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 25-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 teams 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 dAngelo an expert on the fields of reaction and catalysis engineering. Fernanda Neira DAngelo aims to develop novel technologies to intensify sustainable processes in particular the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to chemicals and fuels.

• 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 Masters 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.

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 4422 (step 4) to 5760 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 childrens day care.
• Unlimited access to the modern oncampus 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!

We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13000 students and more than 7000 staff forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven a worldleading tech region with more than 7000 hightech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI photonics semiconductors and advanced manufacturing Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.

The Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry bridges science and engineering to create sustainable solutions for society. By combining expertise in molecules materials and processes we drive innovations that address global challenges in energy circularity health and future technology. Through world-class research interdisciplinary collaboration and strong industry partnerships we educate engineers and scientists who turn scientific discoveries into technologies with lasting societal impact. Together we create chemistry for a better world.

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more Please contact the hiring manager Marta Costa Figueiredo Assistant Professor .

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact HR Services .

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e Please visit our career page.

We invite you to submit a complete application using the apply-button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.
• List of up to five self-selected best publications.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. Please note that incomplete applications may not be considered and could be rejected.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Unfortunately due to thecurrent closure of the Dutch embassy in Tehran we are unable to consider applications from candidates residing in Iran at this time as the required immigrationprocedurescannot be completed. For further information please visitour FAQ page.
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