A Researcher on Hydrogen Techno Economic Assessment
Fondazione Bruno Kessler
FBK is a private research institution based in Trento (Italy), operating in different scientific fields and disciplines. As such, it keeps the Autonomous Province of Trento within the mainstream of international research. FBK comprises 12 research centres with activities and production.
Workplace
The Centre on Sustainable Energy (SE) supports the development of devices and methods for
generating, storing, and distributing energy solutions with low environmental impact. It is done from
the perspective of energy sustainability, systems and solutions that respect the environment and
the quality of life, and solutions with a lower impact on health and environmental pollution levels.
The ground for the Centre on “Sustainable Energy” is based on the Decarbonization targets, which
will demand more flexibility of the energy system through new gas and power grids and using
energy vectors and storage solutions as enablers for the broad penetration of renewables.
The HYdrogen Technologies and Resilient Energy Systems unit (HyRES) is a dedicated research
and development unit at the forefront of advancing hydrogen technology and resilient energy
systems. With a primary focus on hydrogen, the unit works diligently to innovate the future energy
grid, making it more intelligent and capable of integrating renewable sources. Ensuring energy
resilience and security is a central goal, particularly in collaboration with industrial partners. Its
research encompasses various aspects, including hydrogen production, storage and final uses, all
with the overarching aim of reducing the carbon footprint of energy systems and positively
impacting the energy market, making it more sustainable and secure for the future.
HYRES unit is involved in the following European projects and industrial consultancy:
● AMETHYST
A new energy vector, hydrogen (H2), has many advantages to be a key player in the energy
transition. Easily produced by renewable electricity, it can be used for many purposes: mobility,
industries, operations in tourist areas. AMETHyST overall objective is to support the deployment of
local Alpine green hydrogen ecosystems where several green H2 applications are combined on a
geographical area with high potential for H2. This project will pave the way to the implementation of
Alpine Hydrogen Valleys and an Alpine post-carbon lifestyle, through the raising of capacities and
understanding of public authorities and implementation of pilot projects, with the support of sectoral
agencies and innovation clusters..
● HYMANTOVALLEY
HYMANTOVALLEY aims to demonstrate the decarbonization of a quite air-polluted area in Europe
lying in the Italian Padany Plain (Pianura Padana) by building a replicable green H2 ecosystem
implemented as an integrated model of hydrogen production, storage, transportation and utilization
for heat, power and mobility, including the development and use of hydrogen-fed and
zero-emissions ships, trains, buses and buildings. The project plans to involve European and local
communities and industries in producing clean energy while creating synergies with other regional
innovation ecosystems through knowledge exchange and utilising existing European
hydrogen-based technologies. HYMANTOVALLEY is going to develop an H2 value chain model in
a unique tri-modal transport and logistics system (inland water, rail and road) laying in the heart of
Italy and near two corridors of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), plus building a
European Centre of Applied Research and Advanced Training on hydrogen focused on the
optimization and innovation of the hydrogen value chain and managed by relevant universities.
● NHYRA (CHE project, starting in 2024)
The project will deliver an “H2 releases” inventory to serve as a reference for the scientific and
industrial community. New or adequately adapted experimental, theoretical, and simulation
methodologies will be validated to perform laboratory or in-field measurements to achieve the
ambitious goal. Experimental tests will also be performed on the most critical elements of the H2
value chains by the partners of the Consortium. A complete picture of the H2 releases’ scenarios in
the middle (2030) and long (2050) term will be developed to enable decision-makers to identify and
prioritise practical mitigation actions. Finally, the project will formulate recommendations for
Standards and Technical Specifications.
● HYPER (CUP di progetto F79J22001380004)
The Italian PNRR project aims to develop, with related application testing, high-performance
logistics pressure for the hydrogen energy carrier (gas tube trailer with 550 bar).
● Industrial consultant concerning engineering aspects or design review of H2 plant.
HyRES unit is looking for a researcher specialised in the simulation on H2 sector who will support
the projects and activities mentioned above with the following activities:
● Development of customised code for Tecno Economics Assessment and Evaluation.
● Database creation for cost of component and system based on H2 technologies, including
the definition of learning cost curves.
● Collaborate and coordinate activities on Tecno Economics Assessment
● Participate and collaborate with the engineering team to validate cost and technical model.
● Gathering data and development of a database for the simulation team.
● Produce reports, deliverables, and technical reviews.
● Participate and/or lead the writing of scientific papers and patents.
● Participate in the preparation of the project’s proposal.
Job Requirements
The ideal candidate should have:
● MSc in Energy engineering or similar.
● Know-how in code development applied to physics problems (H2 system and components).
● Experiences on Techno economic assessments.
● Familiarity with economic KPI (capex, opex, deprecations, etc..)
● Good modelling practices, attention to detail and commitment to verification/validation.
● Proven experience in the Hydrogen sector focuses on hydrogen production technology
(electrolyzer, methane cracking and SMR), hydrogen handling (transport, distribution, and
storage) and hydrogen uses (burner, boiler, fuel cell, etc).
● Teamwork approach, good communication and relational skills.
● Good knowledge of written and spoken English
● Self-motivation and result orientation
Furthermore, the following elements will be positively evaluated:
● Familiarty with Python.
● PhD in the topic related to the job opportunity or equivalent research experience related to
the topic.
Employment
Type of contract: Fixed Term Contract
Working hours: full time
Gross annual salary: range from € 36.200 to € 41.400 depending on background and expertise of
the profile related to the scientific domain
Start date: May 2024
Duration: 24 months
Workplace: Povo – Trento
Benefits: flexi-time, company subsidized cafeteria or meal vouchers, internal car park, welcome
office support for visa formalities, accommodation, supplementary pension and health funds,
training courses, public transport, sports facilities, language course fees. Further details
at https://www.fbk.eu/en/work-with-us/
How to apply?
Interested candidates must submit their application by completing the online form
https://jobs.fbk.eu/Annunci/Offerte_di_lavoro_A_Researcher_on_Hydrogen_Techno_Economic_Assessment_231041843.htm. Please make sure that your application contains the following attachments (in
pdf format):
● Detailed CV
● Cover Letter (explaining your motivation for this specific position)
● At least 2 professional references (e-mails and/or phone numbers)
Application deadline: 17/04/2024
Please read our Recruitment Regulations before completing your application.
For further information, please contact the Human Resources Services at jobs@fbk.eu.