Doctoral scholarship holder redox flow batteries

Organisation/Company University of Antwerp Research Field Chemistry » Other Engineering » Chemical engineering Engineering » Other Technology » Energy technology Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 12 Nov 2026 - 22:59 (UTC) Country Belgium Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Let’s shape the future - University of Antwerp

The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking, European university. We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20,000 students, conducting pioneering scientific research and playing an important service-providing role in society. We are one of the largest, most international and most innovative employers in the region. With more than 6,000 employees from 100 different countries, we are helping to build tomorrow's world every day. Through top scientific research, we push back boundaries and set a course for the future – a future that you can help to shape.

The research group Applied Electrochemistry and Catalysis ( ELCAT ) in the Faculty of Applied Engineering is looking for a full time (100%)doctoral scholarship holder in the field of redox flow batteries. Batteries will be crucial to transform our society to a sustainable one. As a PhD student you will therefore conduct research to understand how battery design, operating conditions and redox chemistry affect performance and study the influence on lifetime.

Within the research group ELCAT you will find yourself in an excellent research environment consisting of more than 40 researchers and equipped with state-of-the‑art lab facilities and research equipment. The scope of ELCAT is situated in the field of electrochemistry and electrochemical engineering. Its scientific activities are related to the development of state-of-the‑art electrochemical reactors and batteries, striving towards a green and sustainable industry and society.

Position

• You will work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in the field of redox flow batteries for renewable energy storage. To guarantee energy supply in the future and keep on incorporating windmills and solar panels in our energy mix, it is crucial that we can store electricity for moments when production levels are too low. Redox flow batteries stand out in the field of energy storage but their performance and cost can still be improved. In this, electrolyte composition and battery design are important and still need to be improved. You will study in a team of researchers the novel titanium-cerium redox chemistry and how it’s electrolyte formulation (e.g. type of acid) affect charge/discharge rate and stability. You will conduct experiments to test how battery design (e.g. flow field design, membrane, scale‑up, stacking) with relation to the titanium‑cerium electrolyte formulation affects performance (e.g. cross‑over, power density, electrolyte precipitation).
• You will publish scientific articles and/or patents related to your research.
• You also assist in a limited number of teaching tasks and research support to aid in the good day‑to‑day functioning of the research group and the Faculty of Applied Engineering.

Profile

• You hold a Master’s degree in chemical engineering, Master’s degree in applied engineering/industrial science: chemistry, Master’s degree in a related field or equivalent through experience or you will have obtained it by the time you start working.
• You have a thorough understanding of mass transfer and reactor engineering
• You are pro‑active and have mind‑set for scientific research.
• You are enthusiast and highly motivated.
• You can work safely in research laboratories, in particular regarding chemical substances.
• Experience in performing experiments with electrochemical systems such as redox flow batteries is considered a plus.
• You have a good knowledge of English language. You can communicate well, both in speaking and in writing. A C1 in English is considered a plus.
• You are strong in planning and organizing; you can work independently.
• Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision .
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
• Recommendation letters are highly advised and considered an added value.

What we offer

• We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of one year. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed for a total of 4 years.
• The planned start date is preferably 01 January 2027 or sooner.
• Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship