Jobs and Positions

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Send your announcement in a WORD file to the ISE Office (info@ise-online.org) and we will take care of the posting within 48 hours. PDF files are not accepted. The announcement will remain on the website for approximately for three (3) months.

February 2023

PROFESSOR IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW ELECTROLYTES AND ELECTRODE MATERIALS FOR ENERGY STORAGE AND/OR CONVERSION

Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications Research Centre Tenure-track Position

Context and summary

The INRS Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications (EMT) Research Centre wishes to fill a new tenure-track faculty position within the INRS-UQTR joint research unit (UMR), with high potential for knowledge and technology transfer to users, in the development of new electrolytes and electrode materials for energy storage and/or conversion.

INRS and UQTR have set up a joint research unit on the development of advanced materials and technologies for a low-carbon economy. UQTR is already strongly committed to the Electrification and Climate Change Plan (PECC) and has an international reputation and key infrastructure facilitating the energy transition. The work conducted at the Hydrogen Research Institute (IRH) and the Innovations Institute in Ecomaterials, Ecoproducts and Ecoenergies (I2E3) is a great example of this commitment. The INRS EMT Research Centre, on the other hand, with its distinguished professor-researchers, boasts a critical mass of scientists specializing in the development of advanced materials and green technologies, as well as world-class facilities, unique in Canada, such as the Advanced Laser Light Source (ALLS) Laboratory, the Laboratory of Micro and Nanofabrication (LMN), and a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to time-resolved transmission electron microscopy.

Within the development of new electrolytes and electrode materials for energy storage and/or conversion, the targeted areas of expertise include (i) liquid and/or solid electrolytes for batteries
(ii) molten salts for electrometallurgical processes, (iii) electrolytes for fuel cells and high- temperature electrolyzers, and (iv) industrial processes for the production/recycling of battery materials.

The selected candidate that accepts the offer will be given the support to apply and compete internally for a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair as well as for Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) infrastructure support – John R. Evans Leaders Fund - to establish his/her research lab.

The successful applicant will join a staff of some 40 professor-researchers who undertake research and provide training (MSc, PhD, and postdoc) in various fields such as ultrafast science and photonics, advanced materials, sustainable energy, environmental solutions, telecommunication systems, and nanobiotechnology.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Establish an independent and innovative research program;
• Secure funding for the research program through public and private grants and industry partnerships when required;
• Establish collaborations with existing research teams at the EMT Research Centre and UQTR and develop or maintain partnerships with outside groups;
• Provide training and education, particularly in relation to graduate programs and the supervision of post-doctoral fellows and research staff.

Requirements

• PhD in a relevant field (materials science, electrochemistry, chemistry, chemical engineering, or any other relevant field);
• Excellent track record of research and development to build a robust and innovative research program or, for young researchers, strong R&D leadership skills;
• Expertise that complements that of current EMT Research Centre faculty members (https://inrs.ca/en/research/professors/);
• Experience and/or skills in teaching and supervising graduate students and postdoctoral fellows;
• Ability to work within multidisciplinary research teams and networks;
• Ability to collaborate with industry partners;
• Entrepreneurial skills (or potential) and ability to secure research grants from funding agencies.

Working language

French is the working language. Advanced knowledge of English is crucial. Applicants who are not fully fluent in French are strongly encouraged to apply. The necessary resources will be put at their disposal to help them learn French.

Workplace

Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR) Campus de Trois-Rivières
3351 boulevard des Forges
Trois-Rivières (Québec) G8Z 4M3

Salary and benefits

In accordance with the collective agreement in effect at INRS. Parental leaves are supported both institutionally and by government programs.

How to apply

Interested candidates should send their application from INRS Web Site before April 17, 2023
including:
• a brief letter of interest;
• a complete curriculum vitae;
• a copy of their three most significant publications;
• a description of their current and proposed research (maximum 4 pages including references);
• an overview describing their experience and their philosophy of supervision and teaching (maximum 1 page);
• the names and contact information of three references.

For this position, please apply through INRS recruitment portal at: https://inrs.ca/en/jobs/professor-in-the-development-of-new-elextrolytes-and-electrode-materials-ofr-energy-storage-andor-conversion/

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Any additional documents that cannot be transmitted electronically but are necessary to complete your application should be sent by mail to the following address:

Director
Institut national de la recherche scientifique
Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications Research Centre 1650, boul. Lionel-Boulet
Varennes (Québec) J3X 1S2

February 2023

Two Postdoctoral positions – 24 months - Electrochemistry Group - University of São Paulo - São Carlos Institute of Chemistry (IQSC-USP) - Brazil

The Electrochemistry Group, at the University of São Paulo's São Carlos Institute of Chemistry (IQSC-USP), in Brazil, is offering one postdoctoral position, with scholarship funded by the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP), with a minimum period of two years’ work in the thematic project: "ELECTROCATALYSIS VI: FUNDAMENTAL AND APPLIED ASPECTS OF EMERGING AND CLASSICAL PROBLEMS IN ELECTROCHEMICAL ENERGY CONVERSION". The group has an excellent track record study in Electrocatalysis for Energy Conversion Devices, including H2/O2 fuel cell, direct alcohols fuel cells, water electrolyzers, etc. Positive outcomes are expected in these fields through research activities within this thematic project. The selected candidates will receive a FAPESP’s Postdoctoral fellowship in the amount of R$ 8.479,20 monthly, and a research contingency fund, equivalent to 10% of the annual value of the fellowship which should be spent in items directly related to the research activity including meeting participation.

Applications can be made for the development of the following projects:

1. Project Title: “Studies of electrocatalysis of alcohols oxidation and other molecules with small number of carbon atoms in the chain”.
Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Germano Tremiliosi-Filho (Full Professor).
E-mail: germano@iqsc.usp.br

Summary: The mechanism and the reaction kinetics of electrooxidation of alcohols critically depend on the structure of the electrode surface. Oxidation of ethanol and other alcohols demand fundamental studies on model surfaces and on complex real nanostructured catalyst. Initially, research using model surfaces, such as ordered, stepped and controlled disordered single crystal surfaces, can provide first rational insights about the relationship between the selectivity/electrocatalytic activity/atomic arrangement of the electrode surface for the electrochemical reactions. In addition, studies on real catalysts for fuel cell applications based on nanostructured systems composed of supported multimetallic nanoparticles should be considered. An important and innovative aspect is the study of the correlation between the crystallographic variation of lattice parameter of the catalysts and it electrocatalytic activity, whereas the lattice parameter plays an important role in the electrocatalysis. Another possible nanoparticle configuration to be studied is the core shell structure; that has a remarkable effect on the catalytic activity of the electrode based in the lattice strain phenomenon. These aspects should be explored in the alcohols oxidation. The use of metals such as Pd, Ni, Co, Cu, Mg, etc in the construction of catalysts are important to reduce it cost compared to the Pt.

2. Project Title: “Development of solar-assisted electrochemical devices: (a) direct alcohol fuel cell and (b) electrochemical reformer of ethanol for hydrogen production”.
Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Germano Tremiliosi-Filho (Full Professor).
E-mail: germano@iqsc.usp.br

Summary: Direct alcohol fuel cell and electrochemical reformer of alcohols are highly inefficient devices. One possible way to provide additional help to this system is by providing an extra energy in the form of light (photons). Thus, photoelectrocatalytic processes for chemical and electrical energy inter-conversion and synthesis of relevant reaction product molecules, in a solar driven photo-assisted devices is the working force of this proposal. A way to increase the effectiveness of the direct alcohol fuel cell and the electrochemical reforming of alcohols is supplying light in order to assist the electrochemical processes. The effectiveness of this process depends on the activity of the photo-catalyst. Two class of catalysts will be studied: (a) semiconductors and (b) combination of different metals with catalytic and plasmonic properties in hybrid nanostructures. Semiconductors as TiO2, Nb2O5, etc are photon sensitive materials and exhibit limited catalytic actives due to its semiconductor nature. In principle, will be studied semiconductors whose surface has been modified by decoration with catalytic nanoparticles for alcohol oxidation. On the other side, will also be considered combination of metals that present localized surface plasmon resonance allowing better energy capture and catalytic activity for electrochemical reactions upon excitation in the light visible spectrum.

REQUIREMENTS OF THE CANDIDATES:
The positions are offered to candidates of any nationalities. The candidates must demonstrate previous experience in electrocatalytic research (mainly those involved in direct alcohol fuel cells), in the synthesis of electrocatalysts, spectroscopy, microscopy, in situ and on line techniques, and DFT calculations. Additionally, the candidate is expected to develop projects with a focus on coupling electrochemical experiments with different techniques such as, RAMAN, FTIR, DEMS, HPLC, etc.).

The applications should be sent with the following documents in .pdf format, to the respective project

supervisor to the above-mentioned e-mails, until 20th March 2023:

1) Recommendation Letter, preferably from the PhD supervisor;
2) Letter at which the candidate describes his experience in the research field and defines his interest in Project;
3) Copy of the Abstract of PhD thesis;
4) Resume.

January 2023

Postdoc in physics/chemistry of 2D materials
We are looking for a new colleague with a strong experience in physics and/or chemistry of 2D materials. The successful applicant will join Dr. Matěj Velický and his team, supported by the prestigious Lumina Quaeruntur Award, who are exploiting tunable electrochemistry and spectroscopy of 2D materials. You will investigate electronic transport at high-doping regimes, tune the interactions between semiconductors and substrates, and elucidate charge screening/capacitance anomalies in concentrated electrolytes.

Our Institute is a top-ranking research facility in the Czech Republic, continuing the legacy of the Nobel prize winner J. Heyrovský, and holding the HR Excellence in Research Award. We are located in the beautiful historic city of Prague, a vibrant hub of education, science, and culture, with great transport links, food options, and outdoor areas. For more information, visit www.nanocarbon.cz.

This position remains open until a suitable candidate is found and is available for up to four years.

Requirements
You will have (or be close to obtaining) a PhD in chemistry, physics, or materials science. You will have good experience in at least one of the following areas: 2D materials, electrochemistry, Raman spectroscopy, device fabrication/transport measurements.
We are looking for a self-motivated and enthusiastic colleague with a passion for fundamental science who has excellent communication skills and thrives working within a team of researchers.
Desirable criteria include experience in probe microscopy/spectroscopy techniques, surface functionalization, micro-/nano-scale electrochemistry (SECM, SECCM), 5+ publications in high-impact journals.

How to apply
To apply, please send your CV and motivation letter to recruitment@jh-inst.cas.cz. Please, write SC2023_02 in the subject line of your email.

Full details can be found here: https://www.jh-inst.cas.cz/recruitment/postdoc-physicschemistry-of-2d-materials

Application deadline Open until filled

January 2023

Two

Ph.D. positions are available in the group of Jun.-Prof. Corina Andronescu (Technical Chemistry III – Electrochemical catalysis) at University Duisburg-Essen (Germany).

1. 1 Ph.D. position in the field of CO2 electroreduction - 2204-22
Participation in the DFG project "CO2 electroreduction catalyst discovery by high-throughput experimentation: From screening of thin-film material libraries to gas diffusion electrodes". This is a cooperative project between the groups of Corina Andronescu (University Duisburg-Essen) and of Alfred Ludwig (Ruhr-University Bochum), recently funded by the DFG.
The employed person will implement the activities in the Andronescu group, where the electrochemical evaluation of the catalyst material/electrodes developed in the Ludwig group will be carried on. Several electrochemical techniques are planned to be used in this project, such as electrolyzer testing and nano-electrochemical measurements performed using scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM). An intense exchange is planned between the two co-workers who will work in each of the two mentioned groups.
Detailed description and information can be found at: https://www.uni-due.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/WISS_2204-22_extern.

2. 1 Ph.D. position in the field of N2 electrooxidation - 2205-22
The Ph.D. student will be affiliated with the activities presently conducted in the UNODE research group, in which consortia formed by renowned scientists from Germany explore alternative anodic reactions which can be paired with H2 production via water electrolysis (https://www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/for2982/index.htm).
Electrochemical testing of different electrocatalyst materials, data evaluation, analysis of the results, correlation of the electrochemical data with the structural data, and manuscript writing are planned. Detailed description and information can be found at: https://www.uni-due.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/WISS_2205-22_extern

A 3-year contract is offered (salary level TVL 13 50%).

The application should contain the application letter + CV (+ 2 recommendation letters) should be submitted via e-mail to corina.andronescu@chemie-ude.de by 18.01.2023.

January 2023

Ref: SAE-020969

THE UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER FACULTY OF SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING, School of Natural Sciences, Department of Chemistry

PDRA in in Redox Flow Batteries – post 2

1 The University invites applications for the above post which is tenable with immediate effect for 12 months.

2 Salary will be £34,308- £42,155 per annum (Grade 6) according to relevant experience.

3 Informal inquiries may be made to Prof Robert Dryfe. Email: robert.dryfe@manchester.ac.uk

4 Applications should be made on line. If you are unable to apply on line please request an application form by emailing hrrecruitment@manchester.ac.uk quoting the reference number or by calling 0161 306 4059.
5 The University of Manchester values a diverse workforce and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

For further information, including the application procedure, see:
https://www.jobs.manchester.ac.uk/displayjob.aspx?jobid=24351

Job title: Research Associate
Salary: Grade 6
Start/duration: Available with immediate effect, an initial 12 month positon, with the possibility of further extension

Probation period: 6 months
Based at: The University of Manchester
Responsible to: Prof. Robert Dryfe, Professor of Physical Chemistry

BACKGROUND

This position is funded through an exciting new project, supported by the German Federal agency for disruptive research, SPRIN-D. A recent challenge was announced in the area of long-term energy storage:
https://www.sprind.org/en/challenges/energystorage
the Manchester Electrochemistry group was one of the successful teams. The Manchester project is around the area of membrane-less redox-flow batteries, and will be a very fast-paced one. The project is funded as a one year pilot, but if successful, further funding will be available to scale and deploy the technology to be developed.

Overall Purpose of the Job

This position is available for an electrochemist/electrochemical engineer with specific expertise in cell deigns/scale-up. Cell modelling, optimization and gas handling will be key components of this task.

Key Responsibilities, Accountabilities or Duties

The range of duties will include:
• Conduct research, under guidance of Prof Dryfe and industrial collaborators, on the design and optimisation of membrane-less redox flow cells.
• Build and characterise the cells, with a view to optimising their electrochemical performance
• Design and build improved larger scale cells to function as membrane-less redox flow cells
• Analyse electrochemical data (constant current or potential, voltammetry and/or impedance data) from such cells, operating over a range of scales.
• Communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically.
• Communicate material of a specialist or highly technical nature.
• Liaise with colleagues from the academic research group, other university research groups and external collaborators, including the industrial collaborators involved in the project.
• Attend and contribute to relevant meetings with the Challenge funders.
• Use research resources, laboratories and workshops as appropriate, taking all applicable safety procedures into account.
• Plan and manage own research activity in collaboration with others.
• Be aware of the risks in the work environment and their potential impact on their own work and that of others.
• Be involved in the assessment of student knowledge and supervision of projects.
• Assist in the development of student research skills.
• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with the assistance of a mentor if required.
• Write up research work for publication.
• Continually update knowledge and understanding in field or specialism.
• Communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically.
• Manage own research and administrative activities, with guidance if required.
• Use creativity to analyse and interpret research data and draw conclusions on the outcomes.
• Contribute to collaborative decision making with colleagues in areas of research.
• Use research resources, laboratories and workshops as appropriate.
• Plan and manage own research activity in collaboration with others.
• Balance with help the competing pressures of research and administrative demands and deadlines.
• Be aware of the risks in the work environment and their potential impact on their own work and that of others.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential;
• Have a relevant PhD (or equivalent) in electrochemistry and/or chemical engineering, ideally with a large electrochemical engineering component
• Experience, and a good working knowledge, of electrochemistry
• Experience of numerical software used to analyse and model complex data (e.g. MATLABTM).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent time management and organisational skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, which will span both academic and industrial colleagues
• Ability to liaise confidently and effectively with a range of individuals
• Flexible approach to dealing with research problems as they arise
• Willingness to learn and develop
• Ability to present in both written and oral publications
• Possess a strong journal publication record.
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Understand equal opportunity issues as they may impact on areas of research content.

Desirable:

• Familiarity with cell design and manufacture.
• Familiarity with COMSOLTM and/or similar software used to model complex mass-transport problems.
• Ability to assess and organise resources

January 2023

Ref: SAE-020969

THE UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER FACULTY OF SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING, School of Natural Sciences, Department of Chemistry

PDRA in in Redox Flow Batteries – post 1

1 The University invites applications for the above post which is tenable with immediate effect for 12 months.

2 Salary will be £34,308- £42,155 per annum (Grade 6) according to relevant experience.

3 Informal inquiries may be made to Prof Robert Dryfe. Email: robert.dryfe@manchester.ac.uk

For further information, including the application procedure, see:
https://www.jobs.manchester.ac.uk/displayjob.aspx?jobid=24351

Job title: Research Associate
Salary: Grade 6
Start/duration: Available with immediate effect, an initial 12 month positon, with the possibility of further extension

Probation period: 6 months
Based at: The University of Manchester
Responsible to: Prof. Robert Dryfe, Professor of Physical Chemistry

BACKGROUND

Overall Purpose of the Job

This position is available for an electrochemist with specific expertise in electrocatalysis. Catalyst preparation, characterization and deposition, as well as design and analysis of electrochemical experiments, will be the key tasks for this researcher.

Key Responsibilities, Accountabilities or Duties

The range of duties will include:
• Conduct research, under guidance of Prof Dryfe and industrial collaborators, on the preparation of electrocatalysts
• Characterise the electrodes employed in terms of their physical and electrochemical properties
• Design and build improved cells to function as membrane-less redox flow cells
• Analyse electrochemical data (constant current or potential, voltammetry and/or impedance data) from such cells.
• Communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically..
• Communicate material of a specialist or highly technical nature.
• Liaise with colleagues from the academic research group, other university research groups and external collaborators, including the industrial collaborators involved in the project.
• Attend and contribute to relevant meetings with the Challenge funders.
• Use research resources, laboratories and workshops as appropriate, taking all applicable safety procedures into account.
• Plan and manage own research activity in collaboration with others.
• Be aware of the risks in the work environment and their potential impact on their own work and that of others.
• Be involved in the assessment of student knowledge and supervision of projects.
• Assist in the development of student research skills.
• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with the assistance of a mentor if required.
• Write up research work for publication.
• Continually update knowledge and understanding in field or specialism.
• Communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically.
• Manage own research and administrative activities, with guidance if required.
• Use creativity to analyse and interpret research data and draw conclusions on the outcomes.
• Contribute to collaborative decision making with colleagues in areas of research.
• Use research resources, laboratories and workshops as appropriate.
• Plan and manage own research activity in collaboration with others.
• Balance with help the competing pressures of research and administrative demands and deadlines.
• Be aware of the risks in the work environment and their potential impact on their own work and that of others.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential;
• Have a relevant PhD (or equivalent) in electrochemistry, or with a large electrochemical component
• Experience, and a good working knowledge, of electrochemistry
• Experience of characterisation tools (spectroscopic and microscopic) used commonly to characterise electrode materials, e.g. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, scanning and/or transmission electron microscopy.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent time management and organisational skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, which will span both academic and industrial colleagues
• Ability to liaise confidently and effectively with a range of individuals
• Flexible approach to dealing with research problems as they arise
• Willingness to learn and develop
• Ability to present in both written and oral publications
• Possess a strong journal publication record.
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Understand equal opportunity issues as they may impact on areas of research content.

Desirable:

• Familiarity with capacitance measurements and image processing software
• Familiarity with MATLABTM and other software used to analyze images and data
• Ability to assess and organise resources

January 2023

Postdoctoral Researcher Position in Gel Electrolyte Electrochemistry

Electrochemical actuators based on 2D nanomaterials especially MXenes are emerging in recent years. They convert electrical energy to mechanical energy via electrochemical processes, which can be driven at much lower voltage as compared with dielectric elastomeric actuators. For the development of materials towards better performance targeting at human-machine interface applications, it is important to understand the relationship between electrochemical behavior and strain response at micro- or nano-scale. This will be realized by scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) or scanning gel electrochemical microscopy (SGECM) coupled with localized force measurements.

This postdoctoral researcher position is dedicated to the development of gel electrolyte, targeting at two key tasks in the project: (1) Improve the gel properties for SGECM measurements of local electrochemical reactivity and force response. (2) Develop bio-friendly gel electrolyte for braille application with MXene electrochemical actuators.

The work is supported by an ANR-NRF international collaboration project between France and Singapore: High Performance Microelectrochemical Actuators based on 2D MXenes. The postdoctoral researcher will work with CNRS researchers Dr. Mathieu Etienne and Dr. Liang Liu, in an internationally recognized electrochemistry and analytical chemistry team. Dr. Mathieu Etienne is expert in shear force SECM, and active in the fields of bio-electrochemistry, redox flow batteries and bio-electrochemical remediation of natural water. Dr. Liang Liu has developed the gel probes and instrumentation for local optical/electrochemical measurements in the recent years. The work will be carried out in Laboratoire de Chimie Physique et Microbiologie pour les Matériaux et l’Environnement (LCPME), with expected collaboration with Singaporean research team led by Prof. Pooi See Lee from Nanyang Technological University. The postdoctoral researcher will have a work contract with CNRS. The initial contract is 18 months, starting as soon as possible.

Requirements of the candidate:
(1) Valid Ph.D. degree by the starting date of the position.
(2) Fluent in English communication. French language is not mandatory.
(3) Education background in Physics, Chemistry or Chemical Engineering, with strong experience in polymer chemistry and engineering, as well as electrochemistry. Experience and interest in instrumentation development and/or data analysis is a bonus.

Contact:
Dr. Mathieu Etienne mathieu.etienne@cnrs.fr
Dr. Liang Liu liang.liu@cnrs.fr

For this position please apply through CNRS recruitment portal: https://emploi.cnrs.fr/Offres/CDD/UMR7564-MATETI-017/Default.aspx?lang=EN

December 2022

Lubbock
TTU Post Doctoral Research Associate
31432BR
Chemical Engineering

Position Description
Performs specialized Post Doctoral work in the planning, conducting and/or supervision of original research. Responsible for participating in a research project associated with PhD studies and the interpretation of the results of publication. Work is performed under supervision of graduate faculty members with evaluation based on accomplishment of assigned objectives and overall effectiveness of project. May supervise research and student assistants.

Major/Essential Functions
The candidate will work in Dr. Botte’s laboratories (https://www.ceti-lab.com) and/or the NSF Engineering Research Center, CASFER (https://www.casfer.us) and will perform work under supervision her supervision and senior research associates with evaluation based on accomplishment of assigned objectives and overall effectiveness of projects.

Example projects include electrochemical extraction of/and recovery of rare earth elements from solid fuels and produced water, hydrogen production from ammonia, conversion and recovery of N and P from waste, synthesis of carbon nanostructures and graphene, water remediation and disinfection, selective catalytic reduction, ammonia synthesis, novel materials for batteries, advanced electrowinning, and electrochemical microbial sensors

Key Skills Required
• Background in Electrochemistry. Demonstrated publications.
• Optimize electrode architecture, materials selection, and operating parameters of electrolyzers.
• Design and execute technical evaluations to improve efficiency.
• Develop bench-and field-scale prototypes.
• Establish accelerated testing protocols to optimize reactor cycle life and durability
• Demonstrated experience on preparing and presenting technical reports.
• Demonstrated experience on writing proposals.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• Analytical and creative capacity.
• Good human relations.
• Ability to work in groups.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet aggressive project timelines.
• Self-motived and highly driven

Required Qualifications
PhD in area of project specialization. Knowledge of modern research practices, the methods, resources, and standards thereof. Ability to organize work effectively, conceptualize and prioritize objectives and exercise independent judgment based on an understanding of organizational policies and activities. Ability to integrate resources, policies, and information for the determination of procedures, solutions and other outcomes. Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with other employees and the public. Ability to plan and allocate the workload of employees, providing direct training and supervision as needed.

Preferred Qualifications
• Electrolyzers design and scale-up.
• Materials science understanding
• Knowledge of rapid prototyping/manufacturing, test rigs assembly.
• Experience with fluid flow and multiscale physics modeling packages such as COMSOL, ASPEN,
• Proficient at CAD or SOLIDWORKS; FLUENT, finite element analysis

Required Attachments
Cover Letter, Resume / CV

Link to apply:
https://sjobs.brassring.com/TGnewUI/Search/Home/Home?partnerid=25898&siteid=5635#jobDetails=765373_5635

December 2022

18 months post-doc position in preparation and characterization of electrocatalyst supports for fuel cell cathodes

Mission
This work focuses on the preparation and chemical functionalization of carbon supports for application in proton exchange membrane fuel cell electrodes. On the one hand, carbon nanofibers with different degrees of carbonization will be prepared by electrospinning. On the other hand, these fibers as well as porous carbons, developed in the laboratory or available commercially, will be modified by chemical functionalities on their surface. The supports thus prepared will be used for the deposition of platinum-based catalysts and characterized for their physicochemical and electrochemical properties. The corresponding membrane-electrode assemblies will be characterized in single fuel cells.

Activities
- development of catalyst supports of different composition and morphology;
- chemical functionalization of prepared and commercial supports;
- synthesis and deposition of platinum-based electrocatalysts
- formulation of inks;
- elaboration of optimized membrane-electrode assemblies and their testing in a fuel cell

Expected skills
The candidate must be highly motivated and capable of working independently, and have a solid knowledge of materials science / inorganic chemistry. Knowledge of electrochemistry and proton exchange membrane fuel cells will be a fundamental asset. Knowledge of French or English will be essential.

To apply:
Starting date: 01/03/2023
Location : ICGM, CNRS Occitanie Est, Montpellier (France)
Contact: Sara Cavaliere, sara.cavaliere@umontpellier.fr

December 2022

24 months post-doc position on fuel cell cathodes with hierachical porosity

Mission

This work focuses on the preparation of proton exchange membrane fuel cell cathode based on nanofiber networks and platinum nanoparticles/thin films with controlled hierarchical porosity. This approach will make it possible to achieve an activity and a stability superior to those of the catalytic layers of the state of the art. The preparation and optimization of cathodes will be carried out by combining different deposition techniques (electrospinning, CVD, ALD, microwave-assisted synthesis, reactive plasma). Electrochemical characterization will entail the activity towards the oxygen reduction reaction and the durability upon accelerated stress tests. The final objective will be to identify the optimal set of parameters (porosity, functionalization, type and thickness of metallic deposit, type and deposit of ionomer) to achieve activity and stability in fuel cell.

Activities
• Preparation and characterization of carbon nanofiber/nanotubes networks
• Modification of the fiber surface
• Deposition of catalysts on fiber networks
• Characterization of electrodes and membrane-electrode assemblies by physico-chemical and electrochemical techniques
• Drafting of bibliographic and activity reports

Expected skills
The candidate must be highly motivated and autonomous, and have a solid knowledge of materials science / electrochemistry/ fuel cell technology. Knowledge on carbon-based materials (nanofibres, nanotubes, etc.) would be advantageous. Knowledge of French or English will be essential.

Context
The Institut Charles Gerhardt de Montpellier (ICGM) UMR 5253 is one of the four Institutes of the Balard Chemistry pole. The Department of Materials Chemistry, Nanostructures, Materials for Energy brings together around 70 researchers and lecturer, doctoral students, and post-docs, who develop their research activities on materials and their mechanisms of action for energy by implementing expertise in chemistry and physico-chemistry of materials and interfaces, solid state and materials chemistry. The activity of the recruited person will be carried out within the "Energy Conversion" group, in connection with the group's activities on fuel cell and electrolyzer core materials, and within the framework of a collaboration with Michelin. Michelin is convinced that hydrogen mobility will be one of the essential components of clean mobility, complementary to the electric battery. But hydrogen goes well beyond mobility: it is a very promising solution to fight against CO2 emissions and air pollution: hydrogen is becoming a key vector for the energy transition. Possible outlets include decarbonizing steel production, chemicals and district heating. For all these reasons, hydrogen is a strategic growth driver for the group: https://www.michelin.com/hydrogene/

Project supported by Michelin.

To apply:
Starting date: 01/03/2023
Location : ICGM, CNRS Occitanie Est, Montpellier (France)
Contact: Sara Cavaliere, sara.cavaliere@umontpellier.fr