Postdoc position in Proton Solid Oxide Fuel or Electrochemical Cells


Are you curious about a sustainable future? Are you interested in the electrochemical methods used to produce energy or hydrogen through Fuel Cells or Electrochemical Cells?
At Federal University of ABC (UFABC-Universidade Federal do ABC), Materials for Energy Laboratory (LaMen-Laboratório de Materiais para Energia) We are now looking for a postdoc candidate to be a part of an exciting research funded by FAPESP. The project includes a collaboration between the Nuclear and Energy Research Institute (IPEN) form University of São Paulo (USP) and UFABC. We will work on a proton conductors ceramic materials. We propose an innovative concept of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell and Solid Oxide Electrochemical Cells at low to intermediate temperatures (500 – 700 °C).

The postdoc position will cover one years and include a monthly stipend of R$ 12.000,00.
The postdoc includes the following list of responsibilities:
– Chemical synthesis: the candidate will fabricate ceramic samples (pellets and films) from powder materials (oxides, salts).
– Structural, microstructural and chemical compositions: the candidate will characterize the materials using techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electron microscopy techniques.
– Electrical characterization: the candidate will characterize samples by various electrochemical methods, including AC and DC techniques.
– Project management: the candidate is expected to collaborate with the project group and report to the FAPESP via continuous reporting and deliverable preparation.

Other characterization methods at synchrotron facilities may be adopted throughout the project. As a part of the employment, the candidate will be involved in several activities from the UFABC – LaMEn regarding clean energy materials and technologies for a transition to a green future.

Eligible candidates should have:
● An PhD degree in Physics, chemistry or materials (engineering) science,
● Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken,
● Experience in Chemical synthesis: Solid state, Sol-gel, Pechini, etc.,
● The ability to work independently with a strong drive, to plan and carry out complicated tasks,
● Interest in contributing positively to a new research group with a collaborative and diverse culture,
● A creative mindset for solving problems and identifying new directions and opportunities in your project.

We also value (but do not require) experience with:
● Experience with SOFC’s.
● Experience with sputtering or PLD deposition.
● Experience with mechanochemistry.
● Hands-on lab work with ceramics and electroceramics.
● Characterization of materials by Simultaneous thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, Scanning electron microscopy, and Transmission electron microscopy.
● Electrochemical characterization techniques, including impedance spectroscopy, and DC methods.
● Mass Spectroscopy

Assessment
The applicants will be assessed by: Professor Dr. Daniel Zanetti de Florio.

We offer
We offer an exciting and challenging job in an environment focusing on education, research, and innovation, enhancing the economy and improving social welfare. We strive for academic excellence, collegial respect and freedom tempered by responsibility. At UFABC, we are committed to the academic excellence world, aiming to become a world-class university. Connected to a strong emphasis in scientific research, UFABC has been acclaimed by its high quality education and high internationalization levels. In the last few years also, international rankings started to pay attention to us. The results and lessons learned so far are encouraging and might be followed and improved by other universities in the world.
The fellowship is expected to start on November 1st, 2024, or before (The start date can be anticipated depending on the current situation of the chosen candidate).

Further information
If you need further information concerning these positions, don’t hesitate to contact Prof. Dr. Daniel Zanetti de Florio at daniel.florio@ufabc.edu.br

Application
We must have your application up to October 15th, 2024.
Applications must be submitted as one pdf file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please send an e-mail to daniel.florio@ufabc.edu.br with the subject: PSOFC application and your initials. Please, do not forget to attach all your materials in English in one pdf file.

The file must include:
● A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
● Curriculum vitae (Lattes for Brazilians or Brazilians residents)
● BSc/MSc, PhD diploma
● List of publications (if any) indicating scientific highlights
● List of references (at least two)

All interested candidates, irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background, are encouraged to apply.

 


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