Senior Postdoctoral Researcher – High efficiency thermoelectric generator

Job title:

Senior Postdoctoral Researcher – High efficiency thermoelectric generator

Company:

Tyndall National Institute

Job description

Senior Postdoctoral Researcher– High efficiency thermoelectric generator
Contract: Full Time/Fixed TermThe Advanced Energy Materials group at Tyndall National Institute in University College Cork is offering a PhD position in the “Development of hybrid energy conversion system for converting waste industrial heat into electricity”.
The Advanced Energy Materials group is a well-established team at Tyndall focused in the development of energy conversion and storage materials, specifically thermoelectric energy conversion technologies. We are seeking a highly motivated applicant with strong materials chemistry background.Key Responsibilities and research objectives
Energy intensive high temperature processing industries lost more than 50% of their energy as waste heat during the production, which accounts for 200 TWh of power each year in Europe. There are many technologies available for converting waste heat into electricity but at industry scale the adaptation of these solutions is scarce. Specific barriers such as efficiency and cost of these renewable technologies and difficulty in integrating these systems in the production lines limit their extensive adoption as heat recovery technologies in the industry. Innovative approaches to improve the efficiency with new modular technology are therefore urgently required that can be retrofitted in production lines to save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emission. The primary goal of this project is to develop a new hybrid platform system based on the integration of thermophotovoltaics, metasurface collector and thermoelectric generators, which will eventually contribute to a breakthrough in sustainable energy harvesting from industrial waste heat. With an innovative design strategy, all these components will be integrated to develop a modular, hybrid energy harvesting system that can be easily integrated in the production lines for converting waste heat into usable electricity.The main focus of this position will be two folds: to develop high efficiency thermoelectric materials and interfaces for thermoelectric generator module as well as the model of the thermoelectric generator. Later based on the outcome of the modelling and simulation work to develop and characterise the TEG modules.The work will include, in collaboration with the team in IFW Dresden, running the Advanced Energy Materials Lab facilities, different thermal characterisation techniques, such as thermoelectric and thermomechanical properties at various degrees depending on project requirements. The postdoctoral fellow is also expected to collaborate intensively with the INFERNO consortium member.Key Responsibilities
The research/duties of this particular position will involve elements of the following:

• Fabrication of nanostructured thermoelectric materials and multi-layer interface materials using different chemical techniques.
• Thermoelectric characterization and validation of fabricated materials.
• Analysis and report the results to project meetings, and collaborate with the INFERNO partners.
• Disseminate the findings through presentations at conferences with a global reputation and peer-reviewed scholarly publications.
• Co-supervise/assist postgraduate student/s
• Work with national and international partners in academia and industry on research and development projects.
• Participate in developing future research initiatives within the group though new research proposal submission.

Other responsibilities

• Participate in Education and Public Engagement activities, as required.
• Ensure all activities are compliant with the Tyndall Quality Management system.
• Ensure all activities are compliant with 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

• PhD in Physics/Materials Sciences/Chemistry or related discipline from an approved university.
• A strong background in Materials Chemistry and Electrochemistry is required.
• Extensive hands on experience (8+ years) in electrochemistry related fabrication techniques are essential.
• Experience in the field of thermoelectric characterisation techniques.
• Electrical and thermal characterization techniques for materials and devices are desirable
• Good knowledge and experience in safety measure of chemical laboratory experiments.
• Experienced in verifying and validating experimental results by comparing with the state of the art results and simulation results.
• The candidate must demonstrate a high level of motivation to work effectively within a project team; have an academic record of excellence, and good writing and communication skills.

Desirable Criteria

• Evidence of entrepreneurial experience and creative skills/creativity
• Ability to engage in the wider research activities of the research group.
• Highly self-motivated applicants with strong experimental skills.
• Excellent hands-on lab skills in analytical characterisation techniques, and willing to work in the chemistry lab, and in a team.
• Experience in thermo-mechanical modelling and simulation.

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.Appointment may be made dependent on experience on the IUA Scale for Senior Postdoctoral Researcher (€52,715– € 57,332 per annum). Salary placement on appointment will be in accordance with public sector pay policy.Informal enquiries concerning these positions can be made to
The closing date for applications is 14th February, 2025.Application 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

€52715 – 57332 per year

Location

Cork

Job date

Sun, 26 Jan 2025 08:43:52 GMT

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