CSIRO Postdoctoral Fellowship in Catalytic Membrane - [Archived Advertisement]

Acknowledgement of Country

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The Opportunity

• Do you have a PhD in materials science/engineering, chemical engineering or chemistry?
• Interested in developing a novel catalytic membrane reactor (CMR) system for continuous hydrogen production from liquid organic hydrogen carrier?
• Join CSIRO Manufacturing for this exciting 3 year postdoctoral role

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 undertake research in developing a novel catalytic membrane reactor (CMR) system for continuous hydrogen production from liquid organic hydrogen carrier. The CMR will integrate the catalytic reactor for dehydrogenation with a separating membrane that selectively removes hydrogen from the system, thus driving the reaction equilibrium forward for efficient and continuous hydrogen production. This innovative continuous production approach would greatly surpass current, reaction equilibrium limited, technologies.

Your duties will include:

• Developing material formulation and scaleable fabrication method of new catalytic membrane integrating suitable dehydrogenation catalysts and hydrogen separation membrane with enabling testing for hydrogenation/dehydrogenation in catalytic membrane reactors with enhanced gas separation performance and robustness of catalytic activity.
• Preparing detailed design proposals and experiment plans, including identifying and procuring suitable catalysts and membrane materials for timely catalytic membrane fabrications.
• Establishing the method for screening performance testing and product analysis of catalytic membranes.
• Designing the catalytic membrane reactor system for testing and optimisation, including membrane module assembly, engineering system design and commissioning, performance testing and product analysis.

Location: Clayton, Victoria
Salary: AU$89k - AU$98k plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Tenure: Specified term of 3 years
Reference:  87181

To be considered you will need:

• A doctorate (or will shortly satisfy the requirements of a PhD) in a relevant discipline area, such as materials science/engineering, chemical engineering or chemistry. Please note: To be eligible for this role you must have no more than 3 years (full time equivalent) of postdoctoral research experience.
• Demonstrated ability to undertake original, creative and innovative research by generating and pursuing novel ideas and solutions to scientific research problems, including the ability & willingness to incorporate novel ideas and approaches into scientific investigations.
• Proven track record in synthesis/characterisation/testing of gas separation membranes (experience in inorganic membranes and catalytic membranes will be highly regarded).
• Experience and/or strong knowledge on catalysts, catalyst testing, catalyst characterisation and the product analysis technique such as GC, MS, NMR etc.
• A strong publication history in peer reviewed journals and/or authorship of scientific papers, reports, grant applications or patents.

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 Australian temporary residents currently residing in Australia and be able to commence in the role by 31 January 2023.

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. 

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.

Applications Close

31 August 2022, 11:00pm AEST