Are you fascinated by how molecular-scale interactions determine the real-world performance of functional materials? In this PhD project, you will study a new class of materials that find application in future technologies ranging from neuromorphic computing and bioelectronics to energy storage. Are you ready to help unravel the inner workings of these fascinating materials by investigating them during operation?
Your research
In your PhD project, you will uncover how intermolecular interactions and supramolecular morphology govern the functionality of organic mixed ionic-electronic conductors (OMIECs). Bridging the fields of OMIECs and supramolecular chemistry, you will investigate these relationships through in-depth operando characterization.
OMIECs are soft materials that conduct both electrons and ions, highly promising for applications ranging from energy storage and solar fuels to bioelectronics and neuromorphic computing. However, electrons, ions, solvent and the molecular structure all reorganize during operation, making it difficult to disentangle how molecular-scale interactions ultimately determine macroscopic function.
You will develop characterization methods and experimental setups to probe intermolecular interactions as OMIECs operate. Spectroelectrochemistry will be a key tool; developing operando cells, setups, and experiments that enable you to discern dynamic spectral signatures of molecular packing. By following changes in supramolecular organization during electrochemical doping, your work will reveal how doping affects supramolecular organization.
You will also determine how supramolecular packing governs doping efficiency and dynamics, linking morphology to device-relevant properties, by studying varied samples of available supramolecular building blocks. These fundamental insights will provide a supramolecular knob for tuning material functionality, thereby introducing new ways to control material behavior.
The key outcome of your research is a mechanistic framework describing the bidirectional interplay between OMIEC doping and supramolecular interactions. Building on this framework, you will ultimately design switchable supramolecular OMIEC systems in collaboration with other researchers, targeting applications in in-material computing. Beyond these systems, your fundamental insights will contribute to the general development of next-generation computing and adaptive bioelectronics.
Your environment and support
As a member of the Optoelectronic Mixed Conductors group at the Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, you will conduct your research under the supervision of Prof. Tom van der Pol. Your project is highly interdisciplinary, with opportunities to collaborate with researchers across the department. You will become part of a broad and vibrant scientific community, including the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems.
At TU/e and within the Optoelectronic Mixed Conductors group, curiosity-driven research and personal development go hand in hand. You will have the freedom to pursue ambitious scientific questions while receiving the guidance and support needed to develop your own ideas and expertise. Your supervisory team will support you in developing the skills, confidence, and scientific perspective needed to uncover the mechanisms that govern OMIECs and to shape your own path as a researcher.
Requirements
- We are looking for an enthusiastic self-motivated researcher who holds an MSc degree in chemistry, physics, material science, or equivalent.
- Experience with functional material characterization is essential, and spectroscopy or electrochemistry is preferred.
- Prior experience with organic semiconductors, supramolecular chemistry, or operando characterization is highly valued.
- You possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills and enjoy hands-on experimental research.
- You are curious, creative, and eager to develop new experiments, setups, knowledge, and skills.
- You enjoy working in an interdisciplinary team and you actively seek opportunities to collaborate.
- You are motivated to contribute to teaching and supervision of students.
- You are excellent in spoken and written English.
Conditions of employment
Fixed-term contract: 4 years.
A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station.
In addition, we offer you:
- Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment.
- Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,204 - max. € 4,051 gross base salary per month (full-time)).
- In addition to your base salary, you will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus, both calculated based on your annual gross base salary.
- Generous leave options: a standard 29 days (based on a 38 hour working week) per year that you can increase to 41 days by working two hours more per week (flexible working hours). This is prorated if you work part-time.
- As a TU/e employee, you participate in the ABP pension scheme, providing retirement pension and pension benefits for surviving dependents and occupational disability. TU/e pays 70% of the pension premium, while employees contribute the remaining 30%.
- High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
- An excellent technical infrastructure, and on-campus children's day care.
- Unlimited access to the modern on-campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
- We support your wellbeing with free 24/7 access to OpenUp, providing you and your family with mental health support, expert guidance, and online training.
- An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
- A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the Expat Scheme) for international candidates.
On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!
Employer
TU/e
We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community. Discover what Light Up means to TU/e in our short company video.
Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world-leading tech region with more than 7,000 high-tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.
The Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry bridges science and engineering to create sustainable solutions for society. By combining expertise in molecules, materials, and processes, we drive innovations that address global challenges in energy, circularity, health and future technology. Through world-class research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and strong industry partnerships, we educate engineers and scientists who turn scientific discoveries into technologies with lasting societal impact. Together, we create chemistry for a better world.
Additional information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Prof. Tom van der Pol, t.p.a.v.d.pol@tue.nl.
Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact HRServices.helix@tue.nl.
Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.
Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.
Working at TU/e
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