PhD Position: In situ NMR/MRI for solid-boosted redox flow battery
Radboud University – Magnetic Resonance Research Center (MRRC)

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The MReChem group is seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to work on the development and application of cutting-edge in situ nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods to unravel the mechanism of solid-boosted redox flow battery.

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Earliest starting date: 1 May 2026

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Group website: https://www.ewzhaogroup.org/; https://www.mrrc.nl/

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Reference:

4. Silva Testa G,# Santos Rodriguez M,# Martínez-López J, Lozano A E, Alvarez C,* Carretero-González J,* Zhao E W* “Operando benchtop NMR study of ion transport through fluorine-free polymer membranes in a symmetric redox flow cell” J. Mater. Chem. A, 2026, 14, 10800-10812. (#equal contribution) (invited, theme collection: Green and Sustainable Batteries)

3. Silva Testa A G, Damhuis M A, Elemans J A A W,* Zhao E W* “Coupled benchtop NMR and EPR spectroscopy reveals the electronic structure of viologen radicals in a redox flow battery” ACS Electrochemistry, 2025, 1, 1977-1982 (Front cover).

2. Zhao E W, Jónsson E, Jethwa B J, Hey D, Lyu D, Brookfield A, Klusener P A A, Collison D, Grey C P* “Coupled in situ NMR and EPR studies reveal the electron transfer rate and electrolyte decomposition in redox flow batteries” J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2021, 143, 1885-1895.

1. Zhao E W, Liu T, Jónsson E, Lee J, Temprano I, Jethwa B J, Wang A, Smith H, Carretero-González J, Song Q, Grey C P “In situ NMR metrology reveals reaction mechanisms in redox flow batteries” Nature 2020, 579, 224.

 

What we offer

• A fully funded 4-year PhD position in an internationally leading NMR environment.

• Net monthly salaries (including 16% holiday allowances): Year 1 €3548, Year 2 €4113, Year 3 €4301, Year 4 €4501.

• 30% tax-free ruling applies for international applicants.

• Access to the unique infrastructure of the MRRC, including state-of-the-art ultra-high-field solid-state, solution, benchtop, and custom-built NMR/MRI instrumentation.

• Close collaboration with experts in NMR/MRI methodology, electrochemistry, and energy materials, as well as industrial and international academic partners.

• Training at the interface of physical chemistry, electrochemistry, and advanced NMR/MRI spectroscopy, with strong prospects for an international research career.

 

Candidate profile

We are looking for a candidate with:

• A Master’s degree in Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.

• Strong interest in magnetic resonance spectroscopy, electrochemistry and/or scientific instrumentation development.

• Motivation to work on fundamental questions with clear societal relevance.

• Experience in solid-state NMR or MRI is an advantage. 

• Good communication skills, with the ability to clearly present scientific results in writing and in discussions.

• Ability to work effectively in a diverse, international research team, and to collaborate across disciplines.

 

How to apply

Please send Evan (evanwenbo.zhao@ru.nl) the following materials:

• A motivation letter describing your research interests and background.

• A CV including education and relevant experience.

• Contact details of at least two referees.