USA: Postdoctoral Research Associate Position, Nuclear Science and Engineering Department

Postdoctoral Research Associate Position:
In situ characterization of electronic and chemical properties of fuel cell electrodes using high temperature SPM methods

One postdoctoral research associate position is available with a starting date as early as August 2008 in the Laboratory for Electrochemical Interfaces, in Nuclear Science and Engineering Department at MIT. This research position is for studying the surface electronic and chemical nature and oxygen reduction mechanisms on dense thin-film electrodes, made of mixed conducting perovskite-type oxides, for solid oxide electrochemical devices for electricity generation, namely solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC). The primary goal is to understand and tailor the electronic behavior of electrode surfaces, including inhomogenities such as grain boundaries, using advanced surface science tools. This topic will have implications on the nanostructure development for infiltrated electrodes. Additional information is available at http://web.mit.edu/yildizgroup/

Characterization and analysis approach will include the coupling of the electrochemical and high-resolution spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. For the primary aspect of the research at MIT, particularly important is the use of scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy, and other scanning probe and UHV techniques. The goal is to extend and implement these tools under the laboratory controlled conditions of temperature, pressure, and potential representative of the in situ conditions of SOFC oxygen electrodes. The second aspect of the position will involve close collaboration with external researchers from university and national laboratory partners for the characterization of model electrode surfaces using soft- and hard-x-ray techniques.
Responsibilities include carrying out excellent independent research, writing publications, presentations and reports, working with graduate students in the group, and interacting with sponsors. Highly motivated candidates with a PhD and strong background in materials science, physics, chemistry, or a related field are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Please send CV and representative publications (if possible) to Bilge Yildiz (byildiz[ at ]mit.edu). Review of applications will start immediately and will continue until the position is filled.