EngD Position: Development and Optimization of Advanced Thermochemical Storage Materials

Job description

Project description

The CASH project  is an initiative pioneering the use of calcium-based materials for the next generation of industrial waste heat recovery. This position aims to advance the sustainable heat transition by utilizing recycled Circular Calcium Carbonate (CCC) as a core material. Fundamental understanding and optimization of these materials are crucial for realizing their full potential as highly efficient, reversible energy storage mediums.

In this collaborative position between the industrial consortium and the University of Twente, our objective is to work together with the application of cutting-edge technologies to tackle the implementation challenges of these materials. This EngD assignment aims to systematically develop, optimize, and scale up calcium-based thermochemical materials (TCM). The focus is on overcoming practical barriers such as material agglomeration, poor thermal conductivity, and cyclic instability through innovative synthesis, chemical optimization, and material design.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct experimental studies to develop and optimize calcium-based thermochemical materials for thermal energy storage applications.
• Investigate the fundamental reaction kinetics and thermodynamic properties of reversible calcium carbonate systems to maximize heat storage capacity and operational efficiency.
• Utilize advanced experimental methods to improve the physical and chemical properties of the storage medium, addressing practical challenges such as particle agglomeration and material degradation over repeated thermal cycles.
• Analyze the interplay between chemical composition, thermal conductivity, and structural integrity during the continuous heat capture and release phases.
• Collaborate closely with chemical researchers, system engineers, and industrial partners to translate fundamental chemical and thermodynamic insights into large-scale material production and reactor integration.

Your profile

• You are an outstanding MSc graduated in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Nanotechnology, or a related field.
• Strong background and hands-on experience in physical chemistry, chemical synthesis, and materials characterization.
• Proficiency in analyzing reaction kinetics, thermodynamic behavior, and evaluating complex material properties under dynamic thermal conditions.
• Familiarity with advanced energy materials, particularly Thermochemical Materials (TCM) is highly desirable.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Fluently in spoken and written English. Applicants with a non-Dutch qualification need an IELTS test (minimum 6.5), TOEFL-iBT (minimum 90), or Cambridge CAE-C (CPE).

Our offer

• Full-time 2-year EngD position with a tailor-made post-master design program that has an educational component (50%) as well as a design project (50%).
• Excellent working conditions in an exciting scientific environment, set in a green and lively campus.
• Dedicated mentorship and access to top-notch facilities.
• Inclusion in a professional and personal development program within Graduate School Twente.
• A salary of €3.029,- gross per month
• Holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.3%.
• Minimum of 29 holidays per year for full-time employment.
• Full employee status at the University of Twente, including pension and healthcare benefits.

Information and application

Please submit your application via the online portal before July 31, 2026, and include:

• A cover letter of at most 1-page A4, explaining specific interests, the motivation for the application, and why you qualify for this project.
• A 1-minute video pitch (or a shared link to the video) introducing yourself and concisely explaining why you are the ideal fit for this project.
• A full Curriculum Vitae, including contact information for at least two academic references.
• Transcripts from your Bachelor and Master’s degrees.
• An IELTS-test, Internet TOEFL test (TOEFL-iBT), or a Cambridge CAE-C (CPE) (if applicable).

If you have any further questions about this vacancy, please contact Dr. Mohammad Mehrali (Email: [staat bij de werkgever]).

Screening is part of the selection procedure.

About the organisation

At the Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET), we work on engineering for impact: developing smart, sustainable, human-centred and technological solutions for societal challenges. We connect fundamental education, research and practice across five core domains: Asset & Maintenance engineering, Intelligent Manufacturing Systems, Personalised Health Technology, Resilience Engineering, and Sustainable Production, Energy and Resources.

We work on education and research in mechanical engineering, civil engineering and industrial design engineering. Together, we learn by making, creating, and innovating, addressing challenges in a solution-oriented way. Quality, connection and inclusivity are the foundation of our culture.

In our open community, students, researchers and staff collaborate with industrial and societal partners. This enables us to develop insights, applications and solutions that add value to society.