Materials Engineer Position in green water splitting at the Mads Clausen Institute

We are seeking an enthusiastic new colleague as a laboratory engineer in the field of Materials Science and Engineering or Chemical Engineering, with interest in industrial applications and cooperation to join the Mads Clausen Institute (MCI) in Sønderborg, Denmark. The starting date of the position is 1.1.2025 or as soon as possible for two years with the possibility of extension afterwards. 

MCI is a part of the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) and covers research and education including applications of engineering sciences. Our working language is English, reflecting the fact that far more than half of our students and staff are internationals. We are located at SDU’s beautiful campus in Sønderborg, in the inspiring building of Alsion, which is a centre for science, culture and learning in the heart of Sønderborg and perched on the strait of water separating the island of Als from the mainland. The university has very close relations with industries in Sønderborg, Southern Denmark, and Northern Germany.

The successful candidate is expected to work on a project funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation (NNF), which has the overall goal of improving solar-to-hydrogen efficiency. The main duties of a Materials Engineer are to ensure the efficiency of experimental processes, to set up laboratory infrastructure, and to provide safe and economic solutions to technical problems. Also, the candidate will be involved in the synthesis and characterization of novel compounds based on mixed anion compounds and the evaluation of their performance in solar water splitting. Technical supervision of students and technical support to faculty including postdocs is part of the job description. Although being affiliated to the NNF project, the candidate is expected to team up with technical or scientific colleagues, e.g. via collaboration with the NanoSYD, CAPE and C:MAC centres. 

Job Description and Responsibilities:

• Implementation of technical and research tasks related to the project;
• materials synthesis and characterization, and performance evaluation tests of materials in solar water splitting;
• characterization, data analysis, and interpretation of research results;
• scientific communication and presentation of research results where relevant;
• technical student and coworker assistance; 
• teaching assistance where relevant. 

 Qualifications:

• BSc or MSc or engineering degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related fields; 
• understanding of materials and chemical engineering concepts;
• skills in organizing and managing chemical laboratories;
• hands-on experience and knowledge of materials synthesis;
• technical skills in materials characterization;   
• technical skills in scientific illustration and animation to deliver visual knowledge of the project would be advantageous;
• good knowledge of the English language;
• ability to work in teams and also independently; 
• communication skills are advantageous.  

Application procedure:

Before applying all candidates are expected to read the SDU information on how to apply and specific faculty information for application at the Faculty of Engineering.    

The application shall include the following documents in English: 

• One-page motivation letter 
• Curriculum Vitae. 
• Certificates/Diplomas (Bachelor and Master degrees) – Danish and/or English transcripts. 

The following documents may also be submitted:

• Relevant material that documents technical and scientific experience 
• A reference letter. 

The files should not exceed 10 MB.

Assessment and selection process:

Read about the Assessment and selection process. Applications will be assessed by an Assessment Committee. Shortlisting may be applied. Only shortlisted candidates will receive a written assessment. Read about shortlisting at SDU. Interviews and tests may be part of the selection process.

Conditions of employment:

Employment as a Materials Engineer is temporary and for 2 years and it starts 1.1.25 or as soon as possible. The employment will cease without further notice at the end of the period but might be extended if financing allows. 

For further information please contact head of department Horst-Günter Rubahn, phone.no.: +45 6550 1190 or by email [email protected].

Application deadline: August 31, 2024 at 23.59.59 o'clock.

The successful applicant will be employed in accordance with the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Laboratory Association affiliated with HK/STAT.

Application must include cover letter, CV and certificate. All documents in connection with the application should not contain CPR number (civil registration number) – in that case, the CPR number must be crossed out. 

All attached files must be in Adobe PDF format.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.