Postdoc researcher in High-temperature phase change materials development and coating

DESCRIPTION OF THE INSTITUTION:

CIC energiGUNE is a research center specialized in energy, electrochemical storage (batteries and supercapacitors), thermal energy solutions and hydrogen, a member of the Basque Research and Technology Alliance- BRTA, and, a strategic initiative of the Basque Government. CIC energiGUNE was created in 2011 to generate excellent knowledge and at the same time useful for the Basque business network, being a reference in knowledge transfer.

CIC energiGUNE has a dynamic research team of more than 100 researchers and is extremely well equipped with a wide range of up-to-date facilities that are fully available for all its researchers. Also, the European Commission has recently awarded CIC energiGUNE with the ´HR Excellence in Research´ which reflects its commitment to achieving fair and transparent recruitment and appraisal procedures and certifies the existence of a stimulating and favorable work environment for researchers in the institution.

For more details on CIC energiGUNE's research activities please visit our website at http://www.cicenergigune.com

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

CIC energiGUNE is seeking for one experienced postdoc  to work in a challenging project focused on the development of a new class of high-temperature solid-solid phase change materials. The project requires a multidisciplinary approach combining chemical, physical and engineering disciplines in order to reach successfully the objectives set, one above the others the production of highly efficient materials for low-cost compact thermal energy storage applications at high temperature.   

The main pillars of the project are listed below:

• Rational design, synthesis and in-depth characterization of phase change materials displaying high-enthalpy solid-state phase transitions in the temperature range from 400 ℃ to 650 ℃.
• Improvement of the mechanical and heat transfer properties of the phase change materials through simple, non-expensive techniques such as doping with micro- nano carbon additives.
• Development of effective coatings to avoid direct contact between the phase change materials and commonly used high-temperature heat transfer fluids, thus preventing degradation.

The candidates will have the chance to work in a multidisciplinary environment composed by Chemists, Physicists and Engineers having the possibility to extend their knowledge approaching the research under different points of view. 

Job functions:

• Rational design of phase change materials from pre-selected anhydrous salt-based multicomponent systems
• Synthesis of phase change material and optimization of the synthesis parameters
• Improvement of mechanical and thermal properties of the phase change materials through doping with proper micro- nano additives
• Appropriate coatings development to protect the phase change material against commonly used high-temperature heat transfer fluids (e.g., molten salts)
• Full characterization (structural, physical and thermodynamic) of phase change materials, coatings and coated materials
• Lifetime assessment of developed material though appropriate durability tests
• To collaborate actively with other team members
• To generate new ideas within the frame of the topic

HOW TO APPLY:

All applicants are invited to submit their applications including a cover letter, a detailed curriculum vitae and two reference letters at this website: https://cicenergigune.com/en/employment-opportunities/86401123

The selection process ends once the candidate is selected.

CIC energiGUNE is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity and the diversity of its workforce.