PhD Position on Thin Film Energy Materials

Would you like to develop new materials that can allow the quantification of the hydrogen concentration in an electrolyser?

Job description

Thin film materials have a variety of applications in the energy domain. These materials are fascinating, as thin film effects such as nanoconfinement, clamping, and high surface‑to‑volume ratio can drastically alter their thermodynamics. In this PhD project, energy materials will be synthesized with thin film deposition techniques such as magnetron sputtering and studied from both an application point of view (efficiency/performance of the device they are used for) and a fundamental point of view.

This project will be a true team effort, involving research technicians and scientific staff, both within and outside TU Delft. There will be a predominant experimental focus, and advanced material characterisation methods including neutron and X‑ray reflectometry, X‑ray spectroscopy, and diffraction will be a major part of it. The responsible supervisor will be Lars Bannenberg.

Tasks

• Synthesize thin film energy materials using physical vapor deposition (magnetron sputtering).
• Perform advanced material characterization with techniques such as neutron and X‑ray reflectometry, X‑ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and X‑ray diffraction.
• Characterise the functional performance of the thin film materials.
• Write academic papers and deliver presentations and updates in which you communicate your experimental results.
• Co‑supervise bachelor and master student thesis projects.
• Contribute to teaching activities within the bachelor/master programs of the Faculty of Applied Sciences. This may include helping or coordinating exercise lectures, practical assignments, etc., research work will be maximum 10% of your time.

Job requirements

• You would be our ideal candidate if you are/have a Master in chemical engineering, chemistry, physics, material science or a related subject.
• Experience with thin film deposition techniques, including magnetron sputtering.
• Experience with neutron and X‑ray reflectometry.
• Programming experience (preferably Python).
• Excellent command of the English language in both speaking and writing. Speaking Dutch is an advantage for some teaching assistant activities.
• Team working mentality and the ability to work efficiently individually with good communication skills.
• Demonstrated excellent experimental and analytical skills.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4‑year period of employment in principle, but in the form of two employment contracts: an initial 1.5‑year contract with an official go/no‑go progress assessment within 15 months, followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2.5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3,059 to €3,881 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a full‑time contract (38 hours), plus 8 % holiday allowance and an end‑of‑year bonus of 8.3 %. Additional benefits include a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, a monthly work‑costs contribution, and flexible work schedules.

Additional information

If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Lars Bannenberg (responsible supervisor) via [email protected].

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 30 June 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV
• Cover letter
• Grade list for your MSc education

You can address your application to Lars Bannenberg (responsible supervisor).

Do not apply by email and/or postal mail. The application is processed online only.

Important notes:

• As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during recruitment, based on information provided by the candidates themselves.
• Processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

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