemical technology development for the low carbon energy and materials transition. The lab bridges nano-scale material science and photo- and electrocatalysis to industrial-scale systems. The Faculty of Science & Technology (Technische Natuurwetenschappen, TNW) at the University of Twente is a people-first tech university, engaging 700 staff and 2000 students in education and research at the forefront of chemical technology, applied physics, and biomedical technology. The faculty collaborates intensively with industrial partners and researchers both nationally and internationally, conducting extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Research is housed in three multidisciplinary UT institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre, and Digital Society Institute. Applicants should have a MSc degree in a relevant field such as chemical engineering, materials science, or physics. Application materials include a cover letter, detailed CV with references, and a summary of MSc research. The selection process involves interviews and a scientific presentation. The position is fully funded as part of the SLDBatt project, with support for research activities and collaboration with industry partners. For more information, contact Prof. Dr. Guido Mul at [email protected]. Applications must be submitted via the online portal and not by email or LinkedIn.

The University of Twente invites applications for a PhD position focused on the fundamental aspects of the NaAlCl battery, as part of the SLDBatt project—the largest R&D initiative for battery technology dedicated to long-term storage of sustainably generated electricity in the Netherlands. The successful candidate will join the Photo Catalytic Synthesis (PCS) lab within the Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, and work closely with Exergy Storage and a postdoctoral researcher in the CPM research group. This research aims to develop a low-cost, safe, and high energy density battery using sodium chloride and recycled aluminum. The PhD researcher will probe the molten salt NaAlCl4 electrolyte chemistry, utilizing in situ Raman probe spectroscopy to investigate spatially resolved compositional changes during battery charging and discharging. Electrochemical parameters will be studied using impedance spectroscopy, and the evaluation of cell and ceramic membrane impedances will be a key part of the project. The research will address bi-directional Na+ transport, interfacial phenomena, and performance degradation caused by salt accumulation or aluminum deposition. Experimental data will be leveraged with modelling approaches to unlock innovations for cell capacities up to 4 kWh and discharge durations up to 100 hours. Applicants should have a Master degree in chemical engineering, chemistry, applied physics, or a related field. Strong motivation for experimental research and development is essential, with a preference for laboratory work and setting up experimental facilities. Experience or willingness to learn hands-on cell testing via electrochemical characterization (i-V, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) and analytical techniques (SEM-EDX, XRD, Raman) is expected. Candidates should be self-driven, able to work independently and collaboratively, willing to mentor junior researchers, fluent in English, and able to collaborate with external parties from academia and industry. The position offers a full-time contract for four years, with a qualifier in the first year. The salary ranges from €3,059 (first year) to €3,881 (fourth year) per month, with excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8%, end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, a solid pension scheme, and generous leave hours. Additional benefits include industry collaboration, international conference travel budget, teaching opportunities, career training or leadership programs, free access to sports facilities, and parental leave. The PhD candidate will participate in a training programme as part of the Twente Graduate School, with a tailored education and supervision plan. To apply, candidates should submit a cover letter, detailed CV with references, and a summary of MSc research via the online application portal. The selection process includes scientific presentations and interviews. For further information, contact Prof. Dr. Guido Mul at [email protected] (not for applications). The PCS lab comprises around 30 researchers working to accelerate photocatalytic and electrochemical technology development for the low carbon energy and materials transition, bridging nano-scale material science and photo- and electrocatalysis to industrial-scale systems. The Faculty of Science & Technology at the University of Twente is a people-first tech university, engaging in cutting-edge research and education in chemical technology, applied physics, and biomedical technology. The faculty collaborates intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and its research is accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre, and Digital Society Institute.