The Institute for Hydrogen Research (IHR) of the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR) is one of Canada’s leading institutions in Hydrogen Research and Development.  

Our mission is to advance science and technology for the establishment of a sustainable energy system using Hydrogen, particularly in the field of production, storage, safety, and use. The HRI is a multidisciplinary team of over 50 people having at its disposal state-of-the-art equipment and laboratories.  

Green Hydrogen Lab (GH2Lab) run by Prof. Bruno G. Pollet FRSC, and Dr. Shankara Kalanur at the IHR specializes in the design, synthesis, characterization, and testing of novel materials and membranes for renewable energy applications.  

About

Prof. Pollet is a professor of Chemistry at UQTR (Canada), an adjunct professor of Renewable Energy at NTNU (Norway), and one of the world leaders in Hydrogen Energy.  

https://www.linkedin.com/in/prof-dr-bruno-g-pollet-2a435ab    

Dr. Shankara Kalanur is one of the worlds experts in hydrogen energy, sensors and energy storage devices. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-shankara-kalanur-62100699/ 

We are looking for highly motivated PhD students in the fields of:  

- Polymers, ionomer, and membrane synthesis, characterization, and testing for efficiency and durability 

The PhD candidates should have a degree in Chemistry, organic/polymer chemistry, or closely related fields, and knowledge of characterizing membranes along with an outstanding profile to work on the project focuses on the development of new and improved membranes/ionomers for the next generation water electrolysis stacks in AEM and PEM systems.   

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:  

• Conduct experimental studies to synthesize and characterize anion exchange membranes in detail extending to assembling and testing.  
• Extend the studies to synthesize and characterize different membranes with backbones/cationic heads.  
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of the literature on AEM applied to electrolysis stack.  

• Analyze and summarize critical issues involved in membrane degradation modes  

• Develop strategies for scaled-up membrane electrode assembly and test it under the developed accelerated stress test  
• Analyze, interpret, and summarize physical and electrochemical data  

Other requirements  

• Writing papers, and patents and presenting the results at conferences.  
• Writing progress reports.  
• Excellent written and oral English.  
• Project management skills are desirable but not essential.  
• Health and Safety Certificate is desirable but not essential.  
• French language skills are desirable but not essential.  

Personal Characteristics  

• Professional.  
• Good timekeeping.  
• Observing and meeting deadlines.  
• Eye for details.  
• Team-player.  
• Reading and responding to communications from the supervisory team and other members of the University.  
• Taking responsibility for their own career development.  
• The successful candidate should be enthusiastic, highly motivated, disciplined, and willing to work both independently and with other researchers.  
• The applicant should be a problem solver and results-driven.  
• The applicant should have good project management skills as well as an excellent command of English, both written and verbal as she/he will be expected to write research articles and deliver her/his findings at inter(national) conferences.  
• Willing to travel internationally.  

We offer  

• Exciting and stimulating opportunities in a strong international academic environment.  
• An open and inclusive work environment with dedicated colleagues.  

This 3-year PhD position is funded by UQTR. The position includes a stipend of 21000 CAD/year + a yearly bonus (related to the annual # of publications in international journals). Possibilities to spend some time at the "Hydrogen Energy and Sonochemistry Research" group led by Prof. Bruno G. Pollet at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Norway and well-renowned Hydrogen dedicated labs (University and Industry) in France and Germany.  

• Master's degree in either Chemistry, organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a similar discipline.  
• Strong interest in pursuing research on Electrolysis devices.  
• Experience in organic/polymer synthesis and thorough characterization.  
• High motivation for pursuing a PhD within 3 years.  
• Excellent organizational skills and team player.  
• Ability to show initiative and work independently.  
• Excellent skills in spoken and written English.  

A cover letter (addressed to Prof. Bruno G. Pollet and Dr. Shankara Kalanur), a CV (inc. a list of publications), copies of diplomas and certificates, and 3 letters of reference upon selection for final interview.  

Job Locations

Mainly: Green Hydrogen Lab, Hydrogen Research Institute, University of Quebec at Trois-Rivières, 3351 Bd des Forges, QC G9A 5H7, Canada

DEADLINE: None - Open until filled.

START DATE: May 2023/September 2023/January 2024