PhD Position Coupling Electrochemical Nitration and Reduction for Aniline Synthesis

We are looking for a Pre-doctoral researcher under the framework of the CENTRAL project: Coupling Electrochemical Nitration and Reduction for Aniline Synthesis. This project has received funding from the Flemish government within the Moonshot framework (project number: HBC.2025.0650)

In the CENTRAL project, a combined electrochemical nitration and reduction process is proposed to produce aniline from N2, benzene, water and renewable electrons. This paired electrolysis pathway replaces the harsh and energetically voracious Haber-Bosch and Ostwald processes, avoids massive CO2 emissions and minimizes energy intensity by the following key advances: (i) near-ambient reaction conditions, (ii) in situ nitration of arenes and (iii) coupling with cathodic reduction of the formed nitrobenzene.

In our proposed concept, in situ nitration is performed by electro-oxidation of N2 to NOx(-) and classical hydrogenation is replaced by electro-reduction of nitrobenzene. Hence, we avoid the detour via NH3, the accumulation of HNO3 feedstock and the use of grey H2 for reduction.

The candidate will be mainly working on the in situ nitration and ultimately on the integration with the cathode. Hence, the focus will be on electrochemical nitrogen oxidation towards nitrate/nitrite.

This PhD position will be mainly carried out at VITO (Belgium) under the supervision of Dr. ir. Yuvraj Birdja, with secondary supervision by Prof. Dirk de Vos from KU Leuven (Belgium).

We offer

• a doctoral scholarship for a period of one year, renewable for three years after positive evaluation.

• the start date of the scholarship is 1st of April 2026 but certainly before June 2026.

• a dynamic, diverse and stimulating work environment.

How to apply?
Applications should be submitted online via the VITO-website and should include:

1. Detailed CV

2. Two recommendation letters

3. A motivation letter from the candidate

4. Application Deadline: March1st, 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Brussels)

• A pre-selection will be made from amongst the submitted applications and only the shortlisted candidates will be invited for the interview phase.

• Any application that is not submitted in this way will not be included in the selection process.

• For questions about the profile and the description of duties for this position, please contact Dr. ir. Yuvraj Birdja (yuvraj.birdja@vito.be).

• Master in Chemistry, Chemical engineering, Electrochemistry, (Electro)catalysis or equivalent are preferred for this position.

• An advanced level of English is required for this position. Certification is necessary and proficiency will be assessed during the personal interview.

• Proven hands-on experience in experimental electrochemistry/material characterization will be considered as an added advantage.

• You are ambitious and dedicated to achieving your goals.

• You have a problem-solving and creative mindset.

• You will publish scientific articles related to the research project of the assignment.

• You contribute to outreach and research at VITO under the framework of CENTRAL project.