Kitty Nijmeijer

This PhD position at Eindhoven University of Technology focuses on advancing sustainable energy storage through the development of aqueous acid-base flow batteries. The project is part of a multidisciplinary research team working closely with the industrial partner AquaBattery, aiming to design affordable, safe, and scalable long-duration energy storage systems based on abundant materials. The innovative acid-base flow battery concept has been recognized with the European Sustainable Energy Innovation Award 2025. As a PhD candidate, you will contribute to the next generation of acid-base flow cells by developing bipolar membranes for enhanced water splitting and recombination, utilizing advanced electrospinning techniques. The research group boasts a unique triple electrospinner, enabling simultaneous electrospinning of anion and cation exchange polymers with a catalyst, creating highly tunable and scalable membrane structures. Your work will involve both fundamental and application-oriented research, with a strong emphasis on scalability for commercial deployment. The Membrane Materials and Processes group, part of the Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, provides state-of-the-art laboratories and a collaborative environment. The group specializes in the design, development, characterization, and application of polymer membranes for sustainable processes, integrating materials chemistry, engineering, and process technology. Application areas include water and energy, with a focus on energy storage, resource recovery, and waste valorization. You will have access to a wide range of characterization and performance evaluation techniques, and your research will be evaluated in both laboratory and pilot-scale battery systems. Applicants should have a strong background in chemistry and chemical engineering, with experience in electrochemistry, physical chemistry, and materials engineering. A scientific and research-oriented attitude, hands-on mentality, and interest in industry collaboration are essential. Analytical skills, creativity, and the ability to work in an interdisciplinary team are highly valued. Excellent English communication skills (C1 level) are required, and candidates should enjoy working in an international, social environment. The selection process includes an interview, scientific presentation, and writing assignment. The position offers full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend 10-15% of your time on teaching tasks. The salary is in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (scale P: €3,059 - €3,881 per month), plus a year-end bonus, vacation pay, pension scheme, paid parental leave, commuting and internet allowances, and a 30% tax compensation scheme for international candidates. The university provides high-quality training programs, technical infrastructure, on-campus childcare, and sports facilities. To apply, submit a complete application online including a cover letter, CV with publications and references, and a list of BSc and MSc courses and grades. Only complete applications will be considered, and applications sent by email or post will not be processed. The vacancy will remain open until filled, with a deadline of February 12, 2026. For further information, contact Prof.dr.ir. Kitty Nijmeijer ([email protected]) or visit the Membrane Materials and Processes group page. This is an excellent opportunity to join a leading international university and contribute to cutting-edge research in sustainable energy storage.

Open professor-level academic positions are available in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), Netherlands. The department is seeking five new scientific staff members: four Assistant Professors and one Associate/Full Professor. The advertised research areas are Process Systems Engineering , Energy Materials , Molecular Sciences , Process Technology , and Soft Matter and Complex Molecular Systems . The department emphasizes interdisciplinary research connecting molecular systems, materials chemistry, and chemical process technology, with applications in sustainable energy, circular materials, advanced manufacturing, and health. These are academic staff positions rather than student openings. TU/e highlights a supportive environment with state-of-the-art labs, interdepartmental institutes, collaboration with industry and research partners in the Brainport Eindhoven ecosystem, and startup packages for new colleagues. The university also states that tenured positions are offered from the start. Eligibility is broad, with the department welcoming ambitious and creative researchers and educators. The FAQ notes that the department is open to a wide range of research topics within Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, and that teaching may include bachelor and/or master courses. Most teaching is in English, and non-Dutch speakers are encouraged to learn Dutch for broader integration. Funding and support information includes access to the Netherlands’ strong funding landscape, such as NWO, EU Horizon Europe, and industry collaborations, plus internal seed funding and grant application support. Applicants should submit materials through the official portal; no separate email submission is needed. For questions, the recruiter Thomas Slegers is listed as the contact person. No application deadline is stated in the provided text.