Summary
This PhD scholarship, part of the MSCA Doctoral Networks program e-ChemIn, offers a unique opportunity to investigate electrode-electrolyte interfaces in electrocatalytic systems. The project focuses on optimizing activity, selectivity, and stability for H2O oxidation, H2O reduction, and NO3– reduction. Using advanced operando X-ray spectroscopy techniques, the successful candidate will resolve active interface structures and develop design principles for electrocatalytic systems. The program includes secondments at the University of Trieste and the University of Liverpool, fostering collaboration within a European consortium.
PhD Scholarship: Operando X-ray spectroscopy on electrocatalytic interfaces
Designation
PhD Candidate
Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Job Requisition Id | 16767 |
| Job Type | PhD position |
| Contract Hours | 1.0 FTE (38 hours/week) |
| Salary | €3,059 – €3,881 gross per month (pay scale P) |
| Additional Benefits | 8% holiday bonus, 8.3% end-of-year bonus, training & career development, potential tax break for international candidates. |
| Project Start Date | 01-04-2027 at the latest (earlier start preferred) |
Research Area
- Electrochemistry
- X-ray Spectroscopy
- Electrocatalysis (H2O oxidation, H2O reduction, NO3– reduction)
- Materials Science
- Surface Science
Location
Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
Eligibility/Qualification
General Requirements
- Applicants must not already hold a doctoral degree at the date of recruitment.
- Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in The Netherlands for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the recruitment date.
Specific Requirements
- A Master’s degree in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, or a related discipline.
- Strong interest in spectroscopy and electrochemistry.
- Excellent proficiency in English.
- Good technical experimental skills.
- Comfortable working in a collaborative environment.
- Analytical thinking, creativity, and an independent working attitude are highly valued.
- Experience with electrochemistry, vacuum equipment, or in situ spectroscopy is considered an advantage.
Scholarship Description
This PhD position is part of the MSCA Doctoral Networks program e-ChemIn, a collaborative effort involving 10 research institutes and 3 companies across Europe. The project aims to identify and design electrochemical interfaces for electrocatalysis and batteries. The successful candidate will investigate how the properties of the electrode-electrolyte interface can be leveraged to optimize the activity, selectivity, and stability of electrocatalytic systems for H2O oxidation to H2O2, H2O reduction to H2, and NO3– reduction to NH3. This will involve using operando XPS and soft XAS to resolve the active interface structure under catalytic conditions and studying its changes with catalyst structure and electrolyte composition. The goal is to build interface design principles for electrocatalytic systems.
The program includes two mandatory secondments:
- 4 months at the University of Trieste (Prof. Paolo Fornasiero): Focusing on the preparation of electrocatalysts for anodic H2O2 production.
- 4 months at the University of Liverpool (Dr. Yvonne Grunder): For SXRD studies to complement the operando X-ray spectroscopies in resolving electrode-electrolyte interface structures.
The PhD candidate will be enrolled in a PhD program at Leiden University and supervised by Dr. Rik Mom (Main supervisor, Leiden University), Dr. Yvonne Grunder (Co-supervisor, University of Liverpool), and Prof. Paolo Fornasiero (Co-supervisor from secondment, University of Trieste).
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted via the online recruitment system. Please ensure to quote the vacancy number and include the following documents:
- Your CV, including a detailed description of residence and main activities over the last 3 years.
- A motivation letter.
- Copies of academic degrees, including course/grade transcript.
- Contact details of at least two references (names, affiliations, and email addresses).
The recruitment process follows MSCA Doctoral Network principles: open, transparent, merit-based selection, equal opportunities, non-discrimination, and evaluation by a qualified selection committee. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews.
Last Date for Apply
20 September 2026
Apply Link
