Netherlands : PhD: Fundamental Aspects of Materials and Energy

The Faculty of Applied Sciences is the largest faculty of TU Delft, with around 550 scientists, a support staff of 250 and 1,400 students. The faculty conducts fundamental, application-oriented research and offers scientific education at the bachelor, master and doctoral levels. The faculty is active in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Applied Physics.

The Department of Radiation, Radionuclides and Reactors is situated in the Reactor Institute Delft (RID). The department's common focus is nuclear radiation and reactions. Although its areas of interest are varied, including materials, sensors and instrumentation, energy, sustainable production and health, all research is related to radiation in some way. In experimental research, extensive use is made of the research facilities of the Reactor Institute Delft as well as of large, international research facilities.

The Fundamental Aspects of Materials and Energy section performs research on functional and structural materials, aimed at practical applications. The focus is on the study of the relationships between structure, dynamics and function at the atomic and nanoscale. For this we use neutrons, positrons, X-rays, NMR, muons, Mössbauer spectroscopy and first principles modelling.

Job description

Fischer-Tropsch synthesis is an important alternate catalytic technology in petroleum refining, used to produce a broad distribution of clean liquid fuels and chemicals from syngas. The cobalt catalysts used are quite costly, so a long catalyst lifetime is required to ensure that the process is economically feasible. Although the catalyst deactivation mechanisms have been studied to some extent, to date there is no consistent picture. In-situ characterisation of the catalysts is regarded to be one of the most important routes to developing new, better industrial catalysts. In this project, Mössbauer spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography will be applied in a systematic way to unravel the structure of the catalysts on an atomic scale under real industrial conditions. The project involves the handling of radioactive materials.
The research will be carried out in the group of Prof. Ekkes Brück at the Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology.

Requirements

We are looking for a highly motivated chemist (MSc or an equivalent degree) with a solid background in inorganic/organometallic chemistry and heterogeneous catalysis. An additional requirement is hands-on experience with catalyst synthesis and in-situ characterisation techniques (FTIR and/or XAFS spectroscopy). Experience in operating and maintaining gas chromatography systems is a plus. The candidate must have the ability to work independently, write reports and effectively communicate results, and must also have strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills. The candidate should be fluent in both spoken and written English.

Conditions of employment

TU Delft offers an attractive benefits package, including a flexible work week, free high-speed Internet access from home (with a contract of two years or longer), and the option of assembling a customised compensation and benefits package. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. Delft University of Technology strives to increase the number of women in higher academic positions; women are therefore especially encouraged to apply.

Information and application

For more information about this position, please contact Dr. A.I. Dugulan, Researcher, phone: +31 (0)15-2785623, e-mail: A.I.Dugulan@tudelft.nl. To apply, please e-mail a detailed CV, a course list with grades and a letter of application by 15 January 2012 to Ms. Nicole Banga, Management Assistant, N.D.Banga@tudelft.nl.
When applying for this position, please refer to vacancy number TNWRRR11-045.

Further Information

Application Deadline : 15 January 2012

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Posted on 2011-12-05 13:38:20

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