Post Doctoral Researcher in Vanadium Flow Battery Monitoring and Operation

Registration website

LOCATION:

University of Limerick

WEBLINK TO SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT: http://physics.ul.ie

WEBLINK TO RESEARCH CENTRE:

https:///...sics-research-groups

REPORTS TO:

Project Leader

WEBLINK TO PI’s RIS / RESEARCHGATE PROFILE:

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Robert-Lynch-2

CONTRACT TYPE:

Specific Purpose

SALARY SCALE:

€38,632 – €50,029 p.a. pro rata (maximum starting salary €45,942 p.a. pro rata)

JOB DESCRIPTION

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A doctoral degree (level 10 NFQ) in physics, chemistry, chemical engineering, electrochemistry or related field (if award of this degree is pending, please give date of PhD viva and date of graduation in application).

OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE JOB:

Applications are invited for a Post Doctoral Researcher in vanadium flow battery operation and optical and electrochemical monitoring. The project will involve the development of new knowledge and understanding of vanadium redox flow batteries and will form the basis for new flow battery technology. It will form part of a larger initiative on electrochemical energy generation and storage within the Bernal Institute on Sustainable and Renewable Energy at the University of Limerick.

This interdisciplinary, cutting-edge topic will attract strongly motivated, self-starting individuals. A strong background in physics or chemistry and electrochemistry is necessary. Applicants should have a relevant doctoral degree (level 10 NFQ) in physics, chemistry, chemical engineering, electrochemistry or a related area and significant research experience in electrochemistry. Experience in research on electrochemical energy generation and storage and experience of collaborating with other researchers and/or industry are desirable. Applications from female candidates and candidates from groups that are currently under-represented in Physics are especially encouraged. Successful candidate will be given opportunity to contribute to the Department of Physics teaching and outreach activity for their career development.

Research

• Contribute to the research programme of the Department under general guidance of a member of the academic staff or Principal Investigator/Project Leader.
• Define research objectives and proposals for own (or joint) research in line with research strategy.
• Conduct individual and/or collaborative research projects in a variety of settings (laboratory, creative performance, field, clinical setting).
• Determine appropriate methodologies for research, with advice and support as appropriate.
• Assess research findings for the need/scope for further investigations/commercial exploitation.
• Translate knowledge of advances in the subject area into research activity.

Research Management

• Plan, co-ordinate and implement research project (this may include managing a small research team/co-ordinating other researcher activity).
• Manage own personal and research resources (including where required, laboratories, and specialist equipment) appropriately.
• Manage own research budget, if any, and keep records as directed and in line with funder/university policy as appropriate.

Income Generation/Funding

• May identify sources of funding and pursue the process of securing funds.
• May work with PI to contribute to proposals for developmental purposes.

Research Outputs - Write Up and Dissemination

• Write up results from own research activity.
• Contribute to the research project’s dissemination, in whatever form (report, papers, chapters, book).
• Present information on research progress and outcomes e.g. to bodies supervising research; conferences, steering groups; other team members, as agreed with the PI/project leader.
• Where appropriate, work with PI to register patents to protect intellectual property.

Supervision

• May act as co-supervisor or be a member of a supervision panel.
• May participate in limited teaching hours for own development. The extent of this must not adversely impact the primary research role.
• May act as mentor to foreign students on undergraduate placement.

Policy & Standards

• Knowledge and understanding of the policy, practices and procedures, relevant to the role, which may include broader university/sector/external sponsor or funder (e.g. Commercial Awareness, Research Ethics, Knowledge Transfer, Patents, Intellectual Property Rights, Health and Safety, Equal Opportunities & Diversity).
• Legal requirements regarding data protection and confidentiality data protection requirements.

Essential Criteria

• A doctoral degree (level 10 NFQ) in physics, chemistry, chemical engineering, electrochemistry or a related area (if award of this degree is pending, please give date of PhD viva and date of graduation in application).
• Minimum of 4 years research experience on flow batteries (inclusive of PhD research experience where applicable).
• Demonstrated research experience in electrochemistry.
• Demonstrated research experience with vanadium flow batteries.
• Demonstrated research experience in state-of-charge monitoring of electrolytes.
• Demonstrated research experience in monitoring of thermodynamics and kinetics of electrolytes.
• At least one high-impact journal or international-conference publication on vanadium flow batteries.
• Track record of supervising research students.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Desirable Criteria

• Significant experience in research on electrochemical energy generation and/or storage.
• Significant experience in modelling of electrochemical systems and/or electricity grids.
• Significant experience of collaborating with other researchers and/or industry.
• Working knowledge of Matlab, Labview, Python and other programming tools.
• Extensive technical and electrical lab-based skills.
• Experience of managing collaborative projects.
• Strong publication record in related fields.

Please include the following information in your application:

• Full title of PhD thesis.
• Full list of publications including weblinks to publications.

Please click on the Apply button below for full job description and application instructions.