Jobs and Positions

Please note that position announcement can only be posted for ISE members in good standing.
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.

December 2024

PhD Scholarship Low-cost materials for hydrogen fuel cellsPhD - position is available in the School of Chemistry at UNSW Sydney

Industry-focused PhD position is available in the School of Chemistry at UNSW Sydney, the 19th-best University in the world (2025 QS World University Rankings). Attractive fully funded scholarship ($45,000 per annum & tuition fee, 3.5 years), with opportunities for professional development ($5,000)

Hydrogen fuel cell technologies are critical to the success of the global hydrogen economy and reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. However, the high cost of hydrogen fuel cells makes their commercialisation challenging. The candidate will develop low-platinum and platinum-free catalysts and determine their performances and stability in hydrogen fuel cells. This project will have a unique opportunity for industrial placement. This position presents a fantastic opportunity to enter the thriving hydrogen research and contribute to global decarbonisation efforts.

Desired qualities:

Master by Research or First Class Honour in Chemistry, Chemical engineering or Material Science
Experience in material synthesis and/or electrochemistry
Interest in clean energy technologies including hydrogen fuel cells, electrolysers and batteries
Demonstrated research experience and publication will be advantageous
Available to start in T1/T2 2025.
Qualified candidates residing in Australia and international candidates are encouraged to apply.

Interested in joining us in 2025?
Contact Dr Quentin Meyer (q.meyer@unsw.edu.au) and Prof Chuan Zhao (chuan.zhao@unsw.edu.au) with a complete CV and 1-page cover letter.

Additional Information:
https://www.unsw.edu.au/research/hdr/application

PhD Scholarship Low-cost materials for hydrogen fuel cellsPhD - position is available in the School of Chemistry at UNSW Sydney

ARC funded PhD positions available in the School of Chemistry at UNSW Sydney, the 19th-best University in the world (2025 QS World University Rankings). Fully funded scholarship ($38,438 per annum & tuition fee, 3.5 years).

Hydrogen fuel cell technologies are critical to the success of the global hydrogen economy and reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. However, the high cost of hydrogen fuel cells makes their commercialisation challenging. The candidate will develop low-platinum and platinum-free catalysts and assess their performances and stability in hydrogen fuel cells. This position presents a fantastic opportunity to enter the thriving hydrogen research and contribute to global decarbonisation efforts.

Desired qualities:

Master by Research or First Class Honour in Chemistry, Chemical engineering or Material Science
Experience in material synthesis and/or electrochemistry
Interest in clean energy technologies including hydrogen fuel cells, electrolysers and batteries
Demonstrated research experience and publication will be advantageous
Available to start in T1/T2 2025.
Qualified candidates residing in Australia and international candidates are encouraged to apply.

Interested in joining us in 2025?
Contact Dr Quentin Meyer (q.meyer@unsw.edu.au) and Prof Chuan Zhao (chuan.zhao@unsw.edu.au) with a complete CV and 1-page cover letter.

Additional Information:
https://www.unsw.edu.au/research/hdr/application

November 2024

Postdoc Position in Bioelectrochemistry/EC project management (both half time), iNANO, Aarhus University, Denmark

I have a post-doctoral research (half time) and management (half time) position open in my group. The position is in Bioelectrochemistry starting from 1 January 2025. The postdoc position is for 1 year with a possibility of continuation for another 3 years. The position is within two diagnostic cancer research grants, funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation and by the EC through the MSCA doctoral network program.

The successful candidate should have expertise in Bioelectroanalytical chemistry and in aptamer and proteins/antibodies treatment and bioconjugation, supported by the publication list. Practical experience in one or more of the following subjects will be an asset: Electrochemistry, Surface Science, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology. The applicant should be able to perform team-oriented as well as independent work. The candidate should have good communication skills and be aware of diagnostic accuracy standards in EU and Statistical Methods/Analysis tools. The work is performed in collaboration with the Aarhus University Hospital and two companies. The required management skills include project management and coordination of the training program and planned training events within the research network of 8 international groups excellent in cancer biomarker and biosensor development and assessment; management of reporting within deadlines; communication & dissemination of the project results; supporting the stakeholder and partners relations; risk management and problem solving skills.

If you possess the required expertise/experience, please, submit your application, including your CV and motivated application to Elena Ferapontova: elena.ferapontova@inano.au.dk. Please provide references for inquiries.

September 2024

Group Leader in Development and Validation of Electrolyzers and Flow Cells

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Reporting to the electrochemical storage and conversion (EES) Technology Coordinator, CIC energiGUNE is searching for a Group Leader in development and validation of electrolyzers and flow cells. The person will be involved in setting the strategic direction of the future portfolio and technology roadmap of CIC energiGUNE low temperature water electrolyzers, low temperature fuel cells, and flow cells business. The group will support the design, development, and manufacturing scale-up of electrolyzer and flow cells components for current and future technologies.

Main responsibilities include:

According to the management of the center, defining the strategy of the group, creating a roadmap for the sci-tech strategy.
Lead technology development of stack components, low temperature electrolysis, fuel cells, and flow cells to improve attributes such as performance, lifetime, cost, sustainability, and scalability.
Build a new generation of low temperature electrolysis, fuel cells, and flow cells equipment.

Additional responsibilities include:

Managing the resources of the group.
Building collaborative programs mainly with local universities, as well as industry and technological centers, in collaboration with other areas of the center (EES and TES) and the Business Development Manager.
Writing proposals to secure funding from government and industrial sources.
Having intense contact with the Basque industry to align the scientific strategy to maximize impact for Basque companies.

Area:

Electrochemical energy storage (EES)

CANDIDATE PROFILE:

PhD, D.Eng or EngD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or related fields.
10 years of direct R&D experience in research and development hydrogen technologies, with a proven track record publishing in high-impact factor journals.
Experience in managing an ERC grant or similar will be valued very positively.
High readiness to work with strong engagement and creativity in an interdisciplinary and international environment.
High level of English. Spanish would also be highly valued.

We will assess expertise in the following aspects:

Material science and electrochemistry, with a long-term vision in hydrogen research.
Demonstrated group leadership and management skills.
Basic and applied R&D knowledge; technology scaling up is desirable.
R&D dissemination (scientific publications, seminars, conferences, etc.).
Development of innovative ideas leading to filing of patents.

WHAT WE OFFER:

We are offering a permanent position that will give you a unique opportunity to manage a knowledgeable and experienced research team and responsibility for coordinating the involved research lines.
Flexible working hours with an on-site work model and the option to telework.
Full access to cutting-edge laboratory facilities and characterization platforms.
The incorporation to a top research center in Europe that makes high-quality research and impactful contributions to the energy and sustainability fields.
A welcome program that offers help with finding accommodation and addresses other aspects to help you integrate into the local environment (such as free language courses, assistance with administrative procedures, help with schools for children, etc.).

For more information: https://cicenergigune.com/en/work-with-us

TO APPLY:

All applicants are invited to submit their application including a detailed curriculum vitae along with a motivation letter at this website: https://cicenergigune.com/en/employment-opportunities/106331853

The selected candidate could also apply to an Ikerbasque Permanent Researcher position meeting the scientific requirements of the Ikerbasque’s (Basque Foundation for Science) call to attract senior researchers to the Research Institutions in the Basque Country.

The selection process ends once the candidate is selected.

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

DESCRIPTION OF THE INSTITUTION:

WHO ARE WE? https://cicenergigune.com/en/who-are-we
WHERE ARE WE? https://cicenergigune.com/en/welcome
OUR FACILITIES: https://cicenergigune.com/en/platforms-facilities

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

Phd thesis: Development of Sustainable Decoupled Electrolysers of Redox Mediators

JOB DESCRIPTION:

CICenergiGUNE is looking for a pre-doctoral researcher to work on the development of uncoupled electrolysers for electrochemical hydrogen generation within the framework of the READER project. The contract is part of the grant PID2023-153113OB-I00, funded by MCIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and ESF+.

The aim of this multidisciplinary project is to develop new sustainable materials, such as organic redox mediators (ORMs) and metal-abundant catalysts, to decouple electrolysers, resulting in efficient and safe production of green hydrogen.

The successful candidate will collaborate with international and dynamic researchers with expertise in inorganic and organic materials synthesis, electrochemical characterisation and advanced structural and surface characterisation.

Main objectives of the project:

Design and synthesise redox mediators and characterise the highly water-soluble electrochemical properties.
Identify key aspects of stability in redox mediator electrochemistry using a range of state-of-the-art in situ techniques.
Preparation of low PGM nanocatalysts for hydrogen and oxygen evolution.
In-depth understanding of the role of the surface structure, composition and electronic properties of low PGM catalysts in their electrochemical reactivity for hydrogen and oxygen evolution.
Design of a decoupled electrolyser on organic compounds for component compatibility testing and concept validation.

Area: Electrochemical energy storage (EES)

CANDIDATE PROFILE:

Master's degree in chemistry or materials science.
Knowledge in organic synthesis or synthesis of nanomaterials.
Knowledge of electrochemistry will be highly valued.
Ability to work in a team and collaborate with other groups, technical centres and industries.
High level of English.

WHAT WE OFFER:

We offer a 3-year pre-doctoral contract to join an experienced and expert research team. An extension of the contract for an additional year may be considered, if necessary, to allow for the completion of the doctoral thesis.
Flexible working hours promoting work-life balance and self organization.
On-site work model with the option to telework.
Full access to cutting-edge laboratory facilities and characterization platforms.
The incorporation to a top research center in Europe that makes high quality research and impactful contributions to the energy and sustainability fields.
Professional and personal development: opportunity to attend seminars, international conferences, training courses, etc.
Integrated, enthusiastic, international and multidisciplinary environment.
A welcome program that offers help with finding accommodation and addresses other aspects to help you integrate into the local environment (such as free language courses, assistance with the administrative procedures, help with schools for children…).

For more information: https://cicenergigune.com/en/work-with-us

TO APPLY:

All applicants are invited to submit their application a detailed curriculum vitae along with a motivation letter at this website: https://cicenergigune.com/en/employment-opportunities/110300365

The selection process ends once the candidate is selected.

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

DESCRIPTION OF THE INSTITUTION:

WHO ARE WE? https://cicenergigune.com/en/who-are-we
WHERE ARE WE? https://cicenergigune.com/en/welcome
OUR FACILITIES: https://cicenergigune.com/en/platforms-facilities

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

PhD: Design and scale-up of reactors for the electrochemical production of nanomaterials for energy storage and conversion applications

JOB DESCRIPTION:

CICenergiGUNE is looking for a pre-doctoral researcher to work on the optimization and scale-up of the production of nanomaterials with the cathodic corrosion method.

The research activity is related to the cathodic corrosion method, which is an electrochemical method that allows producing metallic and metal oxide nanomaterials in a fast, economical, efficient and clean way. The method does not require the use of expensive reagents and is carried out at ambient temperature and pressure. This synthesis method also allows to control in a simple way the composition of the materials and the particle size in order to optimize the properties of the materials, for example, the catalytic activity or the ability to store ions in batteries. The nanomaterials produced by this method can be implemented in the production of hydrogen thermally, electrochemically or in cathodes for lithium/sodium batteries.

The objective of the research activity is the development of an automated system for the scale-up and continuous production of nanomaterials for different applications at CIC energiGUNE.

Main objectives:

Development of a continuous feeding system of metal wires and meshes for the production of nanomaterials by the cathodic corrosion method.
Scaling up to nanomaterial production.
Implementation of the system designed in 1) and 2) for the continuous synthesis of three examples of nanomaterials requested by the thermal energy, battery and electrocatalysis groups.

Area:

Electrochemical energy storage (EES)

Group:

Electrochemical hydrogen technologies

CANDIDATE PROFILE:

Master's degree in Engineering (industrial, mechanical, chemical or similar), Physics, Materials Science or similar.
Knowledge in design tools (e.g. reactors) and flows is essential.
Knowledge in programming and electronics is desirable.
A team player who can collaborate well with others.
A motivated person with an interest in research.
An excellent level of spoken and written English.

WHAT WE OFFER:

We are offering a 3-year predoctoral contract and advantageous professional development opportunities with the possibility of 1 year extension based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds, and ongoing operational needs.
Flexible working hours promoting work-life balance and self organization.
On-site work model with the option to telework.
Full access to cutting-edge laboratory facilities and characterization platforms.
The incorporation to a top research center in Europe that makes high quality research and impactful contributions to the energy and sustainability fields.
Professional and personal development: opportunity to attend seminars, international conferences, training courses, etc.
Integrated, enthusiastic, international and multidisciplinary environment.
A welcome program that offers help with finding accommodation and addresses other aspects to help you integrate into the local environment (such as free language courses, assistance with the administrative procedures, help with schools for children…).

For more information: https://cicenergigune.com/en/work-with-us

TO APPLY:

All applicants are invited to submit their application a detailed curriculum vitae along with a motivation letter at this website: https://cicenergigune.com/en/employment-opportunities/110400008

The selection process ends once the candidate is selected.

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

DESCRIPTION OF THE INSTITUTION:

WHO ARE WE? https://cicenergigune.com/en/who-are-we
WHERE ARE WE? https://cicenergigune.com/en/welcome
OUR FACILITIES: https://cicenergigune.com/en/platforms-facilities
EES RESEARCH GROUPS: https://cicenergigune.com/en/electrochemical-storage-research-groups

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

Postdoctoral researcher to evaluate the impact of pouch cell assembly in electrode and gel-polymer electrolyte interlayers

JOB DESCRIPTION:

CIC energiGUNE is seeking for a postdoctoral researcher to contribute to the design of new lithium ion batteries for high capacity and high voltage applications. The researcher will be focused on developing and validating the gellified cell concept by understanding the impact of the cell design and assembly processes on the performance of the cell. The research is within the framework of the NEXTCELL project (https://nextcell.eu/) and involves excellent scientists at the technological and scientific leading edge, who will address new challenges in the emerging field of solid state batteries.

Main functions:

Fundamental understanding of the effect of the assembly parameters (electrode cutting, packaging, contact terminals and sealing conditions) in monolayer and multilayer pouch cells.
Analysis of the electrode/separator interface quality and their influence after cycling.
Determination of the effect of different cell design/processing factors including membrane thickness, calendering and alignment on the electrochemical performance.

Area:

Electrochemical energy storage (EES)

Research group:

Cell prototyping

CANDIDATE PROFILE:

PhD in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering or related fields.
Experience working with polymer electrolytes
Knowledge and experience in the following topics will be taken into account:

Pouch cell design and assembly
Electrochemical characterization techniques: EIS, CV and galvanostatic charge and discharge
Physico-chemical characterization of materials: AFM, Contact angle, FTIR, profilometer, SEM, etc.

A team player who can collaborate with colleagues in other groups, technological centers and industries.
Good verbal and written communication skills in English.

WHAT WE OFFER:

We are offering a 3-year contract and advantageous professional development opportunities with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds, and ongoing operational needs.
Flexible working hours promoting work-life balance and self organization.
On-site work model with the option to telework.
Full access to cutting-edge laboratory facilities and characterization platforms.
The incorporation to a top research center in Europe that makes high quality research and impactful contributions to the energy and sustainability fields.
Professional and personal development: opportunity to attend seminars, international conferences, training courses, etc.
Integrated, enthusiastic, international and multidisciplinary environment.
A welcome program that offers help with finding accommodation and addresses other aspects to help you integrate into the local environment (such as free language courses, assistance with the administrative procedures, help with schools for children…).

For more information: https://cicenergigune.com/en/work-with-us

TO APPLY:

All applicants are invited to submit their application a detailed curriculum vitae along with a motivation letter at this website: https://cicenergigune.com/en/employment-opportunities/107848510

The selection process ends once the candidate is selected.

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

DESCRIPTION OF THE INSTITUTION:

WHO ARE WE? https://cicenergigune.com/en/who-are-we
WHERE ARE WE? https://cicenergigune.com/en/welcome
OUR FACILITIES: https://cicenergigune.com/en/platforms-facilities

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

Postdoctoral researcher in electrolyzer design and engineering

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Hydrogen electrocatalysis group at CIC energiGUNE is recruiting a researcher with expertise on water electrolyzers. The postdoctoral position is offered in the framework of the creation of the new hydrogen group. The candidate will be part of a multidisciplinary environment at CIC energiGUNE and will work in close collaboration with postdocs and PhD students in the research centre.

The general aims of the project are:

Design of new electrolyzer cell concepts and geometries.
Optimization of electrochemical processes such as metal electroplating and output gas collection.
Cell modelling and simulations
Electrochemical characterization of solid electrolyte-electrode interfaces.
Dissemination of the results in project meetings, publications, participating in conferences, etc.

Area:

Electrochemical energy storage (EES)

Research line:

Electrochemical hydrogen technologies

CANDIDATE PROFILE:

PhD in Electrochemistry, Engineering or similar.
Knowledge in electrochemical cell design and fundamental electrochemistry.
Desirable knowledge of electronics and experience in metal dissolution and electroplating.
Critical thinker and problem solver with preferred interest in technology transfer.
Resolute person, with high level of autonomy and orientation to objectives.
Good verbal and written communication skills in English is essential.
A team player who can collaborate with other groups, technical centers, and industries.

Additional Experience and Skills (Not Indispensable but Highly Valued):

Expertise in redox-flow and/or decoupled electrolyzers.
Expertise in fluid dynamics is a plus.
Experience with characterization techniques such as spectroscopy (XAS, Raman, XPS), microscopy (TEM/SEM), ICP-MS, DEMS/OLEMS, gas chromatography is desirable but not essential.

WHAT WE OFFER:

We are offering a 3-year contract and advantageous professional development opportunities with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds, and ongoing operational needs.
Flexible working hours and on-site work model with the option to eventually telework.
Full access to cutting-edge laboratory facilities and characterization platforms.
The incorporation to a top research center in Europe that makes high quality research and impactful contributions to the energy and sustainability fields.
Professional and personal development: opportunity to attend seminars, international conferences, trainings, etc.
Integrated, enthusiastic, international and multidisciplinary environment.
A welcome program that offers help with finding accommodation and addresses other aspects to help you integrate into the local environment (such as free language courses, assistance with administrative procedures, help with schools for children, etc.).

For more information: https://cicenergigune.com/en/work-with-us

HOW TO APPLY:

All applicants are invited to submit their applications including a cover letter, a detailed curriculum vitae, a recommendation letter and their academic records at: https://cicenergigune.com/en/employment-opportunities/110141977

The selection process ends once the candidate is selected.

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

DESCRIPTION OF THE INSTITUTION:

WHO ARE WE? https://cicenergigune.com/en/who-are-we
WHERE ARE WE? https://cicenergigune.com/en/welcome
OUR FACILITIES: https://cicenergigune.com/en/platforms-facilities
EES RESEARCH GROUPS: https://cicenergigune.com/en/electrochemical-storage-research-groups

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

Postdoctoral researcher for Sodium-ion system presodiation and cell Prototyping

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Cell Prototyping Group at CIC energiGUNE is searching for a Researcher to engage in the research and development of sustainable sodium ion batteries. The role of the selected candidate will be focused on the development of sodium ion batteries pouch cell prototypes, covering the whole process but mainly focused on different presodiation approaches of the components: from electrode formulation to pouch cell prototype assembly for electrochemical characterization and validation of the technology.

Main responsibilities of the candidate will include:

Definition and optimization of different presodiation strategies.
Electrode formulation to reach cell energy and power performance targets, including ink formulation, mixing, coating, drying, and calendering of electrodes.
Physicochemical characterization of different components, including inks and electrodes.
Transfer processes from lab scale to prototype line.
Assembly and electrochemical characterization of pouch cell prototypes for technology validation.
Contribute to the development of intellectual property.

Area:

Electrochemical energy storage (EES)

Research group:

Cell prototyping

WHAT WE OFFER:

We are offering a 3-year contract and advantageous professional development opportunities with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds, and ongoing operational needs.
Flexible working hours promoting work-life balance and self-organization.
On-site work model with the option to telework.
Full access to cutting-edge laboratory facilities and characterization platforms.
The incorporation to a top research center in Europe that makes high quality research and impactful contributions to the energy and sustainability fields.
Professional and personal development: opportunity to attend seminars, international conferences, training courses, etc.
Integrated, enthusiastic, international, and multidisciplinary environment.
A welcome program that offers help with finding accommodation and addresses other aspects to help you integrate into the local environment (such as free language courses, assistance with administrative procedures, help with schools for children, etc.).

For more information: https://cicenergigune.com/en/work-with-us

CANDIDATE PROFILE:

PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or other related topics.
Hands-on experience with electrochemical testing methods such as galvanostatic charging, cyclic voltammetry, and EIS.
Systemic problem-solving skills.
A good team player who can collaborate with other groups, academic and industrial partners.
Good verbal and written communication skills in English in a multidisciplinary environment (Spanish or Basque valuable but not compulsory).

TO APPLY:

The selection process ends once the candidate is selected.

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

DESCRIPTION OF THE INSTITUTION:

WHO ARE WE? https://cicenergigune.com/en/who-are-we
WHERE ARE WE? https://cicenergigune.com/en/welcome
OUR FACILITIES: https://cicenergigune.com/en/platforms-facilities

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

Postdoctoral project on electrochemical and vibrational strong coupling at the University of Strasbourg

The Bioelectrochemistry and Vibrational Spectroscopy Group of Prof. Petra Hellwig in the Complex Matter Chemistry Laboratoryand Prof. Ebbesen’s group at ISIS of the University of Strasbourg in France offer a postdoctoral position, fully funded, to work on an exciting, multi-disciplinary project.

We invite applications from highly motivated individuals who hold a PhD degree and interested in the following project:

The project addresses the study of strong coupling and its application in chemistry and biology. It is a part of an ambitious research program that aims at the development of electrochemical and vibrational strong coupling for the study of the reactivity of redox active molecules. The project provides a unique opportunity for the successful candidate to engage in inter-disciplinary research using a variety of experimental techniques at the interface between physical chemistry and biophysics. A background in physical chemistry with a strong interest in biophysics is desirable. Knowledge in spectroscopy is a plus. Applicants should have excellent communication skills and sufficient command of English.

The groups are experts in a variety of research areas including electrochemistry, infrared / THz and Raman spectroscopies and surface related methods. The laboratories working on the project are located on the main campus of the university of Strasbourg (http://www.unistra.fr/), close to the city center (France).

The university of Strasbourg the leading university in Europe in the field of chemistry. It is one of the largest universities in France, with over 60 000 students and over 2800 teachers-researchers.

For application and further information, please send a cover letter along with a CV, the results of your master (bachelor), a short summary of your PhD, the respective diploma and a short description of your motivation and other research activities and including the contact details of two references to hellwig@unistra.fr The documents sent should not exceed 5 MB. Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered.

Automated potentio-dynamic electrochemical characterization

Recruiting organisation
Fraunhofer-Institute for Chemical Technology (ICT)

Starting date
1st April 2025 (or earlier if preferred)

Salary
The Doctoral Network “PREDICTOR” is financed by the European Union under the framework of the program HORIZON Europe, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions. The doctoral candidate will be hired for 36 months under contract by Fraunhofer Gesellschaft e.V., with a monthly gross salary of approx. 3200 € (including mobility allowance, but excluding other allowances that depend on eligibility, e.g. family allowance, special needs allowance).

Background information
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Networks are joint research and training projects funded by the European Union. Funding is provided for doctoral candidates from both inside and outside Europe to carry out individual project work in a European country other than their own. The training network “PREDICTOR” is made up of 22 partners, coordinated by Fraunhofer ICT in Germany. The network will recruit a total of 17 doctoral candida- tes for project work lasting for 36 months.

PREDICTOR aims to establish a rapid, high-throughput method to identify and develop materials for electrochemical energy storage. It will enable the rapid identiﬁcation, synthesis and characterization of materials within a coherent development chain, replacing conventional trial-and-error developments. To validate the PREDICTOR system, the case study will be active materials and electrolytes for redox-ﬂow batteries. Within the project, three demonstrator battery cells (TRL3-4) will be assembled and tested with the newly developed materials.

Our objectives:
• A modelling and simulation tool for the computational screening of organic chemicals based on their potential performance in energy storage systems.
• Automated chemical synthesis, electrolyte production and characterization methods, so that the chemicals identiﬁed in the screening step can be rapidly produced and tested for their suitability in energy storage applications.
• Artiﬁcial- intelligence- based self-optimization methods that allow experimental data from material characterization to be fed back into automated experimental methods to enable self-driving laboratory platforms and for modelling and simulation tools, improving their accuracy.
• Data management systems to standardize and store the data generated for further use in model validation and self-optimization processes.

Job description
The advertized subproject is fully funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie European Training Network „PREDICTOR“. It will be carried out by one doctoral candidate at the Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology ICT (PhD supervision at Universität der Bundeswehr München) over a period of 36 months.

Fraunhofer ICT's Applied Electrochemistry Department has been working on various aspects of electrochemical methods, converters and storage systems since 2007. Within PREDICTOR, a module will be developed that enables automated electrochemical measurements such as cyclic voltammetry and impedance spectroscopy on electrolytes. It should be possible to integrate the module into an entire system so that independent measurements and optimization of electrolytes can be carried out by means of machine learning, data management and communication via various interfaces to other modules. Subsequently, investigations will be carried out on electrochemical optimization issues of electrolytes.

Benefits
The recruited researcher will have the opportunity to work as part of an international, interdisciplinary team of 17 doctoral candidates, based at universities and industrial ﬁrms throughout Europe. She/he will be supported by two mentors within the PREDICTOR project, and will have multiple opportunities to participate in professional and personal development training. Through her/his work she/he will gain a unique skill-set at the interface between modelling and simulation, high-throughput experimentation / characterization and self-optimization and data management over different length scales from nano to the macroscopic level.

She/he is expected to ﬁnish the project with a PhD thesis and to disseminate the results through patents (if applicable), publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at international conferences.

All employees at Fraunhofer ICT benefit from flexible working hours and the option to work from home. Fraunhofer supports an optimal balance between family and career.

Requirements

Qualiﬁcations/experience:
• In accordance with the European Union’s funding rules for doctoral networks, applicants must NOT yet have a PhD
• Degree in chemistry, physics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering or similar
• Strong interdisciplinary competence (chemistry, physics, basic information technology, electrical and mechanical engineering)
• Outstanding research and development motivation and independent implementation of world-class research topics with top-class partners

Mobility:
The applicant must not have resided or carried out her/ his main activity (work, studies etc.) in Germany for more than 12 months in the past 3 years.

How to apply
Please send your CV by e-mail (preferred) or by post, quoting the reference DC2-ICT

Yvonne Hofmann
Yvonne.Hofmann@ict.fraunhofer.de

Fraunhofer ICT
Joseph-von-Fraunhofer-Str. 7
76327 Pfinztal

Application deadline: 31st October 2024