项目介绍

2025年1月16日

Proton-exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis represents a promising technology for hydrogen production and is well-suited for integration with intermittent renewable energy sources. Hydrogen production by electrolysis produces oxygen as a byproduct. Producing hydrogen at a purity level suitable for various applications, including fuel cell vehicles, power generation, and industrial processes requires the removal of oxygen. An efficient hydrogen/oxygen separation would enable to obtain hydrogen at a high purity level and to capture oxygen which can be used in industrial applications or released safely into the atmosphere. Despite many research efforts, an oxygen-selective adsorbent is not commercially viable at present. In this research project, you will design, synthesise and test materials, such as metal-organic frameworks for their application in the purification of hydrogen produced by PEM electrolysis. This research is part of the large consortium project “Towards flexible, durable, and high-performance Hydrogen Production Technology” (HyPro) R&D project of the National Growth Fund program GroenvermogenNL involving knowledge institutions and companies in the Netherlands.

What you will do

Tasks and responsibilities: 

• You will synthesise and characterise existing and novel metal-organic frameworks using state-of-the art methodologies;
• You will characterise the materials using spectroscopic and surface characterisation techniques;
• You will identify and implement optimal methods for the integration and testing of materials for hydrogen purification in PEM applications;
• You will perform structure-property correlations and unravel the physical and chemical characteristics that determine the functional properties of the materials;
• You will collaborate with universities and industry and report and present your work-progress on a regular basis to the research partners and stakeholders within the project;
• You will participate in the activities of the Functional Materials group and work in close collaboration with colleagues at HIMS.

This is what we look for

• You have a creative, curious and driven nature;
• You have a recent Master degree in Chemistry, Materials Science or related field;
• You have skills in synthetic inorganic chemistry. Experience with metal-organic frameworks is a pro;
• You have skills in solid-state chemistry and materials characterization;
• You have a strong interest to investigate structure-property relationships of the synthesized materials both from fundamental point of view and for industrial application in hydrogen purification processes;
• You are open to contribute to scaling up metal-organic frameworks for application tests by industrial project partners;
• You are expected to stay acquainted with the recent scientific literature in the field of metal-organic frameworks, develop research ideas and valorise the research in the form of research articles;
• You have excellent analytical and communication skills and a demonstrated ability to work both independently and in collaboratively in a team environment;
• You have a good team spirit and like to work in interdisciplinary and internationally oriented environment and to work with academic and industrial partners;
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English.

What we offer

A temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended for a total duration of 4 years). The preferred starting date is as soon as possible/to be discussed. This should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and master students.

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 2,901 and € 3,707 (scale P). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities is applicable.

What else do we offer?

Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Science Park we offer you multiple fringe benefits:

• 232 holiday hours per year (based on fulltime) and extra holidays between Christmas and 1 January;
• multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre;
• a complete educational program for PhD students;
• multiple courses on topics such as leadership for academic staff;
• multiple courses on topics such as time management, handling stress and an online learning platform with 100+ different courses;
• 7 weeks birth leave (partner leave) with 100% salary;
• partly paid parental leave;
• the possibility to set up a workplace at home;
• a pension at ABP for which UvA pays two third part of the contribution;
• the possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch;
• help with housing for a studio or small apartment when you’re moving from abroad. 

Are you curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits, take a look here.