What you will do

During the electrochemical production of green hydrogen, trace metals from the electrolyte such as Fe and Mo are incorporated into the electrodes. This incorporation has a strong effect on the catalytic activity of the system, making it a powerful tool to boost the efficiency of the process. The goal of this project is to gain better control over trace-metal-boosted catalysis by unravelling the  surface chemistry of metal incorporation and the molecular-level mechanisms through which the incorporated metals change the electrocatalytic activity. To this end, you will use the advanced in situ X-ray spectroscopic methods developed in our group. These methods make it possible to track the individual chemistries of every element at the electrode-electrolyte interface, enabling you to follow the metal incorporation process “live” during electrocatalysis, and to study how the incorporated metals change the (catalytic) surface chemistry of the electrode. You will have the opportunity to work with both our in-house X-ray spectroscopy set-ups as well as synchrotron facilities. Your work will be embedded in our group’s collaborative framework, allowing you to collaborate within the institute, with companies, and with the international research community. 

This project is a good match for you if you like:

• Understanding electrochemistry at the molecular level
• Working with advanced measurement techniques
• Working as a team, both within the group and in collaborations with other institutes

For more information about the project, please contact Dr. Rik Mom (r.v.mom@lic.leidenuniv.nl). 

What you bring

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate, who has:

•              a Master’s degree in Chemistry or Physics, or a related discipline;

•              A strong interest in spectroscopy and electrochemistry;

•              Excellent proficiency in English;

•              Good technical experimental skills.

You should feel comfortable working in a collaborative environment with complex experiments. Analytical thinking, creativity, and an independent working attitude are highly valued. Experience with electrochemistry, vacuum equipment, or in situ spectroscopy is considered an advantage.

Want to apply or find out more?

What we offer

We also offer:

• An employment contract for 12 months initially, to be extended for 3 more years upon satisfactory performance. This contract falls under the CLA of Dutch Universities;
• A salary between €3059 - €3881 gross per month, based on a full-time appointment (38 hours) (PhD student);
• A holiday allowance (8%), an end-of-year bonus (8,3%), and an attractive pension scheme at ABP;
• Full reimbursement of public transport commuting costs for home-to-work travel;
• Flexible working hours: as a standard, you are entitled to a minimum of 29 leave days on the basis of a full-time working week of 38 hours; you can also save for extra leave, for example by working 40 hours a week, and in this way accrue an extra 96 leave hours, or exchange 96 leave hours for a 36-hour week.
• Lots of options when it comes to secondary employment conditions; we can, for example, discuss options for paid parental leave. Within our terms of employment individual choices model, you can exchange leave days and/or salary for benefits such as an advantageous sports subscription and bicycle scheme;
• If your work allows it, hybrid working is possible within the Netherlands;
• A home-working allowance (day and internet allowance) and attention for good workplaces.

Where you will work

Leiden University is one of Europe’s leading international research universities. Thanks to its committed and inspired employees, the university enjoys a leading role in academic research and education. Every year, Leiden University scores very well in prominent rankings. This means that, to maintain our position, the bar is set very high. Regardless of the work you do at our university, you are always encouraged to broaden your horizons, develop your talents and reach your full potential.

About the faculty and institute:

The Faculty of Science at Leiden University is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are committed to expand fundamental knowledge by curiosity and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science, and to contribute to addressing the major societal challenges of the future.

The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organized in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelors’ and twelve master’s programmes. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2,300 staff and over 5,000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together.

The research is embedded within the Leiden Institute of Chemistry, with its long-standing traditions of excellence in research. Apart from a state-of-the-art electrochemistry laboratory, and excellent synthesis facilities, preparation and measurement facilities, unconventional nanofabrication equipment and experimental setups to measure ion transport will be designed supported by outstanding mechanical and electronic workshops. We foster an international and collaborative atmosphere and have close ties to other institutes housed within our Faculty of Science and with many research groups within the Netherlands, and many prominent labs abroad.

What we value

Promoting an inclusive community is central to Leiden University’s values and vision. We strive to be an open community in which all students and staff members feel valued and respected, and are able to fully develop themselves. We consider an inclusive academic environment, where students and staff can share their experiences and viewpoints, to be essential for the development of talent.