PhD position: PFAS free membranes for use in electrolysers

About this position

Why apply?

This multidisciplinary project integrates electrochemistry, metal–organic framework-based materials, and membrane chemistry to develop the next generation of high-performance membranes and unlock new possibilities for advanced molecular separation and transport.

Can you design the membrane that powers the next generation of electrolysers?

Electrolysis and electrocatalysis have a key role to play in creating a more sustainable chemical industry. At the heart of these technologies are membranes that control the transport of protons and other species—but today’s proton exchange membranes rely heavily on PFAS-based materials such as Nafion®. We are looking for a PhD candidate to develop a new generation of high-performance, PFAS-free proton-conductive membranes.

In this project, you will combine the unique properties of proton-conductive metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with those of proton-conductive polymers to create innovative membrane materials. You will systematically investigate how molecular structure, composition, and membrane architecture determine proton transport and overall performance. Your research will span materials chemistry, membrane science, and electrochemistry.

You will establish design principles for high-performance proton-conductive membranes and put your materials to the test in different electrolyser configurations. This is an opportunity to work at the interface of fundamental materials science and real-world energy technology, with the ambition to develop membrane materials that can help enable a cleaner and more sustainable chemical industry. The PhD students will be supervised by Dennis Hetterscheid (Leiden Institute of Chemistry).

What you bring

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated candidate who is excited to pursue an interdisciplinary PhD at the interface of electrochemistry, materials chemistry, and membrane science. The project combines electrochemistry, MOF synthesis and characterization, physical measurements, and electrolysis studies, offering the opportunity to develop expertise across multiple fields.

You hold an MSc degree in Physical Chemistry, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related discipline, with a background in one or more of the following areas: electrochemistry, membrane chemistry, MOF synthesis, or materials characterization. Most importantly, you are curious, eager to learn, and motivated to work across disciplinary boundaries.

You will join a highly collaborative and international research team of PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, MSc students, and scientific staff. We collaborate extensively with research groups both locally and internationally, and work closely with industry partners to translate fundamental scientific discoveries into technologies with real-world societal impact.

We are committed to creating an environment where everyone can thrive. Our lab values diversity, accessibility, and inclusion in all their forms, and we strive to foster a safe and supportive workplace that encourages personal and professional growth, well-being, scientific integrity, and responsible research.

If you are excited by the opportunity to combine fundamental materials chemistry with electrochemical energy technologies and help develop the membranes of the future, we would love to hear from you.

Skills:

Hands-on experimental experience , with co-authorship of one or more scientific publications considered an advantage.

A strong interest in fundamental science and a genuine curiosity about understanding the principles underlying new materials and technologies.

High motivation for research , combined with a solid theoretical understanding of relevant scientific principles.

Strong organizational and time-management skills , with the ability to plan your work, work independently, and communicate your progress clearly.

Excellent written and spoken English .

A collaborative mindset and the ability to work effectively as part of a diverse, interdisciplinary team.

What we offer

Our goal is to work together to create a transparent and inclusive work environment in which everyone feels welcome and appreciated. Our organization is always evolving and we need your ideas for improvement and innovation to take us further. We want to devote attention to your personal development.

You can count on an enjoyable job within the socially relevant world of education and research. The University's challenging and international work environment is located just steps away from Leiden’s lively city centre or the bustling city centre of The Hague. We also want to work with you to devote attention to your health and vitality, for example with the fun activities we organize through Healthy University.

The position will be for a maximum of 4 years, and the candidate is expected to complete a PhD thesis at the end of this period. A contribution to classroom teaching (maximum 10% of the time) will be part of the responsibilities of the candidate, as well as supervision of BSc and MSc research projects that contribute to the goals of this PhD project.

We offer a stimulating and interactive research environment, free use of all state-of-the-art facilities, and a competitive salary.

We also offer:

An employment contract for 12 months initially, to be extended for 3 more years upon satisfactory performance. This contract falls under the CLA of Dutch Universities;

A salary between € 3.204,- and € 4.051,- gross per month, based on a full-time appointment (38 hours - PhD student);

A holiday allowance (8%), an end-of-year bonus (8,3%), and an attractive pension scheme at ABP;

Full reimbursement of public transport commuting costs for home-to-work travel;

Flexible working hours: as a standard, you are entitled to a minimum of 29 leave days on the basis of a full-time working week of 38 hours; you can also save for extra leave, for example by working 40 hours a week, and in this way accrue an extra 96 leave hours, or exchan