Salary: From €31200 to 43200 per annum, subject to skills and experience

Job title: Postdoctoral Researcher in the Energy Technologies Laboratory

Contract term: Full time employment, 1 year minimum with the option to extend.

The Energy Technologies Laboratory (ETL) at the National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics is offering a Postdoctoral position centred around the rational design of carbon nanomaterials via molten salt electrolysis and synthesis scale-up starting from December 2023. The work at this position focuses on unravelling synthesis-structure-property correlations via electrochemical methods, physical characterization and scaling up the synthesis of doped carbon nanomaterials.

The National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics (NICPB) in Tallinn, Estonia is an independent research institute, which carries out basic and applied research in materials science, genetic engineering and biotechnology, environmental technology, in the field of particle physics and informatics, employing researchers from all over the world. The Energy Technologies Laboratory (ETL) at NICPB focuses on furthering fundamental understanding of electrochemical processes both at low and high temperatures, recycling of Li-ion batteries and developing novel functional materials with a minimal CO₂ equivalent. Key aspects of the research at ETL include the synthesis of carbon nanomaterials from CO₂ and biomass, battery recycling and advanced electrochemical testing, physical characterization and production scale-up. Our core aim is to replace the high CO₂ equivalent carbon materials in fuel cells, batteries and supercapacitors with sustainable alternatives.

The postdoctoral position will initially be limited to 12 months, with an option to extend the contract.

This position will offer the unique opportunity to work in a solid team that combines experience in the research of carbon nanomaterials synthesis with a strong background in electrochemistry with ample opportunities to publish and a chance to make real impact on the levels of CO₂ in our atmosphere.

The candidates are expected to have:

• A doctoral or equivalent degree in natural sciences (e.g. Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, or Chemical Engineering) preferably with a specialization in electrochemistry.
• Experience in the physical characterization of carbon materials.
• Prior knowledge of electrochemical processes such as the oxygen reduction reaction, hydrogen evolution reaction and oxygen evolution reaction.
• Experience in working with molten salts is preferred.
• Proven track record of independently designing experiments and/or instrumentation.
• A proven ability to be primarily responsible for writing publications.
• Excellent level of English and a collaborative spirit

Documents required:

• Curriculum vitae
• List of publications
• Copy of diplomas and grades from your previous university studies (translated into English if the original documents have not been issued in English).
• Names and email addresses of three references

For applying or more information, please contact:

Dr. Sander Ratso

sander.ratso@kbfi.ee

Energy Technologies Laboratory

National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics

Akadeemia tee 23

Tallinn 12618

Estonia