Doctoral scholarship holder sodium-ion batteries

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, conducting pioneering scientific research and playing 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 6,000 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 Applied Electrochemistry and Catalysis (ELCAT) in the Faculty of Applied Engineering is looking for a full time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of sodium-ion batteries. Batteries will be crucial to transform our society to a sustainable one. As a PhD student you will therefore conduct research to understand how electrode architecture and operating conditions affect performance and study the influence on lifetime.

Within the research group ELCAT you will find yourself in an excellent research environment consisting of more than 50 researchers and equipped with state-of-the-art lab facilities and research equipment. The scope of ELCAT is situated in the field of electrochemistry and electrochemical engineering. Its scientific activities are related to the development of state-of-the-art electrochemical reactors and batteries, striving towards a green and sustainable industry and society.

Position

• You will work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in the field sodium-ion batteries for renewable energy storage. For the energy transition, it is crucial that we can store electricity. Sodium-ion batteries have emerged as promising drop-in alternative for lithium ion batteries, but to date its performance is hindered by sluggish diffusion kinetics and volume expansion during battery cycling. In this, electrode engineering is important to address these transport limitations and volume expansions. You will study how altering the electrode architecture through laser structuring can result in performant high-loading electrodes. You will use advanced femtosecond laser ablation to introduce controlled micro-architectures in various cathode and anode materials. You will house them in coin cells and perform in-depth electrochemical and physicochemical characterization of the processed electrodes.
• You will publish scientific articles and/or patents related to your research.
• You also assist in a limited number of teaching tasks and/or research support to aid in the good day-to-day functioning of the research group and the Faculty of Applied Engineering.

Profile

• You hold a Master’s degree in chemical engineering, Master’s degree in chemistry, Master’s degree in applied engineering/industrial science: chemistry, Master’s degree in materials science, Master’s degree in a related field or equivalent through experience or you will have obtained it by the time you start working.
• You can demonstrate excellent study results.
• You are pro-active and have mind-set for scientific research.
• You are enthusiast and highly motivated.
• You can work safely in research laboratories, in particular regarding chemical substances.
• Experience in manufacturing lithium or sodium-ion batteries and electrochemically and physicochemically testing them is considered a plus.
• You have a good knowledge of English language. You can communicate well, both in speaking and in writing. A C1 in English is considered a plus.
• You are strong in planning and organizing; you can work independently.
• 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, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
• Recommendation letters are considered an added value.

What we offer

• We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of one year. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed for a total of 4 years.
• The planned start date is November 1^st 2026 or sooner.
• 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 receive ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• You will do most of your work at Campus Drie Eiken (Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium) 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 until July 08^th 2026. Click on the 'Apply' button, complete the online application form and be sure to include the following attachments: a motivation letter, your academic CV, and potential letters of recommendation.
• The selection committee will review all of the applications after the application deadline and invite selected candidates for an (online) interview. Please note in your agenda that this interview will be organised on July 16^th. 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 itself, please contact Prof. Jonas Hereijgers ([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.