PhD position: PFAS free membranes for use in electrolysers

This PhD position focuses on developing next-generation, PFAS-free proton-conductive membranes for electrolysers by integrating electrochemistry, metal–organic framework-based materials, and polymer chemistry. Responsibilities include designing and testing innovative membrane materials, investigating their structure-property relationships, and applying them in electrolyser configurations. Applicants need an MSc in a relevant field with experience in electrochemistry, membrane chemistry, MOF synthesis, or materials characterization, and a strong interest in interdisciplinary research.

• Excellent written and spoken English .
• We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated candidate who is excited to pursue an interdisciplinary PhD at the interface of electrochemistry, materials chemistry, and membrane science.
• The project combines electrochemistry, MOF synthesis and characterization, physical measurements, and electrolysis studies, offering the opportunity to develop expertise across multiple fields.
• You hold an MSc degree in Physical Chemistry, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related discipline, with a background in one or more of the following areas: electrochemistry, membrane chemistry, MOF synthesis, or materials characterization.
• Most importantly, you are curious, eager to learn, and motivated to work across disciplinary boundaries.
• You will join a highly collaborative and international research team of PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, MSc students, and scientific staff.
• We collaborate extensively with research groups both locally and internationally, and work closely with industry partners to translate fundamental scientific discoveries into technologies with real-world societal impact.
• If you are excited by the opportunity to combine fundamental materials chemistry with electrochemical energy technologies and help develop the membranes of the future, we would love to hear from you.
• Hands-on experimental experience , with co-authorship of one or more scientific publications considered an advantage.
• Hands-on experimental experience
• A strong interest in fundamental science and a genuine curiosity about understanding the principles underlying new materials and technologies.
• strong interest in fundamental science
• High motivation for research , combined with a solid theoretical understanding of relevant scientific principles.
• High motivation for research
• Strong organizational and time-management skills , with the ability to plan your work, work independently, and communicate your progress clearly.
• organizational and time-management skills
• A collaborative mindset and the ability to work effectively as part of a diverse, interdisciplinary team.

• Our goal is to work together to create a transparent and inclusive work environment in which everyone feels welcome and appreciated. Our organization is always evolving and we need your ideas for improvement and innovation to take us further. We want to devote attention to your personal development.
• You can count on an enjoyable job within the socially relevant world of education and research.
• The University's challenging and international work environment is located just steps away from Leiden’s lively city centre or the bustling city centre of The Hague.
• We also want to work with you to devote attention to your health and vitality, for example with the fun activities we organize through Healthy University.
• The position will be for a maximum of 4 years, and the candidate is expected to complete a PhD thesis at the end of this period.
• We offer a stimulating and interactive research environment, free use of all state-of-the-art facilities, and a competitive salary.