Postdoc in photoelectrochemistry

Mission

The Laboratory for Renewable Energy Sciences and Engineering (http://lrese.epfl.ch/) at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) has an opening for a postdoctoral position in in the field of modeling of degradation in photoelectrochemical material systems and devices. The project is part of LRESE’s Sinergia project DegPEC – Degradation mechanisms in photoelectrochemical devices. The subproject goal is to characterize material systems and their degradation, to develop and build stable prototypes of photoelectrochemical solar fuel devices, and to closely interact with and support computational activities on the same topic.

Responsibilities

• Working and collaborating in research project on degradation in photoelectrochemical materials and devices
• Analysis and publication of results
• Build a strong network in the field of research
• Participate in education, and PhD and master student supervision
• Support managing activities of the 3-partner project

Profile

The successful applicant will be responsible for implementing, testing, and operating a stable photoelectrochemical device and for testing degradation of PEC material systems. Some of these tests involve operation and working with high flux solar light. We encourage applicants with an experimental background, experience in (photo)electrochemical characterization techniques, corrosion science, and a holistic view on photoelectrochemical processes and devices.

Additionally, background in heat, mass, and charge transfer (especially radiation), fluid flow, semiconductor physics, and chemistry are required for the project. Experience with computational approaches, numerical methods, and programming are beneficial for the application.

Ideal applicants are expected to have completed their doctorate at the start of the appointment. The ability to work within a collaborative environment, good communication and organizational skills, and scientific initiative are paramount. Additionally, we expect a candidate that

• is independent, creative, and solution-oriented
• has excellent written and oral communication skills in English
• has strong motivation to explore new research domains
• has good team spirit and contributes to general laboratory activities
• and contributes to a safe, clean and effective experimental lab

We offer

• A stimulating and international working environment
• Competitive salary and excellent working conditions – more information can be found on our website (https://www.epfl.ch/campus/services/human-resources/en/basic-starting-salary-of-doctoral-assistants-and-postdocs/)
• Opportunity to perform state-of-the-art research in one of the most dynamic scientific institutions in Europe.
• Opportunity to interact with internationally renowned experts, and with a strong team of postdoctoral researchers and PhD students

Informations

Only applications submitted through the online platform are considered. You are asked to supply:

A brief cover letter (pdf, up to 2 pages).

And in one PDF:

• A CV with a publication list.
• A research statement (pdf, up to 3 pages).
• Contact details for 3 referees.
• Contract Start Date : as soon as possible.
• Submissions will be considered until April 30, 2025