PhD in (nano)materials science and environmental applications Wageningen • Wageningen University & Research

Step into academia with a PhD position in (nano)materials science and environmental applications. Join a team focused on electrochemical deionization and ion recovery, working on organic frameworks and optimizing operation parameters. Benefit from partially paid parental leave, flexible working hours, and access to campus sports facilities. Enjoy a fully funded position with a tailored course program and a fixed year-end bonus. Contribute to impactful research while enjoying a vibrant international community. Keep reading to see why we could be the perfect match for you.

Your job

Are you looking for your next step in academia? Do you have experience in electrochemical characterization of materials? Do you want to do research that has a positive impact on the environment? We have a vacancy for a PhD in (nano)materials science and environmental applications. Will you join our team?

What will you do?
The Mind_Gap programme is fundamental in nature and set to enhance and tune ion selectivity, aiming to achieve ion recovery. Recently we hired two PhD students who work on intercalation materials. Now we are looking for a candidate who will work on organic frameworks. From these selected materials electrodes will be made and characterized with various techniques in terms of their morphology, chemical composition, crystallinity and possibly also redox properties. Next, their separation performance when applied in electrochemical deionization will be studied. This includes the optimization of operation parameters such as applied current, cell voltage, ion concentration and pH. Membranes will be used to further enhance the selectivity. Improvement of the electrode stability and upscaling the ion separation process are two challenges that will be addressed. Key research questions are: Which ions can be targeted with the electrodes made from new building blocks? Can we understand the underlying mechanisms that contribute to selectivity? What is the electrochemical stability of the new electrodes, and how to improve it? What are the upscaling limitations/possibilities?
The work will be performed in close collaboration with Wetsus and several industrial partners

Key activities include:

• prepare and characterize organic nanomaterials;
• thoroughly study the potential of these materials as electrode materials in electrochemical deionization technologies;
• thoroughly study the physical and (electro)chemical principles that result in (selective) electrosorption of ions of interest;
• teach chemistry classes;
• publish research results in peer-reviewed journals and write a doctoral thesis.

The PhD positions are part of a larger programme (Mind_Gap) that aims to explore and develop various innovative electrochemical separation technologies for water treatment, ion separation and ion recovery. To that end, advanced energy-storage nanomaterials will be used. The project is funded by the Dutch Research Council and will include three PhD students and two postdoctoral researchers by the end of 2025.

You will work here
The research is embedded within the group Advanced Interfaces & Materials of Prof. Louis de Smet, part of the Laboratory of Organic Chemistry. See for the composition of the current team and representative publications on our work on electrochemical deionization and selectivity.
Your qualities

You have an MSc in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Environmental Technology or related discipline. Experience with the electrochemical characterization of materials is required and experience with water treatment processes and/or separation technologies are in asset.
You also have:

• strong analytical and problem-solving abilities;
• hands-on experience with synthesis and characterization of organic nanomaterials, ideally framework materials;
• the ability to perform independent lab work in a self-motivated manner;
• an affinity for the collaborative nature of this project;
• a strong drive to excel, and your greatest strengths lie in creativity, persistence and curiosity.

For this position your command of the English language is expected to be at C1 level. Sometimes it is necessary to submit an internationally recognised Certificate of Proficiency in the English Language. More information can be found here.
We offer you

Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:

• partially paid parental leave;
• working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
• there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee;
• a fixed year-end bonus of 8.3%;
• excellent pension scheme.

In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will receive a fully funded PhD position and you will be offered a course program tailored to your needs and the research team.

The gross salary for the first year is € 2.901,- per month rising to € 3.707,-  in the fourth year in according to the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale P). This is based on a full-time working week of 38 hours. We offer a temporary contract for 18 months which will be extended for the duration of the project if you perform well.

Wageningen University & Research offers plenty of opportunities for growth and development, with a strong internal recruitment policy and excellent training programmes.

You will work on the greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands, in an international and open working environment. For 20 consecutive years, we have been voted the "best university" in the Netherlands! A place to be proud of.

Coming from abroad
Wageningen University & Research is the university and research centre for life sciences. The themes we deal with are relevant to everyone around the world and Wageningen, therefore, has a large international community and a lot to offer to international employees.

Because we expect you to work and live in the Netherlands our team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will help you with the visa application procedures for yourself and, if applicable, for your family.
Feeling welcome also has everything to do with being well informed. We can assist you with any additional advice and information about for example helping your partner to find a job, housing, or schooling. Finally, certain categories of international staff may be eligible for a tax exemption on a part of their salary during the first five years in the Netherlands.
Do you want more information?

For more information about this position, please contact Professor Louis de Smet, telephone  +31 (0)317481268 / 82361 or by e-mail: via de button "Solliciteer nu" op deze pagina..

For more information about the procedure, please contact Rutger Voorrips, recruiter, by e-mail: via de button "Solliciteer nu" op deze pagina..

Ready to apply?
Click on the application button next to the vacancy on our website. Only applications submitted through our website will be considered. Please upload a cover letter (max 1 page) outlining your motivation and suitability for the project, and your CV (max 2 pages) including names and contact details of two potential references. Please do not upload any other documents.

You can apply until August 11th, 2025. The first interviews are scheduled in the second half of August.

Welcome, safe, and valued
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) highly values diversity and inclusion because we believe that different insights lead to innovative solutions. We create a work environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and appreciated, regardless of background, identity, or experience. Together, we are building a culture where everyone's unique contribution adds to the success of our organization.

We are

The mission of Wageningen University & Research is ‘To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life’.

We pursue this mission through a synergistic approach between Wageningen University and Wageningen Research Foundation (applied research). Our research focuses on questions within the domains of food, living environment, and society. With approximately 30 locations, 7,700 staff members, 2,500 PhD candidates, and over 13,000 students, Wageningen University & Research is among the world’s leading knowledge institutions in its domain. The integral approach to challenges and the collaboration across various disciplines form the core of the unique Wageningen approach.

Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR.

We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves, so no employment agencies please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.