PhD vacancies, Leiden Institute of Chemistry
Schneider group, Laboratory of 2D materials
“Ion transport and synthesis of two dimensional nanopores and nanoporous membranes”
Disciplines: ion transport chemistry and physics, nanopores, energy devices, fuel cells, osmotic energy, membrane chemistry and physics, organic chemistry
The research project 2DPolymembrane
Current separation technology is crucial for many aspects of human life and accounts for ~15% of the world’s energy consumption. While the particle flow through separation columns is directional at the atomistic scale, undirected Brownian motion dominates in state-of-the-art membranes. 2D membranes have the potential to overcome this intrinsic deficiency and shift the paradigm of particle transport from disordered Brownian motion to unidirectional flow. In the project we will develop 2D polymer heterostructure membranes (2DHMs) combined with functionalized graphene. They offer ultimate thinness (leading to shortest diffusion lengths), precision pore geometry/size (resulting in high size-selectivity, even for hydrogen isotopes), and high functionality (fostering chemical/charge selectivity and ionic gating), making them ideal membrane materials to realize selective and unidirectional ion transport. We will combine theory and prediction, chemical design, and on-water/liquid surface synthesis, as well as in-situ ion transport investigations to develop robust 2DHMs. We will synthesize 2DHMs in the form of horizontal and vertical heterostructures, for which reliable structure property correlations will be established. We will take advantage of lattice vibrations, nuclear quantum, and electrochemical effects, and consequently reformulate classical diffusion theory to consider these game changers. As a result, we will achieve innovative 2DHMs for selective proton and ion transport with high permeance, laying the foundations for the next-generation membrane technologies. 2DPolymembrane will unlock the unique opportunities of 2DHMs for innovative energy device integrations (proton/aqueous metal batteries, fuel cells, and reverse osmotic power generators), where the merits of ultrathin precision 2DHMs will result in the highest selectivity and highest particle flow, and thus a fundamental device performance beyond the state-of-art.
The PhD students will be supervised by Grégory Schneider (Leiden Institute of Chemistry), and work in close collaboration with the teams at the Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics (Prof. Xinliang Feng) and at the Dresden University of Technology (Prof. Thomas Heine).
About the ERC Synergy grant Poly2DMembrane
See: European grants for research on ultrathin membranes and the biological clock in bacteria - Leiden University
Separation processes are essential in our daily lives, from drug development and purification to cleaning wastewater. These processes, however, use a lot of energy due to the thicknesses of the membranes, together with the random movement of particles. The 2DPolyMembrane project is working to change that paradigm. By developing special 2D membranes that allow particles to flow in a single direction, this project could significantly improve the efficiency of separation technologies.
About the Leiden Institute of Chemistry (LIC)
The research is run by the Leiden Institute of Chemistry, with its long-standing traditions of excellence in research. Apart from state-of-the-art synthesis, physical chemistry, preparation and measurement facilities, unconventional nanofabrication equipment and experimental setups to measure ion transport will be designed supported by excellent mechanical and electronic workshops. We foster an international and collaborative atmosphere and have close ties to other institutes housed within our Faculty of Science and with many research groups within the Netherlands, and many prominent labs abroad.
Your profile
The candidate should be excited to pursue an interdisciplinary PhD, which will involve a combination of ion transport physics, physical chemistry, membrane instrumentation, nanofabrication, chemical functionalization of graphene, spectroscopy, reverse osmosis and electrodialysis, fuel cell development and theory. The candidate should hold a Master degree in one of these topics. You will work in a highly collaborative environment as part of a inter-national team of PhD, postdoctoral researchers, MSc, and professional staff. Our lab supports diversity, access, and inclusion in all its forms. We strive to create a safe environment that supports personal and professional growth, well-being, scientific integrity, and stewardship. We collaborate widely with local and international labs, and are strongly driven to translate our research into societal impacts through working together with industry.
Applications are invited from outstanding graduates holding an MSc degree in Physical Chemistry, Transport Experimental Physics, Ion Flow Theory, Applied Physics, Soft Matter and Condensed Matter Physics, Nanoscience, Organic Chemistry or related degree.
Candidates should have
- Prior experience in experimental work, and preferably have co-authored one or more publications.
- High motivation for research, and have an interest in theory.
- Talent to manage their time and in reporting progresses with a high level of independence.
- Excellent command of written and spoken English.
- A strong teamwork mentality.
More information
European grants for research on ultrathin membranes and the biological clock in bacteria - Leiden University
Research project 2DPolyMembrane receives 10 Million Euro
The Schneider Research Group | Laboratory for 2D materials, graphene chemistry and bionanotechnology
Grégory Schneider - Leiden University
Terms and conditions for PhD positions
- The position will be for a maximum of 4 years, and the candidate is expected to complete a PhD thesis at the end of this period. A contribution to classroom teaching (maximum 10% of the time) will be part of the responsibilities of the candidate, as well as supervision of BSc and MSc research projects that contribute to the goals of this PhD project.
- We offer a stimulating and interactive research environment, free use of all state-of-the-art facilities, a competitive salary.
- We offer a full-time 1 year term position for initially one year. After a positive evaluation of the progress of the thesis, personal capabilities and compatibility the appointment will be extended by a further three years. Salary range from €2.901,-- to € 3.707,-- gross per month (pay scale P in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).
- Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.
- All our PhD students are embedded in the Leiden University Graduate School of Science https://www.graduateschools.leidenuniv.nl. Our graduate school offers several PhD training courses at three levels: professional courses, skills training and personal effectiveness. In addition, advanced courses to deepen scientific knowledge are offered by the research school.
Leiden University and the Faculty of Science
Leiden University is one of Europe’s leading international research universities.
Thanks to its committed and inspired staff and students, the university enjoys a leading role in academic research and education. Leiden also scores very well every year in prominent rankings. This means that, to maintain our position, the bar is set very high. Regardless of the work you do at our university, you are always encouraged to broaden your horizons, develop your talents and reach your full potential.
The research carried out at the Faculty of Science ranges from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organized in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelors’ and twelve master’s programs. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2500 staff and over 6000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together.
You can find more information about the faculty of Science at https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science/about-faculty-of-science. For more information about working at Leiden university please visit https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at.
How to apply
Are you enthusiastic about this vacancy? We are looking forward to getting to know you. Please submit your application online using the blue button below. Please ensure that you upload the following additional documents:
Applications are written in English and include a Cover Letter indicating the motivation for the project
- Curriculum vitae
- Copies of transcripts of degrees obtained
- Contact details of two references
- Applications should be submitted as pdf files.
Interested candidates can respond until May 31th, 2025.
