Postdoc in applied electrochemistry for selective hydrogen production - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Job description

The post doctor will be working at the division of applied electrochemistry, with about 30 PhD students and seniors doing research in the fields of batteries, fuel cells and electrolytic processes in an international and creative environment. The work will be mainly experimental in character and conducted in close collaboration with those active in the project and with researchers in the electrochemistry group. Read more about the division here.

Chlorate is industrially produced by electrolysis of  brine. Today the annual production is over 3 million tonnes and its major use is for production of chlorine dioxide used in the bleaching of pulp. Chromate constitutes an important excipient component in chlorate production but, due to its toxicity, new legislation intends to phase out its use in Europe. A production without chromate, with no other process modifications, is not possible and today there are no commercially available alternatives to chromate. Chromate has several functions in the process:  it hinders side reactions on the cathodes, it buffers the electrolyte and it catalyses desired reactions - see B. Endrodi et al., "A review of chromium(VI) use in chlorate electrolysis: Functions, challenges and suggested alternatives", Electrochim. Acta, 234(2017)108. In this project polymer coated cathodes will be investigated as a way to obtain a high selectivity for hydrogen evolution in the process. This is an area of general interest also for other applications, such as photocatalytic water splitting and seawater electrolysis, where electrode reaction selectivity can be challenging. The work is mainly experimental and involves chemical analytical methods as mass spectrometry as well as electrochemical techniques for current-voltage relationsships. Nouryon, the worlds largest chlorate producer, participates actively in the project.

What we offer

• A position at a leading technical university that generates knowledge and skills for a sustainable future
• Engaged and ambitious colleagues along with a creative, international and dynamic working environment
• Work in Stockholm, in close proximity to nature
• Help to relocate and be settled in Sweden and at KTH

Read more about what it is like to work at KTH

Qualifications

Requirements

A doctoral degree in electrochemistry or an equivalent foreign degree, obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline (With some exceptions for special reasons such as periods of sick or parental leave, kindly indicate if such reason exists in your resume).

Of particular importance is the applicant’s research expertise and creative ideas in the subject field. To have worked experimentally with aqueous based electrolysis provides a useful qualification.

Candidates should also have good knowledge in English and a good ability to express themselves in both speech and writing.

Personal characteristics

• Research expertise
• Educational ability
• Teamwork
• Independence
• Awareness of diversity and equal treatment issues with a particular focus on gender equality 

Great emphasis will be placed on personal competence and suitability.

Trade union representatives

You will find contact information to trade union representatives at KTH's webbpage.

Application

Log into KTH's recruitment system in order to apply to this position. You are the main responsible to ensure that your application is complete according to the ad.

The application must include:

• CV including relevant professional experience and knowledge.
• Transcripts from university/university college. Translations into English or Swedish if the original documents have not been issued in any of these languages.
• Brief account of why you want to conduct research, your academic interests and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals. Max two pages long.
• Contact information for two references.

Your complete application must be received at KTH no later than the last day of application, midnight CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).

About the employment

The position offered is for, at the most, two years.

A position as a postdoctoral fellow is a time-limited qualified appointment focusing mainly on research, intended as a first career step after a dissertation.

Others

Striving towards gender equality, diversity and equal conditions is both a question of quality for KTH and a given part of our values.

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Disclaimer: In case of discrepancy between the Swedish original and the English translation of the job announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.