Postdoc position in fuel cells for propulsion of electrified vehicles

We offer a PostDoc position in a multidisciplinary project that aims to venture into the area of electric propulsion, using hydrogen as fuel. You will join a team of 30 researchers that works in a dynamic and international work environment with focus on power electronics, drives and energy storage for renewables as well as for electrified vehicles.

Job description
This position is a PostDoc project entitled ‘Hydrogen for propulsion of electrified vehicles – system aspects on on-board versus off-board hydrogen-to-electricity/thermal energy conversion’. In this research you will take part in investigating how hydrogen is best used as vehicle fuel. Either using on-line conversion, which leads to that heat is wasted during summertime, or if it is better to convert the hydrogen off-line to electricity in power plants enabling the heat during the conversion in a fuel cell to come to use. Furthermore, for the drive train design in the vehicle, it is to be investigated how the storage system comprising of the fuel cell, hydrogen tank, battery/supercapacitor is to be designed. Various trade-off regarding battery/supercapacitor and fuel cell system is to be investigated, considering various driving ranges of the vehicle.

Information about the two divisions
The Division of Electric Power Engineering conducts research within a broad range of topics in electric power technology. Our purpose is to develop interdisciplinary research areas within the university as well as with external partners. Research activities at the division are focused on electrified vehicles, renewable energy generation and power system applications, including energy storages for grid applications. For fuel cell related research there is a tight cooperation with other academic and industrial partners in Sweden.

At the Division of Applied chemistry, research is conducted within a broad range of topics where chemistry or chemical engineering are applied. Relevant for this position, our activities cover, e.g. developing new materials for energy and environmental applications, including for fuel cells and energy storage systems. We cooperate extensively with other academic and industrial partners in Sweden and internationally and have access to state-of-the-art research infrastructures.

Major responsibilities
The main responsibility for you is to conduct research on the usage of hydrogen as propelling fuel for vehicles, either directly or through land-based stations converting hydrogen to electricity. To present the results and produce tools that can be used by the research teams is a vital part of the work. Finally, an important objective for the position is to compose the research results into presentation and publications.

Apart from the research work, around 15-20% of the time is allocated for teaching efforts.

Contract terms
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 Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or Engineering Physics, with solid knowledge on thermodynamics or electrochemistry as well as a good knowledge in electrotechnology. You also need an advanced ability to perform scientific research. 

The position requires sound verbal and written communication skills in English. Swedish is not a requirement but Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

Learn more and apply on Chalmers website: https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/Working-at-Chalmers/Vacancies/Pages/default.aspx?rmpage=job&rmjob=9915&rmlang=UK

Application deadline: 28 November, 2021

*** 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!