Ion Exchange Membrane Expert

About the role

As our Ion Exchange Membrane Expert, you will play a pivotal role in our team of scientists and engineers in the development of our groundbreaking water and salt-based flow battery technology. As we move towards commercialization, you will work in our brand new office, workshop, and lab at Alphen a/d Rijn.

As an ion exchange membrane expert, you will be optimizing a critical component of our acid-base flow battery system: the membrane stack. Your expertise will be crucial in addressing the critical challenges of co-ion transport, maximizing ion selectivity, and developing advanced bipolar membranes.

What you’ll be doing

• Lead the research and development of novel ion exchange membranes specifically designed for acid-base flow batteries.
• Focus on minimizing co-ion transport to achieve high coulombic efficiency and energy storage capacity.
• Leverage nanotechnology to develop membranes with exceptional ion selectivity for desired ions (e.g., Na+ or Cl-) for efficient charge separation and superior battery performance.
• Investigate strategies for enhanced chemical and mechanical stability in the harsh acidic and basic environments within the battery.
• Explore and develop bipolar membranes with forward bias properties for improved energy efficiency and internal resistance reduction in the battery stack.
• Utilize and implement advanced characterization techniques to evaluate membrane properties relevant to flow battery performance (e.g., ion conductivity, selectivity, perm selectivity, chemical stability).
• Work closely with colleagues to integrate your membrane expertise into the design and optimization of the entire membrane stack.
• Share your knowledge and findings through presentations, reports, and participation in technical discussions.
• Actively follow advancements in ion exchange membrane research, bipolar membrane technology, and acid-base flow battery development, seeking opportunities to incorporate cutting-edge knowledge into your work.
• Prepare and maintain comprehensive technical reports on membrane research, characterization results, and their impact on battery performance.

Education and experience:

• Ph.D. in Chemistry with a strong focus on membrane science and technology.
• >2 years of relevant industry experience

Knowledge and skills:

• Demonstrated expertise in ion transport phenomena, including co-ion transport, ion selectivity, and perm selectivity mechanisms in ion exchange membranes.
• Experience in characterizing ion exchange membranes using relevant techniques (e.g. electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, ion chromatography) is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to achieving high-quality results.
• Proficient in English.

Considered a plus:

• Familiarity with acid-base flow battery technology and its principles.
• Proficiency in Dutch, spoken and written.

What you can expect

• A fast-growing, impact-driven and multicultural work environment
• Open and collaborative learning culture
• Attractive compensation package, including stock appreciation rights program, green pension scheme (50% covered by company), and collective health insurance plan providing discount over additional insurances
• Flexibility and eye for healthy work-life balance, and 25 vacation days
• Company bike, for travel from and to the office
• Regular team and social events