CSIRO Postdoctoral Fellowship in non-thermal plasma technology for CO2

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The Opportunity

• Do you have a PhD in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry or a related discipline?
• Do you want to advance your scientific knowledge & experience?
• Join CSIRO – Australia’s leading scientific research organisation!

CSIRO Early Research Career (CERC) Postdoctoral Fellowships provide opportunities to scientists and engineers who have completed their doctorate and have less than three years of relevant postdoctoral work experience. These fellowships aim to develop the next generation of future leaders of the innovation system.

In this position you will lead a project that will encompass a broad range of cutting-edge technologies. You will benefit from working with a wide range of subject matter experts in the areas of material synthesis, catalysis and plasma technology while independently delivering the experimental program. 

Recent research indicates that the plasma-enhanced reaction process can achieve high levels of CO2 conversion and selectivity at significantly reduced temperatures. However, research on converting CO2 to methanol using non-thermal plasma technology is very limited. The CERC Fellow will work on developing catalysts and investigating process chemistry for non-thermal plasma CO2 conversion to methanol using different analytical techniques. 

The supervisory research team has a well-established reputation in catalysis and plasma technology worldwide. During the course of the project, the fellow will be encouraged to spend time in the mentor supervisor’s lab and various CSIRO labs as an immersive learning experience and to establish a broad network of scientific contacts. 

CSIRO’s Clayton site has world-class facilities for catalyst synthesis, characterisation and testing. These include a High-Throughput Flow Testing facility for fast screening of the catalysts and versatile testing rigs for performance evaluation, including plasma catalysis reactors and power supplies. The Lindfield laboratories have excellent facilities for development and diagnostics of plasma processes, which include power supplies and diagnostics that are readily transferrable to the Clayton site.

Ample opportunity will be provided for the fellow to present scientific outcomes at local and international conferences as well as to CSIRO industrial collaborators and partners (as appropriate)

Your duties will include:

• Work with the supervisory team to design and fabricate a novel plasma reactor with optimised energy efficiency for CO2-to-methanol conversion.
• Optimise the synthesis of catalyst materials for these plasma conditions.
• Design and set up analytical equipment necessary for the research.
• Carry out experiments to evaluate materials and reactors.
• Analysing and interpreting data to write publications and prepare proposals.
• Utilise both internal and external science networks to broaden expertise and guide delivery of project objectives.

To be considered you will need:

• A doctorate (or will shortly satisfy the requirements of a PhD) in a relevant discipline area, such as Chemical Engineering,
• Materials Science, Chemistry, Science. Please note: To be eligible for this role you must have no more than 3 years (full-time equivalent) of postdoctoral research experience.
• Experience related to catalyst materials synthesis and catalysis.
• Knowledge and experience related to reactor design, fabrication and testing.
• High level written and oral communication skills with the ability to represent the research effectively to both internal and external audiences, including presentation of research outcomes in publications and at national and international conferences.
• A record of science innovation and creativity, including the ability & willingness to incorporate novel ideas and approaches into scientific investigations.

For full details about this role please view the Position Description

Eligibility

Applications for this position are open to Australian/New Zealand Citizens, Australian Permanent Residents or you must either hold, or be able to obtain, a valid working visa for the duration of the specified term. Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.

Flexible Working Arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. 

Diversity and Inclusion

We are working hard to recruit people representing the diversity across our society, and ensure that all our people feel supported to do their best work and feel empowered to let their ideas flourish. 

About CSIRO

At CSIRO Australia's national science agency, we solve the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. We put the safety and wellbeing of our people above all else and earn trust everywhere because we only deal in facts. We collaborate widely and generously and deliver solutions with real impact. 

CSIRO is committed to values-based leadership to inspire performance and unlock the potential of our people.

Join us and start creating tomorrow today!

How to Apply

Please apply on-line and provide a cover letter and CV that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.