Doktor - Understanding degradation mechanisms of PEM fuel cell catalysts

This position offers you a chance to make an impact on future transportation technologies, by addressing life-time and degradation issues in modern PEMFCs. You will use state-of-the-art characterization and fabrication techniques, electrochemistry and surface science to generate new knowledge in fuel cell performance. Collaboration with industrial and academic partners will be meritorious for future research duties within academia as well as industry and the public sector.

Information about the research/the project/the division
This Postdoc position is within the Competence Centre for Catalysis (KCK), which is an interdisciplinary research centre for heterogeneous catalysis at Chalmers. We contribute to a sustainable energy and transport system with new catalytic technology. The main activities are focused on energy conversion and emission control, and integrated with the research at the departments of Physics, and Chemistry and Chemical Engineering. The projects are conducted in collaboration with the member companies AB Volvo, ECAPS AB, Johnson Matthey AB, Preem AB, Scania CV AB, Umicore Denmark ApS.

The position will be located at the division of Applied Chemistry at the department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering. This position will be focused on experimental studies of degradation mechanisms of low-temperature PEM fuel cell catalysts and be conducted in close collaboration with the division of Chemical Physics in a dynamic and international environment striving for scientific excellence through teamwork between research leaders active in the fields of catalysis.

Major responsibilities
Your major responsibility is to perform research. You are expected to develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing. You will perform characterization of fuel cell components to follow degradation processes and generate an increased understanding of deactivation mechanisms of low-temperature PEM fuel cells.

Position summary
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of two years (1+1).

Qualifications
To qualify for the position of postdoc, you must have a doctoral degree in a relevant field such as Chemistry, Physics or Materials Science, the degree should generally not be older than two years. You have an expertise in experimental fuel cell research and/or fabrication and characterization of electrode materials. To be successful in this position we believe that you have the ability to work independently, to take initiative and plan and carry out research. As you´ll be working in an environment that encourages teamwork, we believe you have good communication and team-work skills. 

The position requires sound verbal and written communication skills in English.

Chalmers continuously strives to be an attractive employer. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Our offer to you
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the dynamic city of Gothenburg.  
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20200304 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as pdf-files, as below:

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.

Please use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. The files may be compressed (zipped).

Application deadline: 16th August - 2020

For questions, please contact:
Assoc. Prof. Björn Wickman, Chemical Physics,
bjorn.wickman@chalmers.se
+46317725179

Prof. Magnus Skoglundh, Applied Chemistry,
skoglund@chalmers.se
+46317722974

Information about the department:
Chemistry and Chemical Engineering is the largest department at Chalmers and covers a large array of research from basic to applied. The fields of interest extend from DNA-research and biomaterials, solar cells and fuels, high temperature corrosion, and catalysis. The Department is heavily committed to teaching at the undergraduate, graduate, as well as postgraduate level in these areas. We have approximately 300 employees, divided into four research and one administrative division. We are situated at campus Johanneberg in the middle of Gothenburg. Our vision is “Through curiosity and knowledge towards a sustainable world”.

*** 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 eight Areas of Advance; Building Futures, Energy, Information & Communication Technology, Life Science, Materials Science, Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, 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!