SD-25044 - POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER IN PYROELECTRIC CATALYSIS FOR WATER SPLITTING

The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) is a Research and Technology Organization (RTO) active in the fields of materials, environment and IT. By transforming scientific knowledge into technologies, smart data and tools, LIST empowers citizens in their choices, public authorities in their decisions and businesses in their strategies.

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Global warming and energy crisis are pushing the society to develop alternative technologies to fossil fuels. Green hydrogen, i.e., hydrogen that is produced through electrolysis of water powered by renewable energy, has been recognized as a sustainable energy system that is clean, reliable, and resilient to the challenges of the future. Due to its high-cost, green hydrogen currently constitutes less than 0.1 % of the total hydrogen produced and strong research efforts are needed to improve this.

Pyroelectric materials can generate electrical charges when they are heated or cooled. These charges can contribute to generation of hydrogen through water splitting reaction. The pyroelectric effect is especially strong in oxide ferroelectrics in the vicinity of their ferroelectric-paraelectric phase transition temperature T0. But the field of pyro-catalytic water splitting is still in its infancy. Two main challenges have been delaying its breakthrough: 1) The best pyroelectric materials have not yet been studied for the catalysis purpose; 2) For in-situ experiments only powders have been considered so far, which are difficult to remove from the electrolyte and are therefore technologically impractical. 

In this experimental project we will try to answer the following question: Can water splitting reaction be strongly enhanced using pyroelectric catalysis on a material with a phase transition close to room temperature? We will focus our investigation on two materials: Pb(Sc0.5Ta0.5)O3, a champion pyroelectric material with transition temperature T0 at ~23 °C, and on (Ba,Sr)TiO3 whose T0 can be tuned with Ba/Sr ratio.

You hold PhD degree in Materials Science or related discipline. You have experimental experience with ferroelectric (pyroelectric) materials and/or (photo)catalytic water splitting. If you have both it is a great advantage. Knowledge of synthesis and structural characterization of ferroelectrics is strongly desired.

Fluency in written and spoken English is a must.

If you possess these interdisciplinary skills and you are also a team player, then you are the person we are looking for!

·        An organization with a passion for impact and strong RDI partnerships in Luxembourg and Europe that works on responsible and independent research projects

·        Sustainable by design, empowering our belief that we play an essential role in paving the way to a green society

·        Innovative infrastructures and exceptional labs occupying more than 5,000 square metres, including innovations in all that we do

·        An environment encouraging curiosity, innovation and entrepreneurship in all areas

·        Personalized learning programme to foster our staff’s soft and technical skills

·        Multicultural and international work environment with more than 50 nationalities represented in our workforce

·        Diverse and inclusive work environment empowering our people to fulfil their personal and professional ambitions

·        Gender-friendly environment with multiple actions to attract, develop and retain women in science

·        32 days’ paid annual leave, 11 public holidays, 13-month salary, statutory health insurance

·        Flexible working hours, home working policy and access to lunch vouchers

Apply online

Your application must include:

·        A motivation letter oriented towards the position and detailing your experience

·        A scientific CV with contact details

·        List of publications (and patents, if applicable)

·        Contact details of 2 references

Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system.

Application procedure and conditions

We kindly request applicants to provide their nationality for statistical purposes only, as part of our commitment to promoting diversity and ensuring equal opportunities in our workforce. This information will be kept confidential and will not be used for any discriminatory purposes.

LIST is dedicated to maintaining an inclusive work environment and is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to attracting, hiring, and retaining a diverse workforce. All applicants will be considered for employment without discrimination based on national origin, race, colour, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, religion, age, or disability.

Applications will be continuously reviewed until the position is filled. An assessment committee will thoroughly evaluate applications, adhering to guidelines designed to ensure equal opportunities. The primary criteria for selection will be the alignment of the applicant's existing skills and expertise with the requirements mentioned above.

Additional:

·        Project PI: Dr. Sebastjan Glinsek (sebastjan.glinsek@list.lu )

·        Google scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=sl&user=LdaPDgMAAAAJ&view_op=list_works&sortby=pubdate

·        Candidate must be available to start their position in autumn 2025