We have an open PhD position in Materials Chemistry for an enthusiastic and motivated student. We seek talented, motivated and curious students with a MSc degree, for whom the temptation of researching novel and exciting subjects is irresistible. Are you attracted to an exciting job in materials research?
Function PhD-student
Departments Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry
FTE 1,0
Date off 01/08/2014
Reference number V37.2015
The research of our Bio-Inspired and Multiscale Materials Group in the Laboratory of Material and Interface Chemistrytakes inspiration from natural processes in which materials with advanced functional properties are formed by precise regulation of the growth process. In many cases the synthesis of these materials involves the precisely regulated nucleation and growth of minerals, often through the formation of transient phases that determine the characteristics of the final product. We use advanced electron microscopic analysis techniques to achieve mechanistic insight, and eventually regulate such crystallization processes under laboratory conditions so that they can be applied in the synthesis of advanced materials, with e.g. magnetic, or catalytic properties.
The following position is open:
Advanced electron microsocopic study of the formation of catalytic nanoparticles
This project is a collaboration with both the Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science at Utrecht University (UU) and Shell Global Solutions International B.V.. Co3O4 nanoparticles are used in the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis to catalyze the hydrogenation of CO in the formation of long chain alkanes. To minimize the necessary amount of the catalyst the cobalt is deposited on oxide supports, such as TiO2. As the chemical interaction between the TiO2 and the catalyst is important for the catalytic performance, the aim of the project is to investigate the morphological and structural development of the Co3O4 nanoparticles in the Co—TiO2 system during homogeneous deposition precipitation, with particular emphasis on the role of the TiO2 support in this process. Using the most advanced equipment for cryogenic and in-situ electron microsocopy we aim to obtain a deeper understanding of the formation mechanism which will be an important step in fine tuning the structure and shape of the nanoparticles for optimized catalytic performance. You will work closely together with other PhD students at Utrecht University to the structural and morphological information to the performance of the nanoparticles in catalysis
Job requirements
We are looking for talented and enthusiastic (almost) graduated Master students in Chemistry, Physics and/or Chemical Engineering. We invite highly motivated students with talent for research to apply. Other requirements are excellent analytic and communicative skills. You should have a good basis in English and we expect you to be a team player.
Conditions of employment
We offer a challenging job for four years in a highly motivated team at a dynamic and ambitious University. You will work – hands on! – with innovative analytic equipment and you will be part of a highly profiled multidisciplinary collaboration where expertise of a variety of disciplines comes together. The TU/e is located in the smartest regions of the world en part of the European technology hotspot ‘Brainport Eindhoven’; well-known because of many high-tech industries and start-ups. A place to be for talented scientists!
The gross monthly salary in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement of the Dutch Universities (CAO NU), starts with € 2083 in the first year to € 2664 in the fourth year. Besides this the TU/e has holiday- and end-of the year allowances, an excellent package of attractive benefits for employees, a child-care facility, and a modern sports complex. Assistance for finding accommodation can be given. Especially for PhD students the TU/e also offers opportunities for personal development. We do this by offering every PhD student a series of courses that are part of the Proof program as an excellent addition to your scientific education.
Information and application
For more information about these vacancies you can contact dr.Nico Sommerdijk (e-mail:N.Sommerdijk@tue.nl ).
More informative about job conditions and application can be obtained with mrs C.C.W.M. Gijsbers (cgijsbers@tue.nl )
Your application is complete when it contains:
- a brief letter motivating your interest in pursuing a PhD degree and the position;
- a detailed Curriculum Vitae, including a list of publications (if appropriate);
- a complete list of courses taken and grades obtained (including transcripts of academic records);
- one-page summary of the MSc thesis;
- contact details of two referees;
- proof of English language skills (if applicable);
- any other relevant information.
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