Postdoc: Investigating the electrical double layer

Work Activities

This is a postdoc position for 2+1 year to experimentally develop the in-situ and operando characterization of metal electrodes.

One of the largest challenges in achieving the energy transition is the conversion and storage of sustainable energy in energy-rich compounds such as hydrogen, hydrocarbons or alcohols produced from water and CO2. The key limiting factor in making these reactions more efficient is the lack of detailed understanding of how these reactions proceed on the nanoscale. In particular, detailed knowledge of the hydrogen-bond structure and molecular dynamics in the interfacial region near the electrode surface is missing. In this project we will combine advanced nonlinear optical femtosecond vibrational spectroscopy with scanning probe microscopy to investigate the water structure on the molecular scale near an operating electrode surface. We will also use these advanced techniques to investigate the dynamic distribution of ions and reactants in the region near the electrode surface. With these studies we will obtain novel insights in the structure of the electrical double layer near a biased electrode surface, which will be of great value in optimizing electrochemical reactions for the conversion and storage of sustainable energy. 

This is a joined position between two research groups at AMOLF, the Ultrafast Spectroscopy and the 3DPhotovoltaics groups. You will be supervised by Prof. Bakker and Prof. Alarcon-Llado and will closely collaborate with the PhD students, technicians and other post-docs of both research groups. Both groups are embedded in the Sustainable Materials theme and ChemSpec center of expertise at AMOLF, which offer a highly stimulating and collaborative atmosphere

Qualifications

We are looking for an enthusiastic researcher with a PhD in experimental physics or physical chemistry.

We look for someone with experimental expirience in at least one of the following areas:

– solid-water interface investigation at the molecular level

– in-situ/operando atomic force microscopy

– ultrafast spectroscopy

Good verbal and written communication skills in English are required

Work environment

AMOLF is a part of NWO-I and initiate and performs leading fundamental research on the physics of complex forms of matter, and to create new functional materials, in partnership with academia and industry. The institute is located at Amsterdam Science Park and currently employs about 140 researchers and 80 support employees. www.amolf.nl

Working conditions

• The working atmosphere at the institute is largely determined by young, enthusiastic, mostly foreign employees. Communication is informal and runs through short lines of communication.
• The position is intended as full-time (40 hours / week, 12 months / year) appointment in the service of the Netherlands Foundation of Scientific Research Institutes (NWO-I) for the duration of 2+1 years
• Salary is in scale 10 (CAO-OI) which starts at 4.065 Euro’s gross per month, and a range of employment benefits.
• AMOLF assists any new foreign Postdoc with housing and visa applications and compensates their transport costs and furnishing expenses.

More information?

For further information about the position, please contact Esther Alarcon Llado: e.alarconllado@amolf.nl

Application

You can respond to this vacancy online via the button below.

Online screening may be part of the selection.

Diversity code

AMOLF is highly committed to an inclusive and diverse work environment: we want to develop talent and creativity by bringing together people from different backgrounds and cultures. We recruit and select on the basis of competencies and talents. We strongly encourage anyone with the right qualifications to apply for the vacancy, regardless of age, gender, origin, sexual orientation or physical ability.

AMOLF has won the NNV Diversity Award 2022, which is awarded every two years by the Netherlands Physical Society for demonstrating the most successful implementation of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI).

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