R&D engineer nanostructured electrodes for water electrolysis

What you will do

The utilization of renewable energy sources to convert e.g. CO2 and H2O to valuable chemicals (power-to-X) is a key factor in enabling the transition to a more sustainable future. For example, the electrolysis of water for the formation of H2, can serve as a medium for energy storage or as building block for the further conversion to a variety of different molecules. A general requirement will always be an energy-efficient and performant conversion to be economically viable; especially in view of Europe’s ambitious goal to cover of up to 2250 TWh of energy consumption by hydrogen in 2050 (24% of the total).

At imec we developed a novel type of 3D nano-porous electrodes with an area enhancement of about 130x compared to the geometric electrode area over an electrode thickness of only 5µm. These electrodes offer a tunable high porosity of more than 75% and mechanical stability as a fully freestanding electrode that is given through interconnected nanowires and an integrated porous support structure. Furthermore, fabrication of the electrodes is done through a scalable process, which can be brought to industrially relevant dimensions.

You will be part of a team upscaling the existing process to fabricate nanostructured electrodes for the use in water electrolysis and other electrocatalytic cells. You will take a central role in the transfer of this process to a new semi-automatic process line and be responsible for its operation. Having a deep scientific understanding of the fundamental chemical and electrochemical principles, you will furthermore drive development and improvement of processes and process control and implement novel processes in the line. Together with the research team, you will work out a suitable approach and realize it while working closely together with a process engineer to reach the overarching goals.

What we do for you

We offer you the opportunity to join one of the world’s premier research centers in nanotechnology in our new state-of-the-art energy research facilities located on the Thor Park EnergyVille campus in Genk, Belgium. With your talent, passion and expertise, you’ll become part of a team that makes the impossible possible. Together, we shape the technology that will define the society of tomorrow.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer (http://www.imec-int.com/en/careers#diversity) and proud of our open, multicultural, and informal working environment with ample possibilities to take initiative and show responsibility. In everything we do, your future colleagues are guided by the imec values of passion, excellence, connectedness and integrity. We commit to supporting and guiding you in this process; not only with words but also with tangible actions. Through imec.academy, 'our corporate university', we actively invest in your development to further your technical and personal growth. 

We are aware that your valuable contribution makes imec a top player in its field. Your energy and commitment are therefore appreciated by means of a market appropriate salary with many fringe benefits. 

Who you are

We are looking for candidates with a strong background in electrochemistry, such as electrochemical deposition and anodization. Your scientific background and curiosity will help you in understanding, developing, and implementing new approaches, bringing them to a larger scale in a semi-automated system. Attention to details of a multitude of processes without losing track of the main goals is required. You will work in a team, can motivate and guide others, and will present the results of your work to internal collaborators, as well as external (industrial and academic) partners.

• You have a PhD degree in science or engineering.
• You have experience in electrochemical deposition and anodization.
• Experience in upscaling of electrochemical processes is a plus.
• Experience in electrical and/or electrochemical characterization is a plus.
• You take initiative and work independently, while being part of a team.
• You can guide and motivate team members in their work.
• You are detail oriented but keep the bigger picture in mind.
• You can plan your work according to deadlines and deliverables.
• You are creative and like to think with the team to solve problems.
• You are result-driven and can meet stringent deadlines with quality output.

The imec environment requires a good team player with competent communication and reporting skills. Given the international character of imec an impeccable knowledge of English is mandatory.