Doctoral scholarship holder redox flow batteries

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Department: Department of Biochemical and Chemical Engineering
Regime Full-time

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The research group Applied Electrochemistry and Catalysis (ELCAT) in the Faculty of Applied Engineering is looking for a full time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of redox flow batteries. Batteries will be crucial to transform our society to a sustainable one. As a PhD student you will therefore conduct research to understand how battery design, operating conditions and redox chemistry affect performance and study the influence on lifetime.

Within the research group ELCAT you will find yourself in an excellent research environment consisting of more than 40 researchers and equipped with state-of-the-art lab facilities and research equipment. The scope of ELCAT is situated in the field of electrochemistry and electrochemical engineering. Its scientific activities are related to the development of state-of-the-art electrochemical reactors and batteries, striving towards a green and sustainable industry and society.

Position

• You will work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in the field of redox flow batteries for renewable energy storage. To guarantee energy supply in the future and keep on incorporating windmills and solar panels in our energy mix, it is crucial that we can store electricity for moments when production levels are too low. Redox flow batteries stand out in the field of energy storage but their performance and cost can still be improved. In this, electrolyte composition and battery design are important and still need to be improved. You will study in a team of researchers the novel titanium-cerium redox chemistry and how it’s electrolyte formulation (e.g. type of acid) affect charge/discharge rate and stability. You will conduct experiments to test how battery design (e.g. flow field design, membrane, scale-up, stacking) with relation to the titanium-cerium electrolyte formulation affects performance (e.g. cross-over, power density, electrolyte precipitation).
• You will publish scientific articles and/or patents related to your research.
• You also assist in a limited number of teaching tasks and research support to aid in the good day-to-day functioning of the research group and the Faculty of Applied Engineering.

Profile

• You hold a Master’s degree in chemical engineering, Master’s degree in applied engineering/industrial science: chemistry, Master’s degree in a related field or equivalent through experience or you will have obtained it by the time you start working.
• You can demonstrate excellent study results.
• You have a thorough understanding of mass transfer and reactor engineering
• You are pro-active and have mind-set for scientific research.
• You are enthusiast and highly motivated.
• You can work safely in research laboratories, in particular regarding chemical substances.
• Experience in performing experiments with electrochemical systems such as redox flow batteries is considered a plus.
• You have a good knowledge of English language. You can communicate well, both in speaking and in writing. A C1 in English is considered a plus.
• You are strong in planning and organizing; you can work independently.
• Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
• Recommendation letters are highly advised and considered an added value.

What we offer

• We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of one year. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed for a total of 4 years.
• The planned start date is preferably 01 January 2027 or sooner.
• Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders on the pay scales for Contract Research Staff (Dutch: Bijzonder Academisch Personeel, BAP).
• You will receive ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• You will do most of your work at Campus Drie Eiken (Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium) and Campus Groenenborger (Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerpen) in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
• Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here.

Want to apply?

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform until November 12^th 2026. Click on the 'Apply' button, complete the online application form and be sure to include the following attachments: a motivation letter and your academic CV.
• The selection committee will review all of the applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision has been made, we will inform you about the next steps in the selection procedure.
• If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to jobs@uantwerpen.be. If you have specific questions about the position, please contact Prof. Jonas Hereijgers (Jonas.Hereijgers@uantwerpen.be). Applications need to be submitted through the online job application platform.

The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.