PhD student position in Fuel Cell Catalyst Materials and Applications

Access to CO2-free, efficient and clean energy is one of our society's major challenges. In this project we perform research for next generation fuel cells, which can enable a large-scale use of hydrogen as an energy carrier. The position will involve collaboration locally, nationally as well as internationally, with both academic and industrial partners.

Information about the division and the project
Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are currently being developed and deployed, e.g. by the automotive industry, as an alternative to fossil fuel combustion engines. In the fuel cell, chemical energy in a fuel, often hydrogen, is converted to electricity in an electrochemical reaction. Fuel cells with hydrogen as energy carrier has the potential to provide CO2-free and clean energy with zero emissions. However, fuel cells need to become cheaper, have longer lifetime and be composed of sustainable materials in order to be used on a truly large scale. This project will focus on material aspects of fuel cell electrodes with the aim to increase life time and minimize the use of scarce and expensive metals for the next generation of PEM fuel cells.

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

This position is within a nationally funded fuel cell project composed of academic partners: Chalmers University of Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Lund University, and Linköping University and industrial partners: Powercell, Volvo Group, Scania CV, Sandvik, Cell Impact, Hydrogen Sweden, Intertek, and Alleima.

The position is also associated with 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 ECAPS, Johnson Matthey, Perstorp, Powercell, Preem, Scania CV, Umicore and Volvo Group.

Major responsibilities
Your major responsibility as PhD student is to perform research within the project at Chemical Physics. Collaboration with theoretical and experimental efforts in the division of Chemical Physics at Chalmers and with collaborating groups at other universities and with companies is also included in the position. The position is meritorious for future research duties within academia as well as industry and the public sector. The position generally also includes teaching on Chalmers' undergraduate level or performing other duties corresponding to 20 per cent of working hours.

Qualifications
To qualify as a PhD student, you must have a master's level degree in Physics, Material Science or Chemistry, or MSc in engineering Physics, Material Science or Chemistry, not older than two years. Expertise in experimental work in Physics, Material Science or Chemistry. Able to work independently as well as in teams and take responsibility for progress and quality of the project

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

Contract terms
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five 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 Ref 20230126 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: CV, Family name, Ref. number)
• CV
• Other, for example previous employments or leadership qualifications and positions of trust.
• 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 experience of relevance for the position (e.g. education, thesis work and, if applicable, any other research activities)
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Copies of bachelor and/or master’s thesis.
• Attested copies and transcripts of completed education, grades and other certificates, e.g. TOEFL test results.

Please use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. 

Application deadline: March 24, 2023



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

*** 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!