Postdoc Researcher in High-temperature Phase Change

DESCRIPTION OF THE INSTITUTION : CIC energiGUNE is a research center specialized in energy, electrochemical storage (batteries and supercapacitors), thermal energy solutions and hydrogen, a member of the Basque Research and Technology Alliance

• BRTA, and, a strategic initiative of the Basque Government. CIC energiGUNE was created in 2011 to generate excellent knowledge and at the same time useful for the Basque business network, being a reference in knowledge transfer.

CIC energiGUNE has a dynamic research team of more than 100 researchers and is extremely well equipped with a wide range of up-to-date facilities that are fully available for all its researchers. Also, the European Commission has recently awarded CIC energiGUNE with the ´HR Excellence in Research´ which reflects its commitment to achieving fair and transparent recruitment and appraisal procedures and certifies the existence of a stimulating and favorable work environment for researchers in the institution.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION : The main pillars of the project are listed below:

• Rational design, synthesis and in-depth characterization of phase change materials displaying high-enthalpy solid-state phase transitions in the temperature range from 400 ℃ to 650 ℃.
• Improvement of the mechanical and heat transfer properties of the phase change materials through simple, non-expensive techniques such as doping with micro
• nano carbon additives.
• Development of effective coatings to avoid direct contact between the phase change materials and commonly used high-temperature heat transfer fluids, thus preventing degradation.

Job function :

• Rational design of phase change materials from pre-selected anhydrous salt-based multicomponent systems
• Synthesis of phase change material and optimization of the synthesis parameters
• Improvement of mechanical and thermal properties of the phase change materials through doping with proper micro
• nano additives
• Appropriate coatings development to protect the phase change material against commonly used high-temperature heat transfer fluids (e.g., molten salts)
• Full characterization (structural, physical and thermodynamic) of phase change materials, coatings and coated materials
• Lifetime assessment of developed material though appropriate durability tests
• To collaborate actively with other team members
• To generate new ideas within the frame of the topic

WHAT WE OFFER : We are offering a 24 months contract and advantageous professional development opportunities with a competitive salary within the category.

Access to a complete set of existing laboratory infrastructure and equipment, as well as to the needs identified during the project development to ensure a fruitful stay and the fullfilment of the objectives in due time.

CIC energiGUNE will also help smooth the transition for you and your family, providing a welcome program that offers accommodation and addresses other aspects to help you integrate into the local environment.

CIC energiGUNE is located close to the city of Vitoria-Gasteiz (Spain), in the heart of the Basque Country. The Basque Country is the region with the highest R&D investment in Spain, with more than 20.000 researchers. The basque research ecosystem comprises a solid and collaborating community composed of universities, technology and cooperative research centers.

HOW TO APPLY : CIC energiGUNE is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity and the diversity of its workforce.

• PhD in Chemistry, Material Science, Chemical engineering, Applied Physics or related fields
• Experience on high-temperature phase change materials for thermal energy storage
• Experience in inorganic materials synthesis and modification, especially in anhydrous salt-based materials
• Experience in commonly used experimental techniques for structural, thermal and mechanical characterization of phase change materials.
• A team player who can collaborate with other groups, technological centres, and industries.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.