Postdoc Complexes Novel Flow Batteries NL, CD

Job description

What will be the new generation of batteries for long-duration energy storage?

Energy storage is an indispensable factor for bridging the electricity consumption with the intermittent renewable energy supply. With increasing supply of renewable electricity in our energy mix, and electrification across industrial, transport, commercial, and residential sectors strains existing grid infrastructure, electricity storage is required to prevent congestion and transmission bottlenecks. This energy storage is required at a broad range of timescales.

While technology is available for the short to medium timescales, very little technology is available to store electricity efficiently to cover durations of 25+ hours.

In that light, we started the collaborative research project REDOX BLEND, performed at seven Dutch universities and knowledge institutes (TU Delft, RUG, UTwente, TU/Eindhoven, U Nijmegen, DIFFER, TNO) to develop next generation batteries for ultra-long‑duration energy storage. Specifically, this postdoc position focuses on redox mediated solutions to increase the energy density of flow batteries. You will study complexes with transition metals, such as iron‑based complexes, and inorganic Prussian Blue analogue materials.

You will also study coatings and additives to secure stable particles of these redox active materials.

We’re looking for a postdoc with a background in electrochemistry, with an excellent performance for his/her career stage. The candidate should have good skills to collaborate in an interdisciplinary project, for leveraging joint research with other universities in the project and with industrial partners (Aquabattery, Elestor, Ore Energy). The candidate should have expertise in experimental work, for both material science and process technology, to demonstrate the new redox flow battery technology at cell level.

• A PhD degree, in chemical engineering, applied chemistry or similar
• Proven experience in working with electrochemical systems
• Proven lab skills
• Experience with synthesis of complexes or redox‑active materials is a plus
• An excellent publication record
• Pro‑active and creative mind‑set
• Fluent in English. Speaking Dutch is a plus

• Challenging job in a highly innovative technology field
• Embedding in an enthusiastic team of engineers and researchers
• Collaboration with industrial partners
• A position for 2 years
• Duration of contract is 2 years – temporary
• A job of 32-40 hours per week
• Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities
• An excellent pension scheme via the ABP
• The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year
• Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages
• Flexible working week
• Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget
• Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses
• Partially paid parental leave
• Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft.

A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.