Summary
The Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) in The Netherlands is offering a PhD scholarship in the field of catalyst development for urea electrosynthesis. This project focuses on creating sustainable energy storage solutions and contributing to UN sustainability goals by developing stable and efficient electrocatalysts from abundant materials for urea synthesis. The research aims to transform waste streams into valuable products under mild operating conditions, specifically by coupling CO₂ reduction with nitrate/nitrite reduction to produce urea.
Designation
PhD Candidate
Scholarship Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Type of Employment | Temporary position |
| Contract Type | Full time |
| Salary Scale | P |
| Salary | €3,204 – €4,051 gross base salary per month (full-time) |
| Number of Positions | 1 |
| Full-time Equivalent | 1.0 FTE |
| Duration | 4 years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. |
| Teaching Duties | Minimum 10%, maximum 15% per year. |
| Benefits | 8% holiday allowance, 8.3% year-end bonus, generous leave options (29-41 days/year), ABP pension scheme (TU/e pays 70%), training programs, technical infrastructure, on-campus children’s day care, affordable access to TU/e Student Sports Center, OpenUp mental health support, allowance for commuting/working from home/internet, Staff Immigration Team and Expat Scheme for international candidates. |
Research Area
Catalyst Development for Urea Electrosynthesis. The project involves:
- Developing electrocatalytic routes for sustainable urea production by coupling CO₂ reduction with nitrate/nitrite reduction under ambient conditions.
- Developing and screening metallic and bimetallic catalysts.
- Identifying active sites for selective N–C bond formation.
- Investigating catalyst composition, electrolyte conditions, and impurities.
- Using electrochemical and mechanistic studies to establish catalyst structure–performance relationships.
- Optimizing and evaluating promising catalysts under practically relevant electrolysis conditions.
Location
Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands.
Eligibility/Qualification
We are looking for a talented, motivated, and enthusiastic researcher with the following qualifications:
- Strong background and interest in both chemistry and chemical engineering.
- Experience in electrochemistry, physical chemistry, and/or materials engineering is preferred.
- Scientific and research-oriented attitude combined with a hands-on mentality.
- Interest in application-oriented research in collaboration with industry.
- Analytical skills, initiative, and creativity.
- Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and collaborate with industrial partners.
- Naturally curious and eager to learn.
- Excellent communication skills in English (C1 level prerequisite).
- Good team spirit, enjoys working in an internationally oriented, social environment.
Scholarship Description
This PhD project will contribute to the transition towards sustainable fertilizer production by developing technologies that transform waste streams into valuable products under mild operating conditions. Urea’s conventional manufacture is energy-intensive and relies on fossil resources. This project explores electrochemical routes combining captured CO₂ with nitrogen recovered from wastewater to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, recover valuable nutrients, and enable more circular chemical production. The PhD candidate will join the multidisciplinary Electrocatalytic Synthesis and Electrochemical Interfaces (ESEI) research group, focusing on fundamental and applied aspects of catalyzed reactions for a clean, sustainable future.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a complete application using the online apply button. The application must include:
- A cover letter describing your motivation and qualifications for the position.
- A Curriculum Vitae (CV), including a list of publications and contact information for three references. (Note: References may be contacted at any stage of the recruitment process; notify them upon submission).
- Academic transcripts (Bachelor’s and Master’s).
Please ensure all requested documents are submitted, as incomplete applications may not be considered. Applications sent by email or post will not be processed. A pre-employment screening may be part of the selection procedure.
Last Date for Apply
October 1, 2026
