DC7 Unite!Energy - Doctoral student in development of novel catalysts for hydrogen fuelled alkaline membrane fuel cells

22 May 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

KTH Royal Institute of Technology

Department

Chemical Engineering

Research Field

Chemistry
Engineering » Chemical engineering

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Sweden

Application Deadline

31 May 2024 - 18:00 (Europe/Stockholm)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

40

Offer Starting Date

1 Sep 2024

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

HE / MSCA

Marie Curie Grant Agreement Number

101119805

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

The polymer electrolyte fuel cell, converting hydrogen to electricity, is a key technology for the green transition for transport as well as stationary applications. The anion exchange membrane fuel cell (AEMFC) is a potential low-cost alternative to the dominating commercialized proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) that is relying on high loading platinum catalysts and fluorine-containing membranes. The AEMFC technology is still under development and more research is needed on components, cell design and optimized operation conditions. The purpose of this project is to develop new PGM-free or ultra-low PGM electrodes for the hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) in anion exchange membrane fuel cells, through catalysts synthesis and characterisation at Aalto University, and implementation and electrochemical evaluation in an AEMFC at KTH. The project will result in strong competence in fuel cells, material science and electrochemistry. New electrocatalysts will be synthetized, characterised, and integrated in a porous electrode and alkaline laboratory-scale fuel cell.

The doctoral student will be employed at KTH, Stockholm and spend two years at Aalto University in the Helsinki region (Finland) and two years in Sweden, including four months at the fuel cell company Powercell in Gothenburg (Sweden). After accomplished education the doctoral student will acquire a double PhD degree from Aalto and from KTH.

Apply at https://www.kth.se/lediga-jobb/723402?l=en .

The project Unite!Energy,  is funded by the DN-Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) call of the European Commission and is offering 12 fellowships starting in 2025 academic year. Each scholarship includes periods at two of the participating universities, and a secondment to an institution or company, to study the technology in a practical environment. If you are interested in applying also for other positions of the doctoral network you can use the form attached to this offer, where the basic information of all the 12 positions are described and send it to [email protected].  For specific information about each position please write to: [email protected].

Requirements

Research Field

Chemistry

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field

Engineering » Chemical engineering

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field

Engineering » Materials engineering

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field

Chemistry » Physical chemistry

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

Independently pursue his or her work, collaborate with others, have a professional approach and analyse and work with complex issues. Good oral and written communication skills in English are required. Good background knowledge in electrochemistry is an advantage but not a must. After the qualification requirements, great emphasis will be placed on personal competency.

Specific Requirements

Passed a second cycle degree (for example a master's degree) in Master of Science or Engineer degree in chemical engineering, chemistry, material science, physical chemistry or a related field, or

completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 second-cycle higher education credits, or

acquired, in some other way within or outside the country, substantially equivalent knowledge acquired the MSc degree within the last 5 years.

To fulfil the requirement of both universities the candidate has to have at least an average grade 3.5 out of 5, (higher than C in a scale A-F) AND applicants will have completed their master’s thesis with a grade of 4.0/very good if numeric grade was given.

Mandatory requirement for English equivalent to English B/6.

Applicants should also carefully check and ensure that they meet the language proficiency rules of Aalto University (same apply for master’s and doctoral level) https://www.aalto.fi/en/admission-services/language-requirements-in-mas… , including the English tests and their points required.

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Good

Internal Application form(s) needed
Application_form_Unite-Energy.pdf
English
(6.05 MB - PDF)
Download
Additional Information
Benefits

The salary follows the “doctoral Ladder” at KTH i.e. with monthly salary before income tax: Initial – step 1: 32 000 SEK 30 % - step 2: 32 600 SEK 50 % - step 3: 35 000 SEK 80 % - step 4: 36 100 SEK The steps relate to the degree requirements of a doctoral diploma accomplished. Social Security is paid by university. Family allowances if applicable is added on the salary in line with the EC rules for Marie Sklodowska Curie Doctoral Networks 2022.   Other benefits: The possibility to study in a dynamic and international research environment in collaboration with industries and prominent universities from all over the world. A workplace with many employee benefits and monthly salary according to KTH’s Doctoral student salary agreement aligned with the MSCA support for living, family and mobility. A postgraduate education at institutions that are active and supportive in matters pertaining to working conditions, gender equality and diversity as well as study environment. Work and study in Stockholm and Espoo, close to Nordic nature, Baltic Sea, and lakes. Help to relocate and be settled in Sweden and at KTH and in Finland at Aalto.

Eligibility criteria

• Mobility rule. At the time of recruitment, the candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the recruiting beneficiary for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the recruitment date. Short stays, such as holidays, are not considered.
• No PhD awarded. Applicants are not eligible if they have already been awarded with a PhD title.
• Selected candidate must be willing to travel and spend a prolonged time in another institute/country of the network during the PhD.
• Researchers must be enrolled in a doctoral programme leading to the award of a doctoral degree in at least two EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country (Joint Doctorates).
• For further details on eligibility criteria please check in the information of each available position. All interested applicants meeting the eligibility requirements, irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

Fulfil the academic and language requirement. In most of the cases, additional requirements must be satisfied, particularly in terms of selection procedures based on local regulations and/or internationally recognized English language qualifications achieved. Regarding the former, some institutions will request for degree and/or VISA recognition, before the interview date.

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

KTH Royal Institute of Technology

Country

Sweden

City

Stockholm

Geofield

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Aalto University

Country

Finland

City

Espoo

Geofield

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Powercell

Country

Sweden

City

Gothenburg

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://www.kth.se/lediga-jobb/723402?l=en

Contact

City

Stockholm

Website

https://www.kth.se/ket/electrochem/division-of-applied-electrochemistry-1.30912
https://www.aalto.fi/en/department-of-chemistry-and-materials-science/electrochemical-energy-conversion-and-storage

E-Mail

[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]

STATUS: EXPIRED