Would you like to develop new materials that can allow the quantification of the hydrogen concentration in an electrolyser?
Job description
Thin film materials have a variety of applications in the energy domain. These materials are alos fascinating, as thin film effects like nanoconfinement, clamping, and high surface-to-volume ratio's can drastically alter the thermodynamics of these materials. In this PhD project, energy materials will be synthesized with thin film deposition tehcniques such as magnetron sputtering. They will be studied, both form an application point of view (efficiency/performance of the device they are used for) and from a fundamental point of view.
This project will be a true team effort, involving Research technicians, Scientific staff, both within and outside of TU Delft. There will be a predominant experimental focus, and advanced material characterisation methods including neutron and X-ray reflectometry, X-ray spectroscopy and diffraction will be a major part of it.
The responsible supervisor of the project will be Lars Bannenberg.
Tasks:
- Synthesize thin film energy materials using e.g. physical vapor deposition (magnetron sputtering).
- Perform advanced material characterization with techniques such as Neutron and X-ray reflectometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction.
- Characterization of functional performance of the thin film materials.
- Write academic papers and deliver presentations and updates in which you communicate your experimental.
- Co-supervise bachelor and master student thesis projects.
- Contribute to the teaching activities of the group within the bachelor/master programs of the Faculty of Applied Sciences. This could be helping/coordinating the exercise lectures, practical assignments etc. being maximum 10% of your time.
The Storage of Electrochemical Energy group of the Radiation Science and Technology department focusses on fundamental processes in electroceramics and next-generation batteries using experimental probes as neutron and X-ray scattering, as well as solid state NMR and computational approaches including density functional theory calculations. The direct access to these facilities and collaborative atmosphere represents a stimulating environment for research and development.
See https://www.tudelft.nl/en/faculty-of-applied-sciences/about-faculty/departments/radiation-science-technology/research/research-groups/storage-of-electrochemical-energy
Job requirements
- You would be our ideal candidate if you are/have:
- Master in chemical engineering, chemistry, physics, material science or a related subject.
- Experience with thin film deposition techniques including magnetron sputtering.
- Experience with neutron and X-ray reflectometry
- Programming experience (preferably Python).
- Excellent command of the English language in both speaking and writing. Speaking Dutch is an advantage (some Teaching assistant activities require Dutch Speaking candidates).
- Team working mentality as well as capable to efficiently work individually and good communication skills.
- Demonstrated excellent experimental and analytical skills.
TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.
For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow.
These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future.
At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional.
Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.
With more than 1,100 employees, including 150 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,600 passionate students, the Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem. Focusing on key enabling technologies, such as quantum- and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology and materials for energy storage and conversion, our faculty aims to provide solutions to important problems of the 21st century. To that end, we educate innovative students in broad Bachelor's and specialist Master's programmes with a strong research component. Our scientists conduct ground-breaking fundamental and applied research in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Engineering Physics. We are also training the next generation of high school teachers.
about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Lars Bannenberg (responsible supervisor), via [email protected]
Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 30 June 2026 upload the following documents:
- CV
- Cover letter
- Grade list for your MSc education
You can address your application to Lars Bannenberg (responsible supervisor).
Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.
Please note:
- You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
- As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest. You can find more information about this assessment on our website about knowledge security.
- Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.
