Postdoc In Electrocarboxylation of furan derivatives

A vacancy is available for a Postdoc in the field of electrocarboxylation of furan derivatives at the Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), The Netherlands.

Your job
The transition towards a circular, fossil-free chemical industry requires new routes to convert renewable carbon feedstocks and CO₂ into high-value chemicals and materials. Furan derivatives obtained from biomass are promising building blocks for sustainable polymers and specialty chemicals, while electrochemical carboxylation offers the opportunity to incorporate CO₂ under mild conditions using renewable electricity. Developing selective, scalable processes could therefore support both CO₂ utilization and the defossilisation of chemical manufacturing.
The postdoctoral researcher will develop and scale up the electrochemical carboxylation of furan derivatives, targeting products including 2-furyl(hydroxy)acetic acid and 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA). The research will initially focus on identifying suitable electrode materials and optimizing reaction conditions, electrolyte composition, and solvents, using three-electrode configurations and organic carbonate-based media. Building on these results, the researcher will translate the reaction to continuous-flow electrochemical cells, investigating selectivity, reaction rates, mass transport and process stability.

The research team
You will perform your PhD research in a multidisciplinary research team. The Electrocatalytic Synthesis and Electrochemical Interfaces (ESEI) is a vibrant research group focused on the fundamental and applied aspects of catalyzed reactions relevant to a clean, sustainable future. Our primary interest lies in the interface of heterogeneous catalysis and materials design, with a strong emphasis on elucidating the mechanism of (electro)catalytic reactions. The electrochemistry team's research focuses on electrocatalysis and electro(catalytic) synthesis for sustainable processes and the production of high-value chemicals, such as fuels and organic molecules, from “waste” substrates, for example, carbon dioxide and biomass. The main aim is to understand, develop, and optimize electrochemical reactions under practical, relevant conditions to take a step further in using electrochemistry at industrial scale.

This work will be carried in close collaboration with dr Neira d’Angelo an expert on the fields of reaction and catalysis engineering. Fernanda Neira D’Angelo aims to develop novel technologies to intensify sustainable processes, in particular, the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to chemicals and fuels.

Requirements

• Motivated researcher, with a PhD in electrochemistry or electrocatalysis research, or a comparable domain.
• Ability to conduct high-quality academic research, reflected in demonstrable outputs.
• A team player who enjoys coaching PhD and Master's students and working in a dynamic, interdisciplinary team.
• A proven ability to manage complex projects to completion on schedule.
• Excellent (written and verbal) proficiency in English, good communication and leadership skills.

Contract terms

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station.

In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for 2 years.
• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities , scale 10, ranging from € 4,422 (step 4) to € 5,760 gross base salary per month (full-time).
• In addition to your base salary, you will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus, both calculated based on your annual gross base salary.
• Generous leave options: a standard 29 days (based on a 38 hour working week) per year that you can increase to 41 days by working two hours more per week (flexible working hours). This is prorated if you work part-time.
• As a TU/e employee, you participate in the ABP pension scheme, providing retirement pension and pension benefits for surviving dependents and occupational disability. TU/e pays 70% of the pension premium, while employees contribute the remaining 30%.
• High-quality training programs on general skills, didactics and topics related to research and valorization.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, and on-campus children's day care.
• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• We support your wellbeing with free 24/7 access to OpenUp, providing you and your family with mental health support, expert guidance, and online training.
• Partially paid parental leave and an allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A TU/e Postdoc Association that helps you to build a stronger and broader academic and personal network, and offers tailored support, training and workshops.
• A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, as are a tax compensation scheme (the Expat Scheme ) and a compensation for moving expenses.

On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment . Build on your career at TU/e!