Doctoral scholarship holder electro-organic synthesis at metal-oxide nanoparticle catalysts

Antwerp, Belgium

2025-11-13 (Europe/Brussels)

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The research group Applied Electrochemistry and Catalysis (ELCAT) in the Faculty of Applied Engineering is looking for a full time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of electro-organic synthesis at metal-oxide nanoparticle catalysts. Electro-organic synthesis will become crucial for a sustainable chemical industry by converting renewable electricity into chemical energy carriers and value-added compounds. In this context, you will conduct research on synthesis and characterization of electrode surface immobilized metal oxide nanoparticles, evaluate e-hydrogenation performance for different organic substrates, and investigate reaction mechanisms spectroscopically. A key target is to maximize conversion performance by optimization of catalyst materials in combination with tuning of reaction conditions and electrolyzer / process engineering.

In the research group ELCAT you will be in an excellent research environment with more than 40 researchers, equipped with state-of-the-art lab facilities and research equipment. The research interest of ELCAT is in the field of electrochemistry and electrochemical engineering. Beyond electro-organic synthesis, scientific activities include CO2 reduction and water splitting electrolysis, design and engineering of electrochemical reactors, redox flow batteries, and electrolyzer scale-up towards a green and sustainable industry and society.

Position

Direct electro-hydrogenation with H2O skips the intermediate production of H2 gas that is challenging to handle, and affords final target products in one step. Research challenges are to prevent undesired H2 evolution as a side reaction, and to achieve selective e-hydrogenation of substrates that tend to give product mixtures. To overcome these challenges, you will employ a combination of catalyst design, flow electrolyzer process engineering (fluid dynamics & flow field design), and spectroscopy for mechanistic insight. The final setup will be a versatile platform for energy storage in liquid organic hydrogen carriers, industrially relevant alkyne semi-hydrogenation, and bio-feedstock upgrading.

• You will work to prepare and defend a PhD thesis on e-hydrogenation of organic substrates.
• To achieve this, you will develop nanoparticle functionalized electrodes, screen reaction conditions, analyze liquid electrolysis products, and utilize flow electrolysis parameters to tune product selectivity. Design and assembly of a custom electrolyzer setup that allows to study concentration gradients across flow fields and in operando catalyst monitoring is an engineering aspect of the project.
• You will publish scientific articles and/or patents related to your research.
• You also assist in a limited number of teaching tasks and research support to aid in the good day-to-day functioning of the research group and the Faculty of Applied Engineering.

Profile

• You hold a Master’s degree in chemical engineering, chemistry, materials science, a Master’s degree in a related field, or equivalent qualification through experience. You will have obtained your degree or qualification by the time you start working at the latest.
• You can demonstrate excellent study results.
• A background in either nanoparticle synthesis, characterization, heterogeneous catalysis – or in mass transfer in flow reactors, reactor engineering and fluid dynamics are desirable.
• You can work safely in research laboratories, in particular regarding chemical substances.
• You can communicate well in English (speaking and writing). Certificates are a bonus.
• You are strong in planning and organizing; you 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.
• Recommendation letters are an added value.
• In your application, indicate in which of the following areas you may already have training or hands-on experience. Indicate in what context you acquired the competences: fundamental electrochemistry, using flow reactors, functionalizing surfaces with nanoparticles, analytical methods (UV/Vis, Raman, NMR spectroscopy, HPLC, GC), CAD, 3D printing, and milling.

What we offer

• We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of initially one year. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed for a total of 4 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 receive ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• You will do most of your work at Campus Drie Eiken (Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium) 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 November 13th 2025 (midnight Brussels time). Click the 'Apply' button, complete the online application form and be sure to include the following attachments:
  • a motivation letter,
  • your academic CV including dates and grades for obtained degrees,
  • a short summary of your Master’s thesis project and other research projects you consider relevant.
• 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 Prof. Dominik Halter (dominik.Halter@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 diversityand place great importance to creating 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.