项目介绍

2025年1月17日

The HyPRO project, a national initiative with over 70 project partners, aims to advance the production of green hydrogen. As part of this collaborative effort, we are seeking a motivated PhD candidate to contribute to experimental studies of a 10-kilowatt SOEC system. This position offers a unique opportunity to work with leading research institutions and industry partners, including TNO, SolydEra, Shell , VDL, TU/e, and TU Delft to drive forward the energy transition.

Your job

You will be involved in the experimental study and performance evaluation of a 10-kilowatt Solid Oxide Electrolyzer (SOEC) system. This system will be tested under various operating conditions to understand its long-term durability, efficiency, and performance characteristics. Your primary focus will be on ensuring the performance of the electrolyser under dynamic operating conditions and assessing how different scenarios, such as ramp-up and ramp-down processes, impact the stack’s longevity and efficiency.

You will help assemble the SOEC system, which includes the stack (provided by various project partners) and all associated components. Once the system is set up, you will carry out electrochemical performance tests, including but not limited to measuring IV curves, analysing the system’s efficiency under different current loads, and conducting dynamic tests to simulate real-world operational scenarios. You will also examine the stack’s durability by running long-term tests, during which they will evaluate its stability, degradation patterns, and overall performance in terms of efficiency over time.

As part of the experiments, you will investigate the impact of various operational scenarios—such as fluctuating load demands, temperature changes, and ramp rates—on the electrolyser’s performance and lifespan. This will include measuring the electrolyser’s response to changes in load (ramp-up/ramp-down) and assessing its performance under transient conditions to better understand its real-time dynamics.

The role also involves reporting experimental findings in detail to both internal teams and external project partners. You will work closely with the fabrication and modelling teams to provide feedback on system performance and suggest potential improvements or modifications to the system’s design and operation for better efficiency and longevity. Additionally, you will collaborate with other researchers and students across the project to ensure that knowledge is shared and that the work is aligned with the broader goals of the HyPRO initiative.

Your qualities

The ideal candidate has:

• a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Energy Engineering, or a related field;
• hands-on experimental experience, preferably with hydrogen systems, electrolysers, or fuel cells;
• strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret experimental data;
• proficiency in English, both written and spoken;
• a collaborative and team-oriented mindset, with the ability to work effectively with researchers from diverse backgrounds;
• a proactive approach and the ability to suggest improvements based on experimental findings;
• willingness to participate in hydrogen safety training courses.

Our offer

We offer:

• a position for one year, with an extension to a total of four years upon a successful assessment in the first year, and with the specific intent that it results in a doctorate within this period;
• a working week of 38 hours and a gross monthly salary between €2,901 and €3,707 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU. 

In addition to the terms of employment external link laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University has a number of schemes and facilities of its own for employees. This includes schemes facilitating professional development external link, leave schemes and schemes for sports and cultural activities external link, as well as discounts on software and other IT products. We also offer access to additional employee benefits through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage our employees to continue to invest in their growth. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University external link.

About us

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University external link, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes external link. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow external link.

Utrecht University’s Faculty of Geosciences external link studies the Earth: from the Earth’s core to its surface, including man’s spatial and material utilisation of the Earth – always with a focus on sustainability and innovation. With 3,400 students (BSc and MSc) and 720 staff, the faculty is a strong and challenging organisation. The Faculty of Geosciences is organised in four Departments: Earth Sciences, Human Geography & Spatial Planning, Physical Geography, and Sustainable Development.

More information

For more information, please contact Professor Gert Jan Kramer external link at g.j.kramer@uu.nl.

Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.

Apply now

As Utrecht University, we want to be a home external link for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute.

To apply, please send your curriculum vitae, including a letter of motivation, via the ‘apply now’ button.

The application deadline is 28 February 2025.