Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated doctoral candidates with a strong passion for battery science and a desire to contribute to the development of next-generation energy storage systems. These positions are part of the NANEXBAT project, funded by the Dutch Research Council (NWO), which aims to explore materials innovations for next-generation sodium-ion batteries. The overarching goal of the project is to combine experimental and computational studies to elucidate structure-property relationships in promising sodium-ion battery materials and their mutual interactions under operating conditions. This research is complemented by analyses of sustainability, material availability, and techno-economic aspects.

Topic 1

We invite applications for a PhD position on the development of new and durable cathode materials for next-generation sodium-ion battery technology. The project aims to identify high-performance cathode materials with high capacity, high reversibility, and long cycle life, based on non-critical, low-cost, and abundant raw materials. The research will focus on experimentally guided dopant strategies to achieve the challenging combination of high capacity, fast cycling, and long cycle life. Experimental work, including synthesis, electrochemical testing, solid-state NMR, and operando X-ray absorption and diffraction, will provide fundamental insight into the relation between material composition, structure, redox and phase behaviour, ionic conductivity, and battery performance. Surface and interface-related challenges, including air and moisture sensitivity, electrolyte reactivity, interface resistance, phase transformation, and poor electrical conductivity, will also be addressed.

Topic 2

We invite applications for a PhD position on the development of sustainable hard carbon anodes and PFAS-free liquid electrolytes for next-generation sodium-ion battery technology. The project will address key challenges associated with hard carbon, including low initial Coulombic efficiency, poor rate capability, limited cycling stability, and interfacial instability with electrolytes. The research will focus on understanding structure–property relationships in hard carbon, with particular emphasis on microstructure, surface chemistry, and solid electrolyte interphase formation. In parallel, sustainable multi-salt electrolyte formulations will be developed and optimized for compatibility with hard carbon anodes, with the aim of enabling safe operation, fast charging, and long cycle life.

We offer the opportunity to work in a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary environment where fundamental research is closely linked to application. You will interact with leading experts in materials science, electrochemistry, and battery technology, and contribute to shaping the future of sustainable energy storage. If you are driven by curiosity, eager to work with cutting-edge experimental techniques, and enthusiastic about making a tangible impact on the energy transition, we encourage you to apply.

Job requirements

• Master’s degree in (Applied) Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related field
• Affinity for energy storage, with an interest in materials development and electrochemical systems, is desirable
• You enjoy working in a team and bring excellent organizational, communication and interpersonal skills
• English proficiency is required

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Applied Sciences

With more than 1,100 employees, including 150 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,600 passionate students, the Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem. Focusing on key enabling technologies, such as quantum- and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology and materials for energy storage and conversion, our faculty aims to provide solutions to important problems of the 21st century. To that end, we educate innovative students in broad Bachelor's and specialist Master's programmes with a strong research component. Our scientists conduct ground-breaking fundamental and applied research in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Engineering Physics. We are also training the next generation of high school teachers.

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