Two new Post-Doctoral Research Associate (PDRA) positions in Alkaline Water Electrolysis available at the Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Australia
(In collaboration with industry partner, Hysata Pty Ltd)
To mitigate climate change, many nations and organisations have committed to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. A critical element of net-zero is renewable hydrogen, also known as 'Green Hydrogen', which is hydrogen produced by electrolysis of water, using renewable electricity. Green hydrogen offers the only viable way to decarbonize ‘hard-to-abate’ sectors of our economy, such as long-haul transport, shipping, aviation, steel, and chemicals. This project aims to accelerate the decarbonisation of such industries by advancing the manufacture of high efficiency water electrolysers in Australia. Innovative electrochemical and other techniques that exploit the levers for high efficiency in electrolysers, will be applied to support the commercial development of this key component of green hydrogen production. Expected outcomes of this project, in collaboration with industry partner Hysata Pty Ltd, include a low-cost, simplified design, and high energy efficiency. This should provide significant benefits to the green hydrogen sector, industry, and contribute to achieving net-zero emissions globally. The Australian Research Council (Grant IL230100173) is funding the following Post-Doctoral Research Associate positions starting in late 2024 - early 2025 at the University of Wollongong, Australia, in support of this aim:
Post-Doctoral Research Associate 1 (PDRA 1)
Project Title: “Electrochemical Engineering of Alkaline and Capillary-Fed Alkaline Electrolysis Cells”
This project will form part of a study to investigate and optimise electrochemical engineering aspects of alkaline electrolysis cells, including those being commercialised by industry partner Hysata. The project will examine and compare in a fundamental way, various types of porous transport layers, bipolar plates, flow fields, and other engineering components within such cells. Work will include studies (and modelling, where appropriate) of conductivity, welding, liquid and gas flows, gas crossover, and other performance metrics. Improved components will also be developed and studied.
Post-Doctoral Research Associate 2 (PDRA 2)
Project Title: “Electrochemical Corrosion in Alkaline and Capillary-Fed Alkaline Electrolysis Cells and Systems”
This project will form part of a study to investigate electrochemical corrosion in alkaline electrolysis cells and systems, including those being commercialised by industry partner Hysata. The project will study and measure the rate of material loss / deposition over time, to understand its effect on the lifetime / durability of such cells and systems. Despite being a critical factor in alkaline electrolysers, electrochemical corrosion has not been examined in full and fundamental detail.
Fixed Term: 3 years full-time, with a possibility of extension
Remuneration: Australian Dollars $103,998 - $ 109,033 per annum, plus 17% superannuation
Selection Criteria
- PhD in relevant field such as Materials Science, Engineering, or the like.
- Track record of successful academic and/or industrial research, preferably, but not essentially, in alkaline water electrolysis, or a related field.
- Demonstrated capacity to undertake collaborative industrial research in multi-disciplinary team and to establish collaborative industry links.
- Highly developed written and verbal communication skills in English, as evidenced by both communication and consultation with staff on workplace matters and by peer-reviewed research publications and presentations at conferences.
- Well-developed organisational skills with an ability to meet strict deadlines.
- Demonstrated knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) regulations and procedures.
- Experience supervising and training post-graduate and/or undergraduate students and their projects is preferred but not essential.
Application Procedure
Please email your full CV or Resume and a cover letter describing your interest in one or both the above projects, to:
Professor Gerry Swiegers, at email: swiegers@uow.edu.au
Applications will be reviewed, starting on 5 August 2024, and continue, as they are received, until the positions are filled.