Postdoc in novel fuel cell designs for uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs)

We are searching for a self-propelled and innovative postdoctoral researcher for a project in the area of novel fuel cell designs for uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs). You’ll enjoy the support of interdisciplinary mentors with close connections to industry, and the opportunity to live and work in beautiful Western Sweden.

Information about the department and research groups
This position is a joint appointment between the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and the Department of Mechanics and Maritime Sciences.

The Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering is the largest department of 13 at Chalmers, with approximately 320 employees in four research divisions. We tackle global challenges in the areas of health, energy, sustainability and transport by developing new knowledge and enabling technologies in the areas of nano- and materials science and chemical production methods. You will be joining a well-established research group, led by Dr. Anders Palmqvist in the Division of Applied Chemistry, with significant experience in the development of new materials for energy and environmental applications, with a focus on fuel cells and electrical storage.

The Department of Mechanics and Maritime Sciences is highly diverse, with close links to the automotive, aerospace and maritime industry in Gothenburg. Among a range of fundamental and applied research in these areas, we have a strong focus on sustainable aviation. You will be joining an emerging research group, led by Dr. Arion Pons in the Division of Fluid Dynamics, and will have the opportunity to contribute to a pioneering new focus on uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) within the Department.

Major responsibilities
Your major responsibilities will be to perform and publish scientific and engineering research. Research areas may include system-level analysis of fuel cell systems for UAV propulsion; detailed design and flow analysis of airframe-integrated fuel cell designs; prototyping fuel cell and UAV systems; and experimental testing of prototype designs. You will be guided by senior researchers in the involved departments, and will be expected to communicate the results of your research verbally at leading conferences and in writing in international journals.

Qualifications
To qualify for the position, a PhD is required, awarded no more than three years prior to the application deadline (according to the current agreement with the Swedish Agency for Government Employers). We are looking for early-career candidates with a recently-awarded PhD in Engineering or a related area, and will consider candidates who have not yet been awarded their PhD, but are anticipating the award in the near future. Candidates should have experience in one or more of the following: hydrogen fuel cells, uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs), fluid dynamics, electrochemistry and/or systems-level modelling. As the position is highly interdisciplinary, capability to conduct interdisciplinary research (in any area), as well as good oral and written communication skills in English, will both be highly regarded. Other skillsets of particular value include experience with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) or other flow simulation techniques; practical workshop skills in CNC milling, 3D-printing, etc.; experimental flow analysis techniques; and a flair for design innovation.

Contract terms
This postdoc position is a full-time temporary employment for 2 years (1+1 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 20220695 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 how your previous research makes you well-suited to this position

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: January 31, 2023

For questions, please contact:
Professor Anders Palmqvist, Division of Applied Chemistry, anders.palmqvist@chalmers.se
Assistant Professor Arion Pons, Division of Fluid Dynamics, arion@chalmers.se

*** 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!