Postdoc on metallic materials for high temperature electrolysis

High temperature electrolysis (SOEC) is the most efficient technique to produce the large amounts of hydrogen needed to decarbonize hard to abate sectors. Do you want to be a part in that transition and carry out research that will have a real-world impact? If yes, apply to become a postdoctoral researcher in our team that is leading in the field of metallic materials for SOEC. Our work spans from fundamental studies to applied work in close cooperation with industry.

Information about the division and the department
At Chalmers, we offer an international research environment in the heart of Scandinavia. Here, you find a friendly work environment with all the benefits of a Swedish university. We offer an employment with a competitive salary including benefits like at least 28 days of financed vacation, parental leave, health insurance etc. The employment is limited to a maximum of five years.

To meet the challenges of tomorrow's energy demands, the research at the division of Energy & Materials at the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering studies materials for a broad range of energy applications.
One of our focus areas is materials for aggressive high temperature process environments.

About the research
Materials performance is one of the key barriers inhibiting the transition towards a more sustainable energy system. Material related problems limit lifetimes and reduce efficiencies, adversely affecting plant economy and consequently the spread of green energy. Presently, within our research focused on metallic materials for Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells (SOEC), we have exciting opportunities available for a postdoctoral reseracher.

Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells (SOEC) offer significantly more efficient hydrogen production compared to alternative technologies. Despite its promise, the progress of this technology has been impeded by various technical and economic challenges, many of which are associated with the metallic interconnects linking individual cells together.
Our research is dedicated to understanding the relevant degradation mechanisms developing coatings to extend their lifespan.

As a member of our team, you will be engaged in an international project funded by the Nordic Grand Solutions program, and you will collaborate with global leaders in their respective fields. Your postdoc position at Chalmers will provide you with a network of company contacts and will boost a career in industry or be a stepping stone for an academic career. Either way, your endeavor will contribute to the grand challenge of the energy transition we have ahead of us.

Major responsibilities
The majority of your working hours will be dedicated to your individual research. The specificities of your research project will be collaboratively shaped by the project team, comprising of yourself and your mentors, with valuable input from industry partners. Engaging in hands-on laboratory work will constitute a substantial portion of your responsibilities.

In our daily work, it is vital for us to link well controlled laboratory exposures, thermodynamic calculations, and advanced microstructural investigations with the practical experience of our industry partners. We work with state-of-the-art analytical electron and ion microscope, including Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) using high-resolution FEG-SEMs equipped with Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) and Electron Backscattered Diffraction (EBSD) detectors. To analyze the specimens in more detail, we furthermore employ transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Focused Ion Beam (FIB) milling.  

Qualifications
To be eligible for the position, you must hold a PhD degree that is normally not more than 3 years old. To be an ideal candidate, you should possess a degree in chemistry or materials science. However, degrees in related fields such as physics or mechanical engineering are also considered suitable backgrounds.

Good communication and strong teamwork skills will be central for successful studies. This implies engaging in discussions for optimizing experimental setups in collaboration with PhD students, our workshop, coordinating post-analysis with other partners, and communicating your findings both orally at scientific conferences and project meetings with industry partners, as well as in writing for publication in scientific journals.

If you characterize yourself as a self-driven individual with a profound curiosity for in-depth research, coupled with a genuine interest for practical laboratory work, you are an outstanding candidate for our team. We value the initiative and passion that such qualities bring to our collaborative research environment, and we believe your unique blend of curiosity and hands-on skills will contribute significantly to the success of our projects.

Contract terms
This postdoc position is a full-time temporary employment for two years.

We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg .
Read more about working at Chalmers  and our benefits  for employees.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence . Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with 20240008 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

CV:(Please name the document as: CV, Surname, Ref. number) including:
• CV, include complete list of publications
• Previous teaching and pedagogical experiences
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous research fields and main research results
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Attested copies of completed education, grades and other certificates.

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.

Application deadline: 2024-02-05

For questions, please contact:
Jan Froitzheim, Professor, Energy and Materials, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
[email protected]

Maria Dolores Paz Olausson, Senior Research Engineer, Energy and Materials, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
[email protected]

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. *** 

Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our six Areas of Advance; Energy, Health Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Materials Science, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!

URL to this page
https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/work-with-us/vacancies/?rmpage=job&rmjob=12492&rmlang=UK