Postdoc within Solar-Activated Hydrogen production - Advanced Research and Application

The Section of Chemical Engineering (ChE), Department of Green Technology (IGT), University of Southern Denmark, (SDU) invites applicants for a two-year position with the possibility of extension within the area of Solar-Activated Hydrogen production material development for photoelectrochemical and photochemical water splitting. The targeted starting date for the position is 1^st of June 2025 or sooner

The position offers a chance to share the unique expertise of ChE within the fields of 

• High throughput metal nano particle material synthesis and characterization
• Electrochemical test platforms & energy conversion systems
• Operando measurement using synchrotron X-ray & neutron 
• Technical development on critical material circular economy

Job description
The research position offered is part of a large European research program granted by Clean Energy Transition Partnership (CETP) through national agency Innovation Fund Denmark. The research consortium consists of 

• HyCentA Research GmbH – HCA (Austria)
• Redeem Solar Technologies – RST (Austria)
• Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems – IKTS (Germany)
• Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology -IWS (Germany)
• CETIM Technological Centre – CETIM (Spain)
• University of Southern Denmark – SDU (Denmark

This gives a solid fundament for international collaboration and multidisciplinary cooperation. Examples of research work from the leading group at University of Southern can be found at https://portal.findresearcher.sdu.dk/en/persons/mashu/publications/

The successful candidate will get a unique chance to participate in research and collaboration with the scientific as well as commercial communities in the field of photoelectrocatalysis and photocatalysis material development, characterization, production and recycling, and contribute to research within applied science.

The main tasks include the following activities:

1. Metal nanoparticle catalyst and ceramic material and cell component comprehensive characterization and benchmarking 
2. Material development, synthesis and method optimization 
3. Test protocol selection, development, validation and implementation
4. Cell component recycling and reuse
5. Inorganic chemical synthesis, material separation and purification, method development to provide recommendations for upscaling 

We are seeking a highly motivated, self-driven, collaborative candidate with a documented research background and engineering experience, and who communicates well in an international environment. Documented ability to publish in international peer reviewed journals is a strong merit. The candidate must be able to carry out independent, systematic and rigorous research and engineering work clearly aligned with the overall project activity. 

It is preferred if candidates have experience and contributions within one or more of the following areas:

• Photocatalytic and photo electrocatalytic water splitting
• Semiconductor development
• Catalyst based on either precious or non-precious element syntheses/characterization 
• Catalytic body characterization or structure development for electrochemical conversion, emission control or petroleum chemistry 
• Gas diffusion electrode (GDE) and membrane electrode assembly (MEA) preparation, characterization and postmortem analysis
• Wet (precious) metal chemistry
• Record of article reviews, contribution in book chapters or intellectual properties

We offer
We offer an inspirational international research environment with excellent infrastructure including large scale facilities and strong collaborations with a vast international network, research organizations and commercial stakeholders. We offer a position from which to further develop the fundamental chemistry and to combine this knowledge with an ambitious up-scaling perspective.

Requirements for the position
Employment as a postdoctoral fellow for this position requires a PhD-degree or equivalent within in chemistry / chemical engineering / material science / physical chemistry /nanotechnology / metallurgy or a closely related field. 

The applications must include:

• A motivation letter including research statement
• Detailed Curriculum Vitae
• Certificates/Diplomas (MSc and/or PhD) - Danish or English translation
• List of publications including full copies of the three most important representative publications
• A list of at least two references including contact details

The application deadline is 15^th Dec. 2024 at 11.59 PM/23.59 (CET/CEST).

Contact information
Further information is available from Assoc. Prof. Shuang Ma Andersen [email protected] Tel: +45 6550 9186 or Head of section Knud Villy Christensen [email protected] Tel: +45 65507478

If you experience technical problems, please contact [email protected]. 

Read more and apply at https://www.sdu.dk/en/om-sdu/ledige-stillinger.