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 1st of June 2025 or sooner.
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 1st 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:

• Metal nanoparticle catalyst and ceramic material and cell component comprehensive characterization and benchmarking
• Material development, synthesis and method optimization
• Test protocol selection, development, validation and implementation
• Cell component recycling and reuse
• 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 15th 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].

Conditions of employment
Appointment as postdoctoral researcher is temporary and for an initial 2-year period. Extension may be possible depending on available funding.

Employment as a postdoc requires scientific qualifications at PhD level at the time of employment.

The successful applicant will be employed in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Further information on salary and taxation.

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 process.

Application procedure
Applicants are advised to read the SDU information on how to apply and specific faculty information for application at the Faculty of Engineering.

Department of Green Technology (IGT) focus on development of green and sustainable solutions for the society through our niche scientific resources. University of Southern Denmark, as one of the five leading universities in Denmark, we have rich competence in research and engineering, state-of-the-art infrastructure and education programs to prepare new generations towards the needs of the surrounding society. SDU’s main campus is located at Odense, one hour by train to Copenhagen, is an ideal international city for study, career as well as a safe, family friendly environment.

Formalities
According to the University of Southern Denmark’s internal guidelines, there must be at least three qualified applicants to an academic position before it can be filled.

Documents must not contain a CPR number (civil registration number) – in this case, the CPR number must be crossed out.

The application and CV must not exceed 10 MB.

The University of Southern Denmark wishes to reflect the surrounding community and therefore encourages everyone, regardless of personal background, to apply for the position.

Further information for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark. You may also visit WorkinDenmark for additional information.

Further information about The Faculty of Engineering.

Placering: Odense, Denmark