Project proposal

Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Sono-Electrocatalysis

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) represents academic eminence in technology and the natural sciences as well as in other academic disciplines ranging from the social sciences, the arts, medicine, teacher education, architecture to fine art. Cross-disciplinary cooperation results in innovative breakthroughs and creative solutions with far-reaching social and economic impact.

We are looking for a Postdoc/Experienced Researcher candidate interested in applying for an MSCA Individual Fellowship at the Department of Energy and Process Technology, NTNU. The Postdoc/Expereinced Researcher will work on the use of power ultrasound for the synthesis of non-PGM catalysts for low-temperature electrolysers and fuel cells at the “Hydrogen Energy and Sonochemistry Research group” headed by Professor Bruno G. Pollet FRSC AFIChemE.

https://www.ntnu.edu/employees/bruno.g.pollet

This project is aimed to produce low-cost, highly durable and performing “exotic” catalytic materials sonochemically and sonoelectrochemically specifically for the ORR, OER, HOR and HER. The research will also focus on the effect of sonication on the OER (oxygen evolution reaction), ORR (oxygen reduction reaction), HOR (hydrogen oxidation reaction) and HER (hydrogen evolution reaction) on these new materials. As such this research project will be defined and conducted in a systematic and specific way.

This project will also involve international partners who will act as international collaborators:

• Professor Christophe Coutanceau, Université de Poitiers (France)
• Professor Marian Chatenet, Université Grenoble-Alpes (France)

who are at the forefront of electrochemistry and electrochemical engineering research.

The position reports Professor Bruno G. Pollet FRSC AFIChemE.

Main duties and responsibilities

During the course of your PostDoc research project, you will be expected to:

• Attend courses (inc. Health and Safety)
• Perform literature review.
• Perform experimental work.
• Occasionally, perform experimental work at the Coutanceau’s and Chatenet’s research labs.
• Analyse and review generated data.
• Present the data in a Scientific and systematic manner.
• Write research papers and other scientific outputs with the supervisors and other researchers.
• Occasionally, prepare teaching materials, teach (2nd and 3rd year Bachelor’s) and mark teaching assessments.

The PostDoc researcher will be expected to adopt a professional approach to the research, including:

• Good timekeeping.
• Observing deadlines.
• Reading and responding to communications from the supervisory team and other members of the University.
• Taking responsibility for their own skills and career development.

Qualification requirements

Background and competence requirements

• The position requires a PhD’s degree in either Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a similar relevant area.
• The candidate needs to have hands-on experience with electrochemical measurements in the laboratory, as well as the required analytical skills.
• Seeking those who have additional competency, talents or skills on top to their formal academic/industrial experience.

Eligibility criteria

• The researcher must, at the date of the MSCA-IF call deadline, possess a PhD Degree and/or an equivalent on minimum four years´ full-time research experience.
• The researcher must, at the date of the MSCA-IF call deadline not have conducted his/her main activity in the country of the beneficiary (Norway) for more than 12 of the last 36 months.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English language.

Other qualifications

• Knowledge of Electrochemistry is strongly recommended.
• Knowledge of Electrocatalysis would be advantageous.
• Norwegian or another Scandinavian language skill desirable but not essential.
• Project management skills desirable but not essential.
• Health and Safety Certificate desirable but not essential.

Personal characteristics

• The successful candidate should be dynamic, enthusiastic, highly motivated, disciplined and willing to work both independently and with other researchers.
• The applicant should be a problem solver and results driven.
• The applicant should have good project management skills as well as an excellent command of English, both written and verbal as she/he will be expected to write research articles and deliver her/his findings at inter(national) conferences.
• Willing to travel internationally.
• Eye for details and a systematic approach to solving problems
• A positive attitude towards work
• A team player individual

In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, selection will be conducted by the supervisor. Emphasis will be placed upon the academic accordance with the supervisor and the project proposal.

We offer

• A designated supervisor with whom to prepare an application for the MSCA-IF call
• A two-day symposium with showcasing of expertise and best practices on how to apply to MSCA-IF
• A follow-up day with the supervisor and possible individual guidance by experts on MSCA-IF
• Administrative support up to the call deadline
• Travel and accommodation from the 13-15th of May 2020 will be covered by NTNU

Conditions

Appointment as post doc up to a maximum of 24 months at NTNU rests on the prerequisite of an approved application to the MSCA-IF call with deadline 9 September 2020. Feedback on said applications is expected early 2021.

General information

Working at NTNU

A good work environment is characterized by diversity. We encourage qualified candidates to apply, regardless of their gender, functional capacity or cultural background. Under the Freedom of Information Act (Offentleglova), information about the applicant may be made public even if the applicant has requested not to have their name entered on the list of applicants.

Questions about the call can be directed to: msca@horizon.ntnu.no or andreas.mollerlokken@ntnu.no

Questions about the position can be directed to Professor Bruno G. Pollet FRSC AFIChemE, phone number +4792489316, e-mail bruno.g.pollet@ntnu.no

About the application:

Please submit your application electronically via jobbnorge.no with your CV, cover letter, diplomas and certificates that highlight the alignment of your application. In addition, the applicant myst describe a research project that will strengthen and complement the presented research (max 2 pages).

Please refer to the application number IV/02 when applying.

Publications and other academic works that the applicant would like to be considered in the evaluation must accompany the application. Joint works will be considered. If it is difficult to identify the individual applicant's contribution to joint works, the applicant must include a brief description of his

Application deadline: 09.03.2020

NTNU - knowledge for a better world

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) creates knowledge for a better world and solutions that can change everyday life.

Department of Energy and Process Engineering

We conduct research and teaching covering the entire energy chain, from resources to the end-user. We look at how energy is produced and used by humans and machines in a sustainable way with regard to health, climate change and the resource base. The Department of Energy and Process Engineering is one of eight departments in the Faculty of Engineering.

Deadline 9th March 2020
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Trondheim
Scope Fulltime
Duration Project
Place of service NTNU Trondheim