PhD position on the TEM study of hybrid plasma-/bio-/chemo-catalysts

Job title:

PhD position on the TEM study of hybrid plasma-/bio-/chemo-catalysts

Company:

Job description

Offer DescriptionLet’s shape the future – University of AntwerpThe is a dynamic, forward-thinking, European university. We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20000 students, conduct pioneering scientific research and play 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 6000 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 EMAT research group at the Faculty of Science (University of Antwerp) is seeking to fill a PhD position on the TEM study of hybrid plasma-/bio-/chemo-catalysts under the supervision of Professor Joke Hadermann.The PhD project is part of a broader research effort focused on developing innovative technologies for the sustainable conversion of CO₂ into renewable fuels. Central to this effort is the investigation of advanced catalytic systems that bring together multiple functionalities, including components responsive to plasma environments, as well as chemically and biologically active phases. The goal of the project is to gain fundamental insight into how the structure of these complex materials evolves under working conditions. To achieve this, the PhD candidate will employ advanced in situ and ex situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) methods, alongside electron diffraction techniques, to investigate structural changes and spatial distributions of active phases across multiple length scales.The PhD student will collaborate with international partners to study the evolution of crystalline and amorphous domains in the hybrid catalysts. Particular attention will be given to investigating structure-function relationships during different stages of the CO₂-to-alcohol cascade process. TEM data will help clarify the spatial distribution of active sites and guide future catalyst design. Structural insights will be correlated with catalytic performance metrics, provided by project partners, to identify the role of material structure in activity, selectivity and stability.Research groupEMAT is one of the leading electron microscopy centers in the world and has a vast expertise in both fundamental and applied electron microscopy. EMAT has several state of the art electron microscopes including three aberration corrected, high end FEI-Titan instruments, a dual beam FIB, an environmental SEM,… EMAT is also a pioneer in in situ 3D ED studies, as will be important in this project. More about us at our .Position

  • You will use transmission electron microscopy to study the crystal structure evolution of catalysts and their evolution during catalytic operation and activation.
  • You will apply advanced electron diffraction techniques (3DED, 4D-STEM tomography), atomic resolution STEM imaging (HAADF, ABF), EDX and EELS spectroscopy.
  • You will solve and refine crystal structures from electron diffraction data.
  • You will investigate structure-property relationships by combining your TEM results with catalytic performance data obtained by partners.

General

  • The PhD candidate will prepare a doctoral thesis in the field of Sciences or the field of Physics.
  • You present updates of your work to the project consortium in regular manner, both orally and in written form, in clear and correct English.
  • You publish scientific articles related to the research project of the assignment.
  • You present your work at national and international workshops, conferences and consortium meetings.

Profile

  • You hold a Master’s degree in Chemistry, Physics or Materials Science or you will have obtained it by the time you start.
  • You are enthusiastic about electron microscopy and structural characterization.
  • Prior hands-on experience with transmission electron microscopy is not absolutely required but will be considered a strong asset.
  • Basic programming skills and a willingness to further develop those skills to automate your data processing and improve your own workflow efficiency are expected.
  • You have a strong interest in catalysis and structure-function relationships.
  • You are motivated to acquire new skills and work in a multidisciplinary team.
  • You have practical experience with experimental work and data analysis.
  • You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and collaboration.
  • You can demonstrate excellent study results.
  • Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and

.What we offer

  • A doctoral scholarship for a period of 1 year. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed for another 3 years (total 4 years).
  • Participation in an exciting European project at the interface of catalysis, materials science and microscopy.
  • The preferred starting date is 1 November.
  • A stimulating research environment at Campus Groenenborger, equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation and computing facilities (

). * Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the
for doctoral scholarship holders on the pay scales for contract research staff (Dutch: Bijzonder Academisch Personeel, BAP). * Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp
.Want to apply?

  • You can apply for this vacancy through the

up to and including July 15th 2025 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the ‘Apply’ button and complete the online application form. * Be sure to include the following attachments:

  • a motivation letter
  • your academic CV (including followed courses, honours, previous work, programming skills, experience with hands-on TEM, publications, internships,…)
  • contact info of 2 professional references
  • The selection committee reviews all applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. 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

or send an email to . Questions about the scientific content of the position can be asked to Prof. Joke Hadermann, .The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage 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.Where to apply WebsiteRequirementsResearch Field Chemistry Years of Research Experience 1 – 4Research Field Chemistry Years of Research Experience 1 – 4Research Field Engineering Years of Research Experience 1 – 4Research Field Physics Years of Research Experience 1 – 4Research Field Physics Years of Research Experience 1 – 4Additional InformationWebsite for additional job detailsWork Location(s)Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute University of Antwerp Country Belgium City Antwerp Postal Code 2000 Street Prinsstraat 13 GeofieldContact CityAntwerp WebsitePostal Code2000STATUS: EXPIREDShare this page

Expected salary

Location

Anvers

Job date

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 00:49:30 GMT

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