Vacancies

Department: Chemistry/Biochemistry Regime Full-time

Let’s shape the future - University of Antwerp

The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking university. We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20000 students, conduct pioneering scientific research and play an important service-providing role in society. We are one of the largest, most international and most innovative employers in the region. With more than 6000 employees from 100 different countries, we are helping to build tomorrow's world every day. Through top scientific research, we push back boundaries and set a course for the future – a future that you can help to shape.

The Faculty of Applied Engineering is looking for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of (flow) batteries and electrochemical engineering for research group ELCAT The focus within the group is on electrochemical processes for power-to-x-to-power purposes. The aim is to improve the controllability, flexibility and energy efficiency of reactions through electrocatalysis and electrochemical cell design. The research is divided into three main topics: electrocatalysis, electrosynthesis and electrochemical reactor engineering.

For more information on ongoing projects, current PhD projects and publications, please visit www.elcat.be.

Position

You will work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in the field of (flow) batteries. To ensure energy supply in the future, the ability to store electricity is crucial. Batteries stand out in terms of energy storage, but their performance in terms of charging and discharging can still be improved. Battery design is a key area where there is still room for improvement. You will develop new electrodes with a perfectly controllable structure and combine them to accurately control, understand and improve battery performance. You will compete for externally funded research grants in this context. As a PhD student in ELCAT, you will also support some of the general research tasks in the research group.
You will publish scientific articles related to the research project and present these results on international conferences.
You will also assist with a limited number of teaching and research tasks that support the day-to-day functioning of the research group and the Faculty of Applied Engineering.

Profile

You hold a Master degree in chemical engineering / chemistry / chemical engineering technology / material sciences / an other related domain or equivalent or you will have obtained it by the time you start work.
Last year students (academic year 2023-2024) may also apply.
You can demonstrate excellent study results.
You are proactive and have the right mindset for scientific research.
You are enthusiastic and highly motivated.
You can work safely in research laboratories, especially with chemicals.
Experience in conducting experiments with electrochemical systems is a plus.
You have a good knowledge of English in speaking and writing.
You are strong in planning and organising and 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.

What we offer

We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of two years. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed once for another two-year period.
The planned start date is 1 September 2024 or as soon as possible after that date.
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 reimboursement of public transport costs for commuting.
You will do most of your work at Campus Drie Eiken (Universiteitsplein 1, Wilrijk) 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 up to and including 15 April 2024 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include the following attachments:
- a motivation letter
- your academic CV
The selection committee reviews all applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision is made, we will notify you. If you are still eligible after the pre-selection, you will be informed about the possible next step(s) in the selection procedure. Please note that the (online) selection interviews will take place on 15 May 2024.
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 any questions about the job itself, please contact Prof Jonas Hereijgers (jonas.hereijgers@uantwerpen.be).

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.

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Department: Chemistry/Biochemistry Regime Full-time

Let’s shape the future - University of Antwerp

The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking, European university. We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20 000 students, conduct pioneering scientific research and play an important service-providing role in society. We are one of the largest, most international and most innovative employers in the region. With more than 6000 employees from 100 different countries, we are helping to build tomorrow's world every day. Through top scientific research, we push back boundaries and set a course for the future – a future that you can help to shape.

The research group ELCAT in the Faculty of Applied Engineering is looking for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of electrocatalysis, with a focus on hydrogen production from water electrolysis. As researcher you will start within the research group ELCAT, currently employing around 30 people. The research of ELCAT revolves around electrochemistry. The main research activities are related to the development of state-of-the-art electrochemical reactors and catalyst, with as most important purpose the electrification of the industry and thus the replacement of traditional chemical processes with green and sustainable alternatives. The research falls mainly under 5 key activities: (1) electrochemical CO₂ conversion; (2) green hydrogen production; (3) redox flow batteries; (4) power to chemicals; and (5) reactor design for electrochemical purposes.

Position

You will work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in the field of electrochemical reactor engineering. Electrochemistry is gaining more and more attention as a potential alternative to several traditional industrial processes because of its positive impact on global greenhouse gas emissions (mainly CO₂), its ability to store periodic renewable energy and the production of alternative energy sources such as H₂. More specifically you will actively participate in the design, development and/or testing of efficient electrocatalysts, membranes and/or electrodes for water electrolysis with a focus on improving the energy efficiency and the productivity.
You will compete for externally funded research grants.
You will publish scientific articles and/or patents related to the research project.
As a PhD student of ELCAT you also support a part of the general research and teaching tasks to support the good day-to-day functioning of the research group and the Faculty of Applied Engineering.
You are also responsible for safety in the research labs, in particular with regard to chemicals.

Profile

You hold a Master’s degree in industrial science/applied engineering: chemistry (industrial engineer), Master's degree in engineering: chemistry or materials science (civil engineering), Master in chemistry or equivalent through experience or you will have obtained it by the time you start work.
You can demonstrate excellent study results.
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.
You are enthusiast.
You can communicate well, both in speaking and in writing.
You are strong in planning and organizing, you can work independently.
You don’t forget about safety and you have some good technical skills.

What we offer

We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of 1 year. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed for another three years.
The planned start date is as soon as possible.
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 do most of your work at Campus Drie Eiken 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 until May 7^th 2024 through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform. Click on the 'Apply' button, complete the online application form and be sure to include the following attachments: a motivation letter, 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 any questions about the job itself, please contact Nick Daems and/or Prof. dr. Tom Breugelmans or via elcat@uantwerpen.be.

Department: Chemistry/Biochemistry Regime Full-time

Let’s shape the future - University of Antwerp

The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking, European university. We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20 000 students, conduct pioneering scientific research and play an important service-providing role in society. We are one of the largest, most international and most innovative employers in the region. With more than 6000 employees from 100 different countries, we are helping to build tomorrow's world every day. Through top scientific research, we push back boundaries and set a course for the future – a future that you can help to shape.

As an experienced researcher, you will join the ELCAT research group, currently employing around 30 people. ELCAT's main research focus is on electrochemistry. The core research activities are related to the development of state-of-the-art electrochemical reactors and catalysts, with a view towards large-scale industrial development in the field of industrial electrification, in a green and sustainable way to ultimately replace the traditional chemical processes. The research is largely covered by 5 key activities: (1) electrochemical CO2 conversion; (2) green hydrogen production; (3) redox-flow batteries; (4) power-to-chemicals and (5) electrochemical reactor engineering. The research group ELCAT in the Faculty of Applied Engineering is looking for a full-time (100%) postdoctoral scholarship holder in the field of electrochemical engineering.

Position

You will carry out high-quality scientific research in the research fields of electrocatalysis, electrosynthesis and electrochemical reactor technology. More specifically, you will be responsible for the successful completion of the research project with Agfa on water electrolysis, where ELCAT’s main task is to design, develop and test an electrolyzer for the production of hydrogen. Your task is to help set up this research branch within ELCAT and guide PhD students working within this field.
You will develop new research projects according to the strategic plan of the research group ELCAT (www.uantwerp.be/elcat) and you compete for externally funded research grants.
You will report on the results of your research and produce academic publications.
You will assist in ongoing research projects and the activities of the research group.
You will contribute to attracting national and international research funding.
You will assist in the supervision of PhD students and other team members.
If necessary, you will fulfil a limited number of teaching activities.
You will participate in the provision of academic services: you will represent the research group both internally and externally.

Profile

You hold a PhD in (Bioscience) Engineering, Applied Engineering or equivalent (or you will have obtained it by the time you start work).
Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies. You have relevant research experience in the field of electrocatalysis and/or electrochemical reactors. Knowledge of CO₂ capture/conversion and/or nitrate/nitrogen conversion is an added value.
Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.
You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
You can speak and write fluently in English.
You are able to carry out your work and achieve your objectives with a high degree of independence.
You can present excellent study and research results.
You have knowledge of national and international fundraising. Experience in writing project proposals is an asset.
Experience in supervising PhD and/or masters students is an added value.

What we offer

We offer a full-time appointment as a postdoctoral scholarship holder for a period of 12 months, renewable after positive evaluation;
The planned start date is as soon as possible.
Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for postdoctoral scholarship holders on the pay scales for contract research staff (Dutch: Bijzonder Academisch Personeel, BAP).
You will do most of your work at Campus Drie Eiken 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 May 7^th2024. Click on the 'Apply' button, complete the online application form and be sure to include the following attachments: a motivation letter, 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 any questions about the job itself, please contact dr. Nick Daems and/or professor Tom Breugelmans (elcat@uantwerpen.be).