Postdoctoral position: Green Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Self-powered wearable applications (GREENNESS)

Job title:

Postdoctoral position: Green Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Self-powered wearable applications (GREENNESS)

Company:

Tyndall National Institute

Job description

Postdoctoral position: Green Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Self-powered wearable applications (GREENNESS)Contract: Full Time/Fixed TermThe Nanotechnology group and the Materials modelling for devices group in Tyndall are offering a fully funded Postdoctoral position in a new exciting project: Green Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Self-powered wearable applications (GREENNESS) supported by Research Ireland through the CONNECT Centre. The anticipated start date of the Postdoc is January 2025.About us
Tyndall National Institute, www.tyndall.ie, is a leading European research centre in integrated ICT hardware. We focus on solving societal challenges through deep-tech innovation in materials, devices, circuits and systems. We collaborate with industry and academic partners to transform research from atoms to systems into products in our core market areas of Communications, Agri-Tech, Energy, Environment and Health. We are a diverse, inclusive and family-friendly community of over 600 researchers, engineers, technicians, professional services and support staff, and postgraduate students.Project Description
The rapid increase in demand for powered connected devices poses environmental concerns both in terms of high energy production requirements and end-of-life disposal. Implementation of eco-friendly energy harvesting systems is crucial to ensure future sustainability of such devices. Accordingly, GREENNESS proposes the development of novel eco-friendly triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), whereby electrode materials will be fabricated by direct laser writing of biopolymers, while eco-friendly materials will be used as electrolytes. The capabilities of developed structures will be assessed through the demonstration of energy harvesting capability, towards realisation of next generation all natural green TENGs devices.The work in this exciting Postdoctoral program involves:

• Production of laser induced graphene using efficient CO2 laser writing.
• Creation of a database of natural materials based formulations (cork, chitosan) that can be converted into laser-induced graphene via laser writing.
• Fabrication of green electrodes suitable for use as energy harvesting devices.
• Assembling of a proof-of-concept “all green” triboelectric nanogenerator, where both the electrodes are made of sustainable materials.
• Collaborating with colleagues in Tyndall to assemble a demonstrator self-charging cell, where the green triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) fabricated in this project is coupled with other devices (such as a supercapacitor) that store energy, and used to power an output device such as a small LED screen.
• Training opportunities both in Ireland and abroad to acquire knowledge in material synthesis, device fabrication and characterisation.
• Participation in relevant conference to showcase your research.

Key Responsibilities
As the successful candidate, you will:

• Design, develop and characterise biodegradable material formulations sourced from natural materials and suitable for fabrication of porous electrodes by direct laser writing.
• Develop and characterise graphene-like carbon green electrode materials with controlled physico-chemical characteristics.
• Assemble and characterise a triboelectric nanogenerator device from naturally abundant materials.
• Report the results at the project meeting.
• Work with colleagues within the Nanotechnology Group, across Tyndall, and within the CONNECT Research Centre (www.connectcentre.ie) and international partners to develop novel all-green energy platform devices with low environmental footprints.
• Author and co-author publications in peer-reviewed journals and present talks at international conferences in the relevant fields in order to disseminate the results of the project.
• Assist in the development of proposals and applications for new projects
• Carry out additional co-supervising duties of PhDs and undergraduate students.
• The successful candidate will be encouraged to develop their research interests and activities.
• Participate in Education and Public Engagement activities, as required.
• Ensure all activities are compliant with the Tyndall Quality Management system and ensure the required Health and Safety standards.
• Carry out any additional duties as may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post.

Essential Criteria
To make the most of this exciting opportunity, you will have

• PhD (or be closer to completion) in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering.
• Expertise in nano-/micro-scale materials synthesis and characterisation.
• Expertise in electrochemistry, electrical/electrochemical sensing, energy storage/harvesting.
• Expertise in laser writing techniques.
• Expertise in sustainable materials for energy applications (supercapacitors, TENGs).
• At least 2 peer-reviewed publications as author or co-author on fabrication of electrode materials for sensing and energy applications.
• Succeeded in self-motivated delivery of research projects at undergraduate/PhD level.
• A passion for working in partnership with our team to impart and co-develop expertise.

Desirable Criteria

• Evidence of creative skills/creativity
• Good laboratory, communication and problem-solving skills.
• Have expertise in electrolyte solutions synthesis and characterisation.
• High levels of initiative, self-management, achievement-orientation, and motivation are encouraged.

Tyndall National institute has a proactive entrepreneurial culture and we welcome applications from candidates who possess entrepreneurial and creative skills/experience, including the creation of technology start-ups.What we offer: A fully-funded Postdoctoral position for up to two years. Full coverage of travel expenses to international conferences to present project outcomes. Training and development opportunities are also provided.Informal enquiries can be made in confidence toAppointment will be made on the IUA Scale for Post Doctoral Researcher €44,847 – €51,313 p.a. Salary placement on appointment will be in accordance with experience and public sector pay policy.Closing date of application is 20th January, 2025Application Instructions
Please make sure to attach an up to date CV/Resume AND a brief motivation letter outlining how you meet the ‘Essential Criteria’ for this role.Please note that Garda vetting and/or an international police clearance check may form part of the selection process.
The University, at its discretion, may undertake to make an additional appointment(s) from this competition following the conclusion of the process.Please note that an appointment to posts advertised will be dependent on University approval, together with the terms of the employment control framework for the higher education sector.
At this time, Tyndall National Institute does not require the assistance of recruitment agencies.
Tyndall National Institute at University College, Cork is an Equal Opportunities Employer.Powered by JazzHR

Expected salary

€44847 – 51313 per year

Location

Cork

Job date

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 05:45:42 GMT

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