Doctoral scholarship student electrochemical engineering

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, conduct pioneering scientific research and play 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 6000 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 ELCAT in the Faculty of Applied Engineering is looking for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship student in the field of electrochemical engineering.

Position

• You will work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in the field of electrode and reactor engineering within the recently granted FWO-NOW Weave project in collaboration with prof. Marc Koper – Elevated temperature and pressure: a game changer for CO2 electrolysis efficiency by balancing kinetics and mass transfer. The broader scope is developing the technologies that are needed to enable the large deployment of CO2 electrolyzers on the market. In particular, this work aims to enable efficient and stable CO2 electrolyzer performance at temperatures above 60°C and pressures up to 30 bar under industrially relevant current densities. More specifically, you will design novel porous transport layers capable of efficient CO2 reduction at elevated temperature and pressure and incorporate them in a transport-optimized electrolyzer of your own design. The aim is to unravel the combined impact of temperature and pressure on CO2 electrolysis and use this knowledge to develop a durable electrode and electrolyzer design.
• You will publish scientific articles and/or patents related to the research project.
• As a PhD student of ELCAT you also support a part of the general research and teaching tasks to support the good day-to-day functioning of the research group and the Faculty of Applied Engineering.
• You are also co-responsible for the safety in the research labs, in particular with regard to gases and chemicals.

Profile

• You hold a Master’s degree in industrial science/applied engineering: chemistry (industrial engineer), Master's degree in engineering: chemistry or materials science (civil engineering), Master in chemistry or equivalent through experience or you will have obtained it by the time you start work.
• You can demonstrate excellent study results.
• Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.
• You act with attention to quality, safety, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
• You can communicate well, both in speaking and in writing.
• You are strong in planning and organizing and you can work independently.
• You have good technical skills.

What we offer

• We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of 1 year. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed for another three years.
• The planned start date is as soon as possible.
• Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders on the pay scales for Contract Research Staff (Dutch: Bijzonder Academisch Personeel, BAP).
• You will do most of your work at Campus Drie Eiken in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
• Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here.

Want to apply?

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including 22 September 2026 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button, complete the online application form and be sure to include the following attachments: a motivation letter, your academic CV.
• The selection committee will review all of the applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision has been made, we will inform you about the next steps in the selection procedure.
• If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to [email protected]. If you have any questions about the job or project itself, please contact dr. Nick Daems or Prof. Tom Breugelmans via [email protected].

The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.