TITLE OF POST: Post Doctoral Researcher in Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy (SECM)
LOCATION: University of Limerick
REPORTS TO: Project Leader
CONTRACT TYPE: Specific Purpose
SALARY SCALE: €38,750- €47,255 p.a. (maximum starting salary €38,750 p.a.)
JOB DESCRIPTION
QUALIFICATIONS:· BSc (level 8 NFQ) or MSc (level 9 NFQ) in Chemistry, or a related discipline.
· Doctoral degree (level 10 NFQ) in Electrochemistry or a closely related discipline.
OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE JOB:
A highly-motivated post doctoral researcher is required to work on the ambitious European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant project SOFT-PHOTOCONVERSION (grant no. 716792), the main objective of which is to explore a new paradigm in solar energy conversion by achieving efficient charge separation at electrified liquid-liquid (or “soft”) interfaces, without solid electrodes. The role of the post doctoral researcher will be to develop frontier Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy (SECM) experimental methodologies to probe electrified liquid-liquid interfaces functionalised with photoactive species both in the dark and with light illumination. The kinetics of photo-induced electron transfer events occurring at these “dye-sensitized liquid-liquid interfaces” will be measured experimentally by SECM and modelled to determine kinetic constants of the various processes taking place (e.g., electron transfer or photoproduct recombination). These experimental results will facilitate the optimisation of charge separation at electrified liquid-liquid interfaces for solar energy conversion applications (i.e., to electricity or solar fuel generation).
The SOFT-PHOTOCONVERSION project will be carried out in Dr Micheál D Scanlon’s group (https://ulris.ul.ie/live/!W_VA_CV_BUILDER.SHOW_ALL?user=) in the newly established Bernal Institute (http://www.bernalinstitute.com/) at the University of Limerick. The Bernal Institute offers state-of-the-art equipment (potentiostats, scanning electrochemical microscope (SECM), drop-shape analysers, UV/vis and Raman spectrometers, etc.) and unrivalled working conditions.
DESCRIPTION:
· Design and experimental implementation of experiments to characterise photoactive molecules immobilised at electrified liquid-liquid interfaces using Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy (SECM) under dark and light-illuminated conditions.
· Electrochemical characterisation of functionalized liquid-liquid interfaces with voltammetry and impedance techniques.
· Modelling of the kinetics of photo-induced electron transfer at photoactive electrified liquid-liquid interfaces using data obtained from SECM experiments.
Essential
· BSc (level 8 NFQ) or MSc (level 9 NFQ) in Chemistry, or a related discipline.
· Doctoral degree (level 10 NFQ) in Electrochemistry (or a closely related discipline).
· Demonstrated expertise in the technique of Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy (SECM).
Desirable
· Demonstrated expertise in the theory and experimental implementation of electrochemistry at polarised liquid-liquid interfaces.
· Demonstrated expertise with COMSOL Multiphysics Modelling Software.
· Computation tools for analysis such as Matlab, Mathtype, Origin, etc.
· Creative thinker with strong motivation to carry out cutting-edge scientific research as part of an international team encompassing a principal investigator (Dr Micheál D Scanlon), other post doctoral researchers, PhD, masters and undergraduate students.
· Demonstrated experience of conducting research and development projects as well as a shown competency in publishing research, intellectual property creation and report writing.
· Demonstrated experience determining appropriate methodologies for research, with advice and support as appropriate.
· Demonstrated experience acting as a mentor to undergraduate and PhD students.
· Publications in international peer-reviewed scientific journals involving research conducted at least in part using the technique of Scanning Electrchemical Microscopy (SECM).
· Demonstrated experience in research funding applications.
· Ability to manage own personal and research resources (including where required, laboratories, and specialist equipment) appropriately.
· Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Job description