Postdoc Researcher in High-temperature Phase Change

**DESCRIPTION OF THE INSTITUTION**:
CIC energiGUNE is a research center specialized in energy, electrochemical storage (batteries and supercapacitors), thermal energy solutions and hydrogen, a member of the Basque Research and Technology Alliance
- BRTA, and, a strategic initiative of the Basque Government. CIC energiGUNE was created in 2011 to generate excellent knowledge and at the same time useful for the Basque business network, being a reference in knowledge transfer.

CIC energiGUNE has a dynamic research team of more than 100 researchers and is extremely well equipped with a wide range of up-to-date facilities that are fully available for all its researchers. Also, the European Commission has recently awarded CIC energiGUNE with the ´HR Excellence in Research´ which reflects its commitment to achieving fair and transparent recruitment and appraisal procedures and certifies the existence of a stimulating and favorable work environment for researchers in the institution.

**PROJECT DESCRIPTION**:
The main pillars of the project are listed below:

- Rational design, synthesis and in-depth characterization of phase change materials displaying high-enthalpy solid-state phase transitions in the temperature range from 400 ℃ to 650 ℃.
- Improvement of the mechanical and heat transfer properties of the phase change materials through simple, non-expensive techniques such as doping with micro
- nano carbon additives.
- Development of effective coatings to avoid direct contact between the phase change materials and commonly used high-temperature heat transfer fluids, thus preventing degradation.

**Job function**:

- Rational design of phase change materials from pre-selected anhydrous salt-based multicomponent systems
- Synthesis of phase change material and optimization of the synthesis parameters
- Improvement of mechanical and thermal properties of the phase change materials through doping with proper micro
- nano additives
- Appropriate coatings development to protect the phase change material against commonly used high-temperature heat transfer fluids (e.g., molten salts)
- Full characterization (structural, physical and thermodynamic) of phase change materials, coatings and coated materials
- Lifetime assessment of developed material though appropriate durability tests
- To collaborate actively with other team members
- To generate new ideas within the frame of the topic

**WHAT WE OFFER**:
We are offering a 24 months contract and advantageous professional development opportunities with a competitive salary within the category.

Access to a complete set of existing laboratory infrastructure and equipment, as well as to the needs identified during the project development to ensure a fruitful stay and the fullfilment of the objectives in due time.

CIC energiGUNE will also help smooth the transition for you and your family, providing a welcome program that offers accommodation and addresses other aspects to help you integrate into the local environment.

CIC energiGUNE is located close to the city of Vitoria-Gasteiz (Spain), in the heart of the Basque Country. The Basque Country is the region with the highest R&D investment in Spain, with more than 20.000 researchers. The basque research ecosystem comprises a solid and collaborating community composed of universities, technology and cooperative research centers.

**HOW TO APPLY**:
CIC energiGUNE is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity and the diversity of its workforce.
- PhD in Chemistry, Material Science, Chemical engineering, Applied Physics or related fields
- Experience on high-temperature phase change materials for thermal energy storage
- Experience in inorganic materials synthesis and modification, especially in anhydrous salt-based materials
- Experience in commonly used experimental techniques for structural, thermal and mechanical characterization of phase change materials.
- A team player who can collaborate with other groups, technological centres, and industries.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.