1 PhD position in Life Cycle Analysis Nanomaterials & Risk Assessment in Netherlands | Leiden University

We are searching for a PhD-candidate who will be working on the assessment of human health and environmental impacts of advanced nanomaterials developed for improving the efficiency of photovoltaic cells. Thereupon, life cycle costing of the materials and their associated products will be part of the activities.

The PhD-project we offer is part of the NanoTandem project, sponsored within the Horizon2020 Research program of the EU. Silicon-based photovoltaic cells are the dominant technology for terrestrial solar energy conversion. Nanowires in combination with today’s silicon photovoltaic technology have the potential of simultaneously reaching high performance solar cells, efficient use of materials, low cost. In terms of materials, such new developments are often more costly (at least initially) than existing implemented solutions. It is therefore necessary to ensure that the justification for a new material substitution is not only sound on a technical basis, but is also sound on a commercial basis as well as from an human health and environmental perspective. The objective of the PhD-project is to perform a simplified environmental life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle costing (LCC) that will focus on the materials developed to significantly enhance the performance of photovoltaic cells and their associated products, as both a guide to sustainable/affordable development within the project, and in support of future market appropriation. A production cost analysis will also be performed. Additionally, a clear indication of the human health and environmental impacts of the materials released from the devices developed within Nano-Tandem during the whole life cycle of the devices should be developed. Thereupon, useful guidance on minimizing possible adverse effects to man and the environment is to be delivered to the project partners and potential end-users.

The work will cover four phases:

1) goal/scope definition;

2) inventory (data gathering from industry and existing databases) and identification of all processes and materials in the life cycle(s) of the photovoltaic cells ;

3) impact assessment regarding environ­mental and human health;

4) performing the initial and final life cycle and life costing assessments.

This project requires collaboration with international partners (Sweden, Germany and France).

Requirements

The candidate should have a Master’s degree in Industrial Ecology or a MSc in environmental chemistry or environmental or sustainable technology or equivalent, and have a strong interest in interdisciplinary work. You need to have experience in quantitative approaches towards life cycle assessment, and affinity for working with large databases. You must be proficient in spoken and written English, and have good communication skills. Moreover, you need to be a team player as well as be able to work independently, and have a strong interest in a scientific career. Conditions of employment

We offer a vibrant environment to develop on-the-job the skills and networks that a successful academic needs. Appointment will be according to the terms of the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities (CAO Nederlandse Universiteiten), for a period of one year with an extension of three years after positive evaluation of capabilities and compatibility. Ultimately the appointment must lead to the completion of a PhD thesis. During your appointment you will be supervised by Dr. Martina Vijver (co-promotor) and Prof. dr. Willie Peijnenburg (promotor).

The gross monthly salary is set on €2125,- in the first year up to €2717,- in year four. An appointment with Leiden University includes a pension build-up and facilitates other benefits such as an annual holiday premium of 8% and an end-of-year premium of 8.3%.

All our PhD students are embedded in the Leiden University Graduate School of Science and the Research School SENSE. Our graduate school offers several PhD training courses at three levels: professional courses, skills training and personal effectiveness. In addition, advanced courses to deepen scientific knowledge are offered by the research school.