Junior Researcher Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage

How do we create a sustainable carbon-free energy system? At Avans, we contribute to this challenge with practice-based research on renewable energy carriers like hydrogen, ammonia, synthetic fuels and iron powder. By conducting practice-oriented research with students, teachers, researchers and our stakeholders, we set the materials and energy transition in motion towards a more sustainable future.

In this research role, you will play an important part in Renewable Energy Carriers group. In particular, you will primarily support the electrochemical energy conversion and storage research line, exploring how electrochemical technologies integrated with renewable energy can support the industrial decarbonization. Your challenge is to test and validate the innovate ideas related to electrochemical technologies in the lab.

You will:

• Work on advancing electrochemical technologies integration (e.g electrolysis, fuel cell, energy storage) in energy transition projects.
• Plan, execute and analyse experiments in the field of electrochemistry and materials science (e.g cell assembly, performance/durability testing)
• Participate in existing research projects, conduct research, and perform project management tasks.
• Conduct critical literature reviews that identify state of the art and help in translating insights into competitive, well structured research projects.
• Interact with other research groups inside and outside MNEXT.
• Contribute to education at Avans by supervising Bachelor students working on sub-studies linked to ongoing research projects.

The Centre of Expertise MNEXT deals with energy and materials transition. MNEXT is a partnership between Avans University of Applied Sciences and HZ University of Applied Sciences, bringing innovation to society together with SMEs. We are an international team of around 80 passionate colleagues from all over the world, with much of our communication happening in English. Currently, MNEXT consists of seven research groups: Biobased Construction, Biobased Resources & Energy, Biobased Building Blocks & Products, Smart Energy, Renewable Energy Carriers, Biobased Transitions, and Marine Biobased Chemistry.

In this role, you will be part of the Renewable Energy Carriers research group, established in 2024 and currently comprising about 13 researchers, with a mission to convert surplus renewable power into flexible, low-carbon energy carriers. We operate state-of-the-art laboratories in Breda (JRCB Electrochemistry Lab) and Den Bosch (Iron Power Lab), where we work with advance technologies such as PEM electrolysis, iron-fuel combustion, and e-fuel synthesis. These efforts drive our three flagship research lines: Electrochemical Energy Conversion & Storage, Metal-Fuel Cycles, and E-Fuels & Power-to-X. As a new research group, there is ample scope to show initiative and explore new ideas. At MNEXT, we have an entrepreneurial mindset and big ambitions, and you can count on considerable freedom and variety in your work.

An environment where you have the freedom to explore and improve. that’s how we bring out the best in you. We support your continuous development, enabling you to contribute to our ongoing professional and technical growth.

In addition, we offer you:

• A gross monthly salary between € 3.609 and € 5.377 based on a full-time position (scale 10 in the collective labour agreement for higher professional education).
• A year-end bonus, roughly equivalent to a 13th month’s salary.
• A permanent role, starting with a one-year contract.
• A healthy work-life balance and good workstations (ergonomic working environment).
• Plenty of freedom in your work, with the option of working partly from home.

As a junior researcher, you bring curiosity, precision, and drive. Your enthusiasm pushes you to ask the right questions and explore new possibilities, while your analytical and problem-solving mindset helps you turn ideas into smart, reliable results. You work methodically and accurately, ensuring high-quality outcomes and clear insights. Collaboration comes naturally. You enjoy sharing knowledge, inspiring your colleagues and students, and working together to move research forward. With your positive energy, you create an environment that encourages learning and innovation. Above all, you’re eager to keep developing yourself as a researcher while guiding and supervising students as they contribute to ongoing projects and new scientific directions.

Additionally, you have:

• An academic background (Bachelors or Master’s degree) in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science/Materials Engineering, or a related field.
• Research experience in industry and/or academia is a strong advantage. However, we also welcome motivated candidates who wish to start their research career.
• Knowledge and/or experience in electrochemical processes/technologies and engineering is a big plus.
• Hands-on lab experience with electrochemical experiments and analytical techniques (e.g EIS, CV, Chronoamperometry, LSV, HPLC, GC, UV-Vis) is highly valued. 
• Excellent writing and communication skills in English (Dutch is preferred but not required).

Please note that this position is only open to candidates who are eligible to work in the EU.

Big ambitions, human scale. Committed. Personal. That’s Avans University of Applied Sciences. A place where you can be yourself. With your unique ideas and insights, we’ll give you plenty of freedom – that’s part of our learning and entrepreneurial character. We offer flexible education and research in co-creation with the professional field, and we are always adapting, moving with the world around us. Read these stories to discover Avans as an employer. 

Do you see a great role for yourself in further professionalizing our education and research, and in contributing to Avans’ development into a leading knowledge institution? Please apply no later than 31 October 2025 via the application button on our website. If you have any questions about the position, please contact Saleh Mohammadi, professor of the Renewable Energy Carriers research group, at +31 6 2496 9861 or s.mohammadi6@avans.nl. We will inform you of the status of your application within 2 weeks of the closing date.

We find our own candidates, so we are not interested in unsolicited services or offers.