PHD IN MATERIALS FOR PYROELECTRIC ENERGY HARVESTING (m/f)

Temporary contract | 48 months (14 months initial contract) | Belvaux

Are you passionate about research? So are we! Come and join us

The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) is a Research and Technology Organization (RTO) active in the fields of materials, environment and IT. By transforming scientific knowledge into technologies, smart data and tools, LIST empowers citizens in their choices, public authorities in their decisions and businesses in their strategies.

Do you want to know more about LIST? Check our website: https://www.list.lu/

Discover our Materials activities: https://www.list.lu/en/materials/

How will you contribute?

Electric energy stands for 20% of the total energy consumed in the world, and this share is expected to reach 40% by 2050 as an outcome of the need to decrease our dependence on non-renewable energies. Beyond sunlight and wind, heat is another formidable and poorly exploited source of electrical energy. Indeed, currently 72 % of the energy produced ends up in waste heat - and it has been predicted that up to 13 000 TWh could be recovered each year, which stands for Europe's yearly total energy needs! In this context, our team recently showed that 40 grams of nonlinear pyroelectric ceramics can generate more than 10 Joules of electric energy from waste heat in one single thermodynamic cycle of 100 degrees (Lheritier et al., Nature 2022).

In this thesis, we want to study pyroelectric components that are not only well adapted to generate large amount of energy, but that can also generate large electric power. To do so, such components have to be made of excellent pyroelectric materials and have to be able to exchange heat very quickly with fluid transporting heat. The core of this PhD study will be to study the pyroelectric properties of specific ceramics. Their dielectric and ferroelectric will be thoroughly investigated versus voltage and temperature, together with reliability, which is essential for the future of this technology. Thermodynamic cycles will be run to estimate how much energy can be harvested. The PhD student will be part of a larger team working on electrocaloric cooling and pyroelectric energy harvesting.

The primarily responsibility of a PhD students is to define their research project and successfully complete it, achieving agreed working plan and objectives in due time. To do so, and depending on their area of activity, their duties may include:

Demonstrates the ability to generate RDI results under supervision identifies, defines, and addresses problems in their scientific field; performs comprehensive literature review; conducts experiments; makes analysis, evaluation, and synthesis of information; and elaborates conclusions that can serve as input for the definition of RDI concepts.

Develops an increasing level of independence in the conduct of their PhD project.

Makes an appropriate dissemination of own research results: participates in forums, seminars, or scientific events.

Is Your profile described below? Are you our future colleague? Apply now!

Education

• You hold a Master degree in Materials Science or Physics.

Experience and skills

• You have a taste for experiments. You like working in a team. Knowing ferroelectric materials is a plus.

Language skills

•  Good level of written and spoken English

Your LIST benefits

• An organization with a passion for impact and strong RDI partnerships in Luxembourg and Europe that works on responsible and independent research projects

• Sustainable by design, empowering our belief that we play an essential role in paving the way to a green society

• Innovative infrastructures and exceptional labs occupying more than 5,000 square metres, including innovations in all that we do

• An environment encouraging curiosity, innovation and entrepreneurship in all areas

• Personalized learning programme to foster our staff's soft and technical skills

• Multicultural and international work environment with more than 50 nationalities represented in our workforce

• Diverse and inclusive work environment empowering our people to fulfill their personal and professional ambitions

• Gender-friendly environment with multiple actions to attract, develop and retain women in science

• 32 days' paid annual leave, 11 public holidays, 13-month salary, statutory health insurance

• Flexible working hours, home working policy and access to lunch vouchers

Apply online

Your application must include:

• A motivation letter oriented towards the position and detailing your experience

• A scientific CV with contact details

• List of publications (and patents, if applicable)

• Contact details of 2 references

Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by email will not be considered.

Application procedure and conditions

We kindly request applicants to provide their nationality for statistical purposes only, as part of our commitment to promoting diversity and ensuring equal opportunities in our workforce. This information will be kept confidential and will not be used for any discriminatory purposes.

LIST is dedicated to maintaining an inclusive work environment and is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to attracting, hiring, and retaining a diverse workforce. All applicants will be considered for employment without discrimination based on national origin, race, colour, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, religion, age, or disability.

Applications will be continuously reviewed until the position is filled. An assessment committee will thoroughly evaluate applications, adhering to guidelines designed to ensure equal opportunities. The primary criteria for selection will be the alignment of the applicant's existing skills and expertise with the requirements mentioned above.

PhD additional conditions:

• Supervisor: Emmanuel Defay

• Work location: Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), Belvaux, Luxembourg

• PhD enrolment: University of Luxembourg, Belval, Luxembourg

Candidates shall be available for starting their position in Q4 2024. Please note that university enrolment fees (currently 200 EUR per semester) must be covered by the successful applicant.

Your master diploma must be recognized in Luxembourg. Please refer to:

https://www.uni.lu/en/admissions/diploma-recognition/

https://guichet.public.lu/fr/citoyens/enseignement-formation/etudes-superieures/reconnaissance-diplomes.html