Postdoctoral position in fuel cell research

Stimulated by major needs and challenges in science and society, our ambition is to foster a creative environment for academic research, teaching and outreach. We provide a competitive advantage by linking top-level international and interdisciplinary academic performance in the areas of material science, nanotechnology and energy research with world-leading industrial R&D&I projects.

We address a wide array of experimental, computational, methodological and theoretical challenges, from fundamental physics research, through the development of new materials to direct industrial projects generating new inventions. We have a strong learning commitment on all levels from undergraduate to PhD studies where physics meet engineering.

We are situated in a stimulating and creative environment with 200 physics teachers and researchers, 120 PhD students and 550 undergraduate students.
Information about the research/the project/the division
Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) could play an important role in a future society based on sustainable energy, both for averaging electric energy and in the transport sector. The largest single loss in the PEMFC is due to the slow kinetics of the Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR). This results in an excessive usage of Pt, which is both scarce and expensive. In this project, improved materials for the ORR reaction will be investigated with respect to activity and stability. The project is a collaboration with research groups in Denmark and USA.

About the Chemical Physics Division: One of our experimental focus areas is fabrication, characterization and exploitation of metallic nanostructures that exhibit localized surface plasmon resonances and act as in situ probes for innovative sensing applications in the fields of surface science, nanomaterials science and catalysis. We have also a strong track record in the development of novel experimental methodologies, nanofabrication techniques and design of experimental equipment rooted in a background of surface science and catalysis research. The division is a dynamic and international environment that strives at scientific excellence through teamwork and combinatory experimental and theoretical efforts.

More information about our activities can be found on the web at:http://www.chalmers.se/en/departments/ap/research/chemicalphysics/Pages/default.aspx

More information about the Department of Applied Physics is available at: http://www.chalmers.se/en/departments/ap/Pages/default.aspx 


Major responsibilities

The successful candidate should work on: 
i) Sample evaluation of electrochemical properties.
ii) Sample fabrication in the Chalmers state-of-the-art local micro- and nanofabrication facility.
iii) Sample characterization by means of electron and scanning probe microscopy and surface spectroscopy.
iv) Developing and applying plasmonic sensing to follow electrode processes.

Your major responsibility as postdoc is to perform your own research in a research group. The position may also include some supervision of master's and/or PhD students. Another important aspect involves collaboration within academia and with society at large. The position is meritorious for future research duties within academia as well as industry/the public sector.

Position summary
The position is a post-doc position of 1 year with the possibility of 1 year extension. Full-time temporary employment.

Qualifications
The successful candiate should have a PhD (generally not older than three years) in either, Physics, Chemistry or Materials Science with strong past research experience including at least one of the following components, Surface science, Catalysis, Nanoplasmonics or Electrochemistry.

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

Application deadline: 15 januari 2014

For questions, please contact:
Professor Henrik Grönbeck
Kemisk Fysik
ghj@chalmers.se

Dr. Björn Wickman
Kemisk Fysik
bjorn.wickman@chalmers.se




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


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; Built Environment, 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!