• Launch your scientific career through our Office of the Chief Executive (OCE) Postdoctoral Fellowship!
• Enthusiastic and motivated Scientist required to research and develop low emission carbon technologies 
• Join our team at CSIRO - Australia's premier science & technology research organisation!

The Position:
As part of our effort on low emission carbon technologies, we seek enthusiastic and motivated scientist with Ph.D. degree in electrochemistry, Materials Science or Chemical Engineering for a three year Postdoctoral Fellowship. You will take a leading role to research and develop catalyst and other materials for low emission hydrogen production utilising carbon and water in solid electrolyte cells. The successful applicant will have a sound working knowledge of electrochemical techniques, procedures and laboratory instrumentation, and very good understanding of solid state electrolytic cells and / or solid state ionic technologies.

Specifically you will:

• Select suitable anode catalyst materials, understanding relationship between catalyst structure / microstructure, surface area and catalytic activity for carbon / H2O reaction;
• Apply a range of electrochemical diagnostic techniques (potentiostatic, galvanostatic and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) to understand reaction mechanisms and reaction kinetics to optimise operating regime and life time.
• Investigate different types of carbons and impurities in coal on reaction kinetics to establish coal processing requirements.
• Design, construct and evaluate cells with various anode catalysts, electrolytes and interfacial functional layers to optimise operating regime.
• Perform materials characterisation (XRD, SEM, TEM, DTA/TGA, surface area, etc.) to relate cell performance to catalyst, electrode / electrolyte interface, material phase assemblage and microstructure, and carbon properties.
• Carry out data acquisition, analysis, interpretation and post-mortem analysis of solid state electrochemical cells and components.
• Contribute to the effective functioning of a research team and help deliver upon team’s objectives.
• Communicate research outcomes in both oral and written form including presentations to a variety of audiences, reports and peer reviewed scientific publications.

Location: Clayton, Victoria
Salary: $81K to $86K  plus up to 15.4%  Superannuation
Tenure: 3 years
Reference: VIC13/01317

To be successful in this position you will need:

• A Ph.D. degree in Electrochemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering or a closely related field with strong background in electrochemistry / Solid State Ionics.
• Demonstrated experience and record of achievement in a relevant discipline area such as fuel cells or other related electrochemical systems.
• High scientific creativity demonstrated by a track record and capacity to carry out original, independent and innovative research in solving complex problems and introducing new directions and approaches.
• Sound working knowledge of electrochemical instrumentation (such as potentiostatic, galvanostatic current interruption, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy), and demonstrated experience in the development and execution of laboratory based experimental procedures and programs.
• Effective communication skills and a good record of publishing research results in both written manuscripts and oral presentations.
• Proven understanding of chemical and laboratory equipment handling requirements particularly with respect to Health, Safety and Environment compliance.

Who we are: The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) is one of the largest and most diverse scientific organisations in the world. By igniting the creative spirit of our people, we deliver great science and innovative solutions that benefit industry, society and the environment.

Applications close: 31 May 2013

Position Details VIC13/01317