Researcher Renewable Energy Carriers – Metal-Fuel Cycles

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 particular, you will primarily support the Metal-Fuel Cycles (“Iron Power”) research line, exploring how iron powder can be used as a circular, carbon-free energy carrier, while also contributing to other projects within our Renewable Energy Carriers group. Your challenge is to explore ways to develop new technologies and integrate new energy carriers into the existing energy system. You will:

• Work on projects involving the integration of new energy carriers to balance energy supply and demand.
• Conduct studies with a team of representatives from companies, governments, fellow research institutes, and students.
• Participate in existing research projects, conduct research, and perform project management tasks.
• Guide junior researchers and internship students in research projects.
• Initiate ideas and establish new research projects on renewable energy carriers.
• Interact with other research groups inside and outside MNEXT.
• Contribute to education at Avans by supervising Bachelor and Master 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 11 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 possibility to discover and improve things: this is how we get the best out of you. We’ll help you to continue developing, enabling you to contribute to the ongoing professionalisation of our organisation. We’ll also offer you:

• A gross monthly salary between € 4,361 and € 6,114 based on a full-time position (scale 11 in the collective labour agreement for higher professional education).
• A year-end bonus, roughly equivalent to a 13th month’s salary.
• A part-time appointment for an initial one-year period, with the possibility of extension based on performance and internal considerations.
• 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.

You are passionate about the fight against climate change, which is why you are excited about contributing to the energy transition. Your enthusiasm for forming and leading new research projects (for example, drafting research funding applications) and your positive energy are infectious – you inspire your colleagues. The opportunity to supervise students who also want to do their part for the energy transition makes this position even more appealing to you, given your experience in guiding Bachelor and Master students and your interest in integrating research and education. You also love to keep developing yourself and enjoy sharing your knowledge with others.

Additionally, you have:

• An academic background (Master’s degree or higher) in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field, with current research experience and experience in the professional field and/or academia. A PhD or PDEng diploma is a plus but not a must.
• Knowledge and experience in electro-chemical processes and engineering, as well as prior research and education experience.
• Some experience in energy economics and an understanding of the technical challenges of the energy transition, especially regarding integrating new systems into energy grids.
• An understanding of the energy- and/or steel industry, industrial installations, and relevant regulations.
• 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. Unfortunately, we cannot consider applicants from outside the European Union.

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 13th July 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.