PhD in catalysts development for urea electrosynthesis

Eindhoven University of Technology · Eindhoven, Netherlands

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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.

A vacancy is available for a PhD in the field of catalyst development for urea electrosynthesis at the Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), The Netherlands.

Introduction

Do you want to develop sustainable energy storage solutions for the future? Do you want to use your curiosity, technical knowledge, and enthusiasm to contribute to the UN sustainability goals and create a sustainable world? In our multidisciplinary research team, we have a PhD vacancy in catalysts development for urea synthesis.

Join our team to design and improve, in close cooperation with other universities and industries, stable and efficient electrocatalysts based on abundant materials for urea synthesis. This innovative synthesis route is a strong candidate for circular N use and decentralized fertilizer production.

Job Description

Your job

Urea is essential for global food production, yet its conventional manufacture is highly energy-intensive and relies heavily on fossil resources. Developing electrochemical routes that combine captured CO₂ with nitrogen recovered from wastewater offers an opportunity to simultaneously reduce greenhouse-gas emissions, recover valuable nutrients, and enable more circular chemical production. This PhD project will contribute to the transition towards sustainable fertilizer production by developing technologies that transform waste streams into valuable products under mild operating conditions.

The PhD candidate will develop electrocatalytic routes for sustainable urea production by coupling CO₂ reduction with nitrate/nitrite reduction under ambient conditions. The research will focus on developing and screening metallic and bimetallic catalysts, with particular emphasis on identifying the active sites that promote selective N–C bond formation while suppressing competing reactions. The candidate will investigate how catalyst composition, electrolyte conditions and impurities influence activity and selectivity, using electrochemical and mechanistic studies to establish catalyst structure–performance relationships. The most promising catalysts will then be optimized and evaluated under practically relevant electrolysis conditions, contributing to the development of a scalable, low-carbon alternative to conventional urea production.

The 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.

Job Requirements

We are looking for a talented, motivated, and enthusiastic researcher
Preferably, candidates have a strong background and interest in both chemistry and chemical engineering with experience in electrochemistry, physical chemistry, and/or materials engineering.
Candidates must have a scientific and research-oriented attitude combined with a hands-on mentality and interest in application-oriented research in collaboration with the industry
Analytical skills, initiative and creativity are valuable properties
Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and interested in collaborating with industrial partners.
You are a naturally curious person who is eager to learn more and has a strong interest in research.
Excellent communication skills in English are a prerequisite (C1 level).
We prefer candidates with a good team spirit who like to work in an internationally oriented, social environment.

The selection process includes an interview, a scientific presentation, and a writing assignment.

Conditions of Employment

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 four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment.
Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,204 - max. € 4,051 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.
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 and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
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.
An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the Expat Scheme) for international candidates.

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

About us

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 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech 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.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Marta Costa Figueiredo, Assistant Professor, m.c.costa.figueiredo@tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact HR Services, HRServices.Helix@tue.nl.

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

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

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by 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.
Academic transcripts (Bachelor and Master’s)

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.

Please note

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.
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