Postdoc In Electrocarboxylation of furan derivatives

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.

Introduction

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.

Job Description

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 2,5-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 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.

This work will be carried in close collaboration with dr Neira d’Angelo an expert on the fields of reaction and catalysis engineering. Fernanda Neira D’Angelo aims to develop novel technologies to intensify sustainable processes, in particular, the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to chemicals and fuels.

Job Requirements

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 Master's 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.

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 2 years.
Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 10, ranging from € 4,422 (step 4) to € 5,760 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 on general skills, didactics and topics related to research and valorization.
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.
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!

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.

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 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.

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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