PhD Candidate in Electrochemistry (electrocatalysis)

We have a vacancy for a PhD fellow at the Department of Materials Science and Engineering in the field of Electrochemistry. Electrochemistry is an interdisciplinary field drawing on chemistry, physics, materials science, electronics, and nanotechnology alike; a PhD in electrochemistry offers unique possibilities for an exciting career in academia, research institutes, or industry. As a PhD student in the Department’s Electrochemistry Group you will enjoy excellently equipped laboratories, extensive support from supervisors and technicians, and networking possibilities; as a student the electrochemistry group you will be part of a larger group of PhD students and researchers, and you will be in extensive contact with our academic and industry partners alike.

The PhD candidate will work on the development of anode electrocatalysts for use in the production of nickel, zinc, and copper (aqueous electrowinning), metals which are all highly relevant for the green transition. The objective of the PhD project is to develop advanced novel anode catalysts for the oxygen evolution in acidic conditions, which makes the project also highly relevant for water electrolysis.

The PhD position is affiliated with the prestigious ZeMe Centre for Environment-friendly Energy Research (ZeMe FME), funded by industry and the Research Council of Norway. The ZeMe (Zero Emission Metal Production) FME develops the fundamental knowledge and technologies needed by the Norwegian metallurgical industry to become climate neutral by 2050.

Duties of the position

• Experimental electrochemistry (voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, linear-sweep voltammetry, chronoamperometry and others, including in-situ methods)
• Characterization of degradation processes by in-line ICP-MS
• Manufacture of electrocatalytic layers
• Structural and morphological characterization (X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and others)
• Analysis of results
• Communicate with industry and the research community
• Scientific and technical reporting through regular dissemination channels, public dissemination through social media and other channels, and participation in international conferences.

Minor adjustments in duties are to be expected as the results dictate.

Required selection criteria

• You must have a professionally relevant background, preferably in electrochemistry or chemistry, but candidates with a background in analytical chemistry, chemical engineering, nanotechnology, materials science, or physics may also apply.
• You must have a genuine interest in the project topic and a willingness to specialize in electrochemistry.
• You must have a Master’s degree or equivalent in one of the above areas. Your course of study must correspond to a five-year Norwegian course, where 120 credits have been obtained at master’s level. Master’s students can apply, but the master’s degree must be obtained and documented before starting the position.
• You must have a strong academic background from your previous studies and have an average grade from your Master’s degree study, or equivalent education, which is equal to B or better compared to NTNU’s grading scale. If you do not have letter grades from previous studies, you must have an equally good academic foundation. If you have a weaker grade background, you may be considered if you can document that you are particularly suitable for a PhD education.
• You must meet the requirements for admission to the faculty’s doctoral program.
• You must be fluent in written and oral English.

We offer

• An exciting job with an important mission in society
• Developing tasks in a strong and international professional environment
• Career guidance and follow-up during the PhD period
• Open and inclusive working environment with committed colleagues
• working capital that can be used to implement the project
• mentor programme as a new employee at NTNU
• training during working hours and company sports at NTNU
• As a public employee, you have favourable benefits as a member of the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund (SPK)  
• You will be employed as a PhD Candidate at NTNU and will have access to employee benefits and discounts.

Salary and conditions

In the position of PhD Candidate, code 1017, your gross salary will normally be NOK 532,200 per annum depending on qualifications and seniority. A 2% statutory contribution to the State Pension Fund is deducted from the salary. The employment period is 3 years.

More Information and how to apply

Candidates are invited to apply through the web site Jobbnorge.no. To get access the full advertisement and application form, use the search field at Jobbnorge.no or use this address: https://www.jobbnorge.no/en/available-jobs/job/275182/phd-candidate-in-electrochemistry-electrocatalysis for direct access.