A Researcher on Physical deposition techniques 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 3 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 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.

The HYRES unit is involved in several European projects and industrial consultancy concerning the development and characterization activities of low-and high-temperature fuel and electrolyzer cells. Some activities include R&D tasks about deposition and surface functionalization of material for H2 technology (catalyst layer, coated bipolar plate, etc.)

Job Description

HyRES unit is looking for a researcher specialized in materials development and coating technologies, preferably for the H2 sector, who support the projects and activities mentioned above with the following activities:

Development of innovative materials by Plasma PVD (sputtering) and PECVD deposition techniques
Materials characterization (XPS, XRD,…)
Electrochemical characterization of the developed materials
Identify bias and barriers of SoA components/materials for the H2 sector.
Produce reports, deliverables, and technical reviews.
Participate and 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 or similar.
Strong know-how in plasma deposition techniques (sputtering, PECVD);
Strong know-how in chemistry/material science
Know how in nanomaterials characterization, in particular with physical-chemical analytical techniques such as XPS, AES spectroscopy, XRD, SEM, … ;
Good knowledge of catalysis
Familiarity with vacuum technologies
Familiarity with electrochemical characterizations
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 Materials science, plasma chemistry and engineering, catalysis, and applied chemistry;
Experience in the development of materials for catalytic applications in H2 sector
Experience in developing materials for the hydrogen sector (catalysts, electrolyzers’ components optimizations, etc.).

Employment

Type 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):