Post Doctoral Scholar

Electrolyzers and Fuel Cells

Research skills include electro-catalysis (PGM- and non-PGM-based), ion exchange membranes, catalyst layer architectures, fuel cell and electrolyzer durability, fuel cell and electrolyzer water management, operation and testing of electrolyzers / fuel cells and / or redox-flow batteries, performance impacts from impurities, synthesis / characterization of novel fuel cell and electrolyzer materials including nanoscale catalysts, supports and polymer membranes, and non-aqueous flow battery materials and system development.

Catalytic reactors to produce sustainable fuels

Process development research in support of optimizations and designs of portable, modular flare gas to methanol technologies in partnership with M2X Energy Inc.

which involves, but is not limited to :

• High pressure gas phase, benchtop reactor experimentation, operation, and data interpretation
• Electrochemical experimentation, including membrane electrode assembly design, cell component design, operation, and data collection / interpretation for electrolytic production of H2 from methanol
• Gas, liquid, and solid analytical characterizations (chromatography, spectrophotometry, titration, electron microscopy, X-ray, thermogravimetric, etc.

to develop structure-function relationships that support process optimization, design, and field operation of M2X technology

Development of key variables as inputs and understanding of the implications to life-cycle analyses (LCA) and technoeconomic assessments (TEA) for commercial implementation of M2X technology.

Successful applicants will have obtained a PhD degree in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry before onboarding, and have hands-on experience in electrochemistry, fuel cell research, catalyst testing (thermal and / or electrochemistry), reactor engineering, and / or analytical chemistry.

Additionally, applicants should have general knowledge of the hydrogen economy and chemical process economics and show interest in sustainable chemistries.

Successful applicants will work closely with both FSEC staff and industrial counterparts on real-world solutions for a decarbonized future.

Requirements :

The minimum qualifications include a PhD degree in chemical engineering or chemistry, and basic proficiency in one or more of the following : electrochemistry, fuel cell research, catalyst testing, reactor engineering, and analytical chemistry.

Preferred qualifications :

• Knowledge of utility operations and economics.
• Familiarity with assembling MEA test cells for fuel cells and electrolytic cells.
• Familiarity with using Scribner test stands.
• Experience with analytical instrumentation and techniques such as GC, SEM, TEM, XRD, and TGA.
• Strong communication skills and awareness of audience ( e.g., other technical staff, external partners, equipment / instrument manufacturers, etc.).
• Hands-on experience in building pressurized chemical reactors with liquid or gas flow.

Applicants must apply for the position electronically through https : / / www.ucf.edu / jobs / and submit the following : 1) cover letter, 2) current curriculum vita, 3) copies of all academic transcripts, and 4) summary of past research projects (please specify your involvement and contribution in each project).

When prompted during the online application process, please provide names, phone numbers and email addresses of three professional references.

Only complete application materials will be considered. Active review of applications will begin on January 24, 2024, but the search will continue until the position is filled.

Consider making the cover letter optional (esp. if we are prepared to make the offer)

Department

Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC)

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday 8 : 00 am to 5 : 00 pm

Type of Appointment

Regular

Expected Salary

Negotiable

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement :

The University of Central Florida is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer including Disabled / Vets. Click on UCF's Equal Opportunity Statement to view the President's Statement.

The UCF affirmative action plans for qualified individuals with disabilities and protected Veterans are available for inspection in the Office of Institutional Equity, Monday through Friday, from 9 : 00 a.

m. to 5 : 00 p.m., upon request.

As a Florida public university, UCF makes all application materials and selection procedures available to the public upon request.

The University of Central Florida is proud to be a smoke-free campus and an E-Verify employer.