Aalto University School of Science, the Department of Applied Physics is looking for a highly motivated doctoral candidate to work on the topic “Fabrication and characterization of printed ceramic nanocomposite fuel cells”. Theproject is supported by Academy of Finland Research Fellowship titled: “Leading-edge next generation fuel cell devices”.

Ceramic nanocomposite fuel cell is an emerging renewable energy technology. We have synthesized record high ionic conductive nanocomposite materials in our labs and achieved a fuel cell performance over1W/cm². In this project we strive to further improve the performance to >2W/cm² with the help of modern printing technologies. The work involves electrochemical and microscopic analyses of the printed cells.

REQUIREMENTS

The applicant must have a Master’s degree in the relevant field of study such as physics, new energy technologies, chemical engineering, physical chemistry or material science. Any prior experience of working with the printers and 3D simulations is an advantage; however, it is not mandatory. The applicant must be a motivated person to learn new techniques. The applicant should have excellent English language skills. Applicants must be motivated to conduct research at the highest international level with the aim at completing the PhD degree within 4 years.

SALARY AND WORKING TIME

The salary is based on the salary system of Finnish universities. The starting salary is around 2500 €/month (before taxes) and it increases as you progress in your research and studies. Following the standard practice in the Department of Applied Physics, the contract will initially be made for 2 years and it will be extended by another two years after an approved mid-term review. The total duration of PhD studies is 4 years.

PLACE AND INFRASTRUCTURE

As a doctoral candidate, you will join the New Energy Technologies (Renewable) research group: https://www.aalto.fi/en/department-of-applied-physics/new-energy-technologies-renewable ). Research on new energy technologies at Otaniemi Campus was originally initiated at the Department of Engineering Physics (Helsinki University of Technology) in 1979. Early work included solar energy and energy storage.

The current research focus is on solar cells and fuel cells (materials and devices), and complex systemic issues with large-scale renewable energy schemes (systems). Specific topics include flexible and wearable nano-solar cells, nano-composites for low-temperature solid oxide fuel cells, energy-flexibility, energy frugality.

Aalto University has six schools with nearly 11 000 students and 400 professors. It is the largest university in Finland focusing on education and research and technology, science, business, and arts. The Department of Applied Physics is located on the Otaniemi campus in Espoo (10 km from the city centre of Helsinki), which is one of the largest hubs of high-tech in Northern Europe.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please send the following documents as a single PDF file (all document in English):

(1)   Letter of motivation

(2)   CV including list of publications

(3)   Degree certificates and academic transcripts

(4)   Contact details of at least two referees (or letters of recommendation, if already available) 

Please apply through our electronic recruitment system. Link “Apply now!” below.

The deadline for applications is 31 October 2019. For additional information, kindly contact Academy Research Fellow Dr Muhammad Imran Asghar ([email protected])

Aalto University reserves the right for justified reasons to leave the position open, to extend the application period, reopen the application process, and to consider candidates who have not submitted applications during the application period.

ABOUT FINLAND

As a living and work environment, Finland is consistently ranked highly in quality-of-life and competitiveness studies. It is the happiest place in the world according to a 2018 World Happiness Report. Finland is the most stable, freest and safest country in the world in 2018. Helsinki is the third best city in the world to live in according to a 2016 report by Metropolis magazine. Finland has also been ranked 10th in the Global Competitiveness Index 2017-2018 of the World Economic Forum.