EPFL, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, is one of the most dynamic university campuses in Europe and ranks among the top 20 universities worldwide. The EPFL employs more than 6,500 people supporting the three main missions of the institutions: education, research and innovation. The EPFL campus offers an exceptional working environment at the heart of a community of more than 18,500 people, including over 14,000 students and 4,000 researchers from more than 120 different countries.

Mission

We are offering a position as postdoctoral researcher in the Group of Energy Materials at EPFL, Sion. Our highly interdisciplinary Lab (20 FTE, 1/3rd PhD candidates, 1/3rd postdocs, 1/3rd engineers) is part of the EPFL Mechanical Engineering Institute and specialised since 30 years in fuel cell and electrolysers, both high temperature (100 °C, protonic and anionic exchange membrane polymers). Our fully equipped diagnostics lab mounts and investigates fuel cells / electrolysers, from components and single cells up to stacks and systems (1 - 50 kW), testing durability/ performance and identifying degradation phenomena. Experimental work is assisted by modeling and simulation on different levels.

We are specifically looking for a postdoctoral researcher with experience (a PhD) in PEMFC modeling (cell/stack/ system) and experimental testing and characterisation on cell and stack level. The work involves defining a detailed multi-physics dynamic model (e.g. COMSOL) of a PEMFC repeating unit extendable to a stack including electrochemal, thermal and mechanical aspects. The modeling work should be complemented with experimental testing / validation on cell and (short) stack level for which test equipment is available.

Main duties and responsibilities

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will be expected to:

• take the lead and responsibility for your tasks
• integrate in the lab and interact openly with team members
• research in close collaboration with industrial and academic partners
• supervise student projects that support the research tasks
• write scientific articles for publication in peer-reviewed journals
• present at international conferences

More specifically, within this project, you will:

• develop or further elaborate a dynamic PEMFC multiphysics model allowing to evaluate different geometrical designs, pressure drops, water management, mechanical deformation
• model GDL structures for their optimisation, and experimentally analyze them e.g. using XCT
• explore alternative stack manifolding and evaluate pressurisation and sealing concepts (1-3 bars)
• mount and perform cell and stack testing, analyse and interpret results, including EIS
• participate in corrosion testing of bipolar plates and coatings (equipment available)
• participate in catalyst formulation and deposition (equipment available)
• participate in a dedicated EU Project in which this work is inscribed, which includes representation (frequent meetings) and reporting duties

Profile

• MSc degree in appropriate engineering discipline
• PhD specifically on the topic of PEMFC including detailed modeling and experimental work is a must
• Your own available model is a plus
• Willingness to work in COMSOL, (Open)modelica and learn also system level modeling
• Good communication skills and working as part of a team
• Enthusiasm, curiosity, motivation, reactivity, organizational skills, rigor in experimental work
• Very good command of English (French is a plus but not mandatory).

We offer

• Employment at a renowned institution ranked among the leaders in engineering and technology
• Support for professional development through training and continuous learning opportunities.
• Supportive and flexible work environment promoting work-life balance
• Language courses relevant to your role
• International multilingual working environment
• Discounts on public transport