Maxime van der Heijden

PhD opportunity at the University of Waterloo in Chemical Engineering with the Van der Heijden Lab, focused on electrocatalysis , porous electrode design , and chlor-alkali electrolysis . The project sits within the lab’s broader research on the advanced manufacturing of electrochemical devices , including porous microstructures for electrochemical systems such as water electrolyzers and flow batteries. The group combines experimental and computational approaches, using imaging techniques, machine learning, device testing, and additive manufacturing to study and improve porous materials and electrochemical devices. Research topics include design and fabrication of 3D porous electrodes and catalysts , electrocatalysis , reaction engineering , electrochemical and analytical characterization, transport phenomena, kinetics, and system performance, with an emphasis on integration into real-world electrolysis devices. This is a fully funded PhD position with a firm start date in September . The post specifies that applicants must already be eligible to study in Canada, meaning Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or holders of a valid study permit. Required background includes a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering , Chemistry , Materials Science , or a related field, plus strong interest in electrochemistry/materials/reaction engineering, hands-on experimental research experience, and strong collaboration and communication skills. Applications are due June 24 . Interested candidates should apply via the Google Form and include a CV, transcripts, and questionnaire.

🚨 New PhD opportunity at the University of Waterloo in Canada : Reactor Engineering and Scale-Up for Chlor-Alkali Electrolysis . The Van der Heijden Lab is recruiting a PhD student to work on chemical engineering , electrochemical engineering , reactor engineering , flow-cell design , and scale-up for chlor-alkali electrolysis. The project focuses on translating laboratory concepts into practical, scalable systems with a strong hands-on engineering emphasis. Research topics include design and optimization of electrochemical reactors and flow electrolyzers, flow-field development, electrolyte management, reactor fabrication, instrumentation and testing, thermal and mass transport, reaction engineering, continuous operation, process optimization, sensor integration, and control strategies. This is a fully funded PhD position in Chemical Engineering . The post states that applicants must be able to begin studies at the University of Waterloo in January 2027 . Eligibility highlights: a master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or a related field; strong interest in engineering design, prototyping, experimental systems, and technology development; hands-on experience with building/testing/operating experimental systems; and an asset if you have CAD, fabrication, instrumentation, sensors, controls, automation, process engineering, or electrochemical systems experience. Application deadline: September 7, 2026 . Apply only through the Google Form and include the requested CV, transcripts, and questionnaire. The post explicitly says not to email application materials directly.