A Researcher on innovative material for the hydrogen sector

Fondazione Bruno Kessler

FBK is a research institution devoted to excellence in research in numerous disciplines and designated to the role of keeping the Autonomous Province of Trento in the mainstream of European and international research. Each research area is assigned to a specific research Centre, of which there are eleven totals. Information regarding the research Centers, their activities and production are available at the FBK website. Workplace Description The Centre on Sustainable Energy (SE) supports the development of devices and methods for generation, storage, and distribution of energy solutions at low environmental impact. This will be done in the perspective of energy sustainability, of systems and solutions that respect the environment and the quality of life, of solutions with a lower impact on health and on environmental pollution levels. The ground for the Centre on “Sustainable Energy” is based on the Decarbonization targets, which will demand for more flexibility of the energy system, through new gas and power grids and using energy vectors and storage solutions, as enablers for the wide penetration of renewables. The Center SE is providing support through scientific excellence to the industrial sector and to territorial institutions.

Full Time

Italy, Trento-Rovereto

Posted 4 months ago

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 resilient 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:

HY SPIRE

Within the project, novel cells will be developed towards achieving strict KPIs such as low degradation equal to or lower than 0.75% per 1,000 h, operation at high current densities of ca. 1.2 A/cm^2 and ability to operate dynamically and fast ramping. The goal will be reached by developing and applying new materials, advanced manufacturing techniques and optimized cell and stack designs. The Hy-SPIRE project will aim to develop oxygen ion- and proton-conducting cells (O-SOE and P-SOE, respectively) on both ceramic and metallic supports, analyzing various technological possibilities.

Industrial consultants and others granted projects concerning characterization activities on low and high-temperature fuel and electrolyzer cells.

Job Description

HyRES unit is looking for a researcher specialized in the H2 sector who will support the projects and activities as mentioned above with the following activities:

Characterization of materials and components for H2 production, use and storage.
Collaborate with Material Area for novel material for H2 technologies
Define test protocols and requirements for test benches for testing hydrogen technologies.
Perform market research and screening for materials and components usable in the H2 sector.
Follow complete characterization of cell and system for H2 production, use and storage.
Support the H2 team with the type and specification of material processing.
Collaborate on the prototyping activity within the projects.
Perform R&D activities in strict collaboration with the researchers.
Identify bias and barriers of SoA components/materials for the H2 sector.
Develop technical files for the test bench and H2 system.
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 Material science, physics, chemistry, engineering or similar.
Strong knowledge of electrochemical and chemical aspects of Hydrogen and oxygen evolution/reaction in fuel cells and electrolyzers (theoretical and experimental knowledge).
Familiar with materials and components for electrolysis/fuel cell technology (bipolar plates, electrolytes, membranes, catalyst layers, interconnectors, etc.) in high- and low-temperature technology and technology for hydrogen handling (storage, compression and purification).
Familiarity with regulations, codes, and standards for Hydrogen technologies and specific characterization and test protocol.
Familiarity with chemical facility procedures (good practices, chemical backgrounds, 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:

PhD in related fields is a plus
Proven experience in Characterization and testing activity in the H2 sector.

EmploymentType of contract: fixed-term contract

Working hours: full-time (38 h per week)

Gross annual salary:about € 36.200 – € 41.400 depending on background and expertise in the field.

Start date:March/April 2024

Duration: 24 months

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/

Workplace: Povo and Rovereto – Trento

How to apply?

Interested candidates must submit their application by completing the online form. Please make sure that your application contains the following attachments (in pdf format):