The Energy and Process Systems Engineering (EPSE) Group at ETH Zürich is looking for a Postdoc exploring electrochemical cooling and heating concepts to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of future devices, as introduced by our recent publications, see, e.g., Liebl et al., 2024. DOI: 10.1021/acs.iecr.3c03582. The position focuses on (i) identifying promising molecule pairs suitable to work in relevant heating or cooling cycles, (ii) experimentally assessing the electrochemical behaviour of these working pairs, and (iii) scaling the demonstration up to the realization of a small prototype heat pump.

The research of the EPSE group at ETH Zürich, headed by Prof. Dr. André Bardow, focuses on sustainability in energy and chemical process systems. We develop methods to advance sustainable energy and chemical process systems from the molecular to the systems scale. In our work, we combine computer-aided molecular and process design to optimize molecules and processes simultaneously.

As global populations and economies continue to expand, the demand for cooling worldwide is projected to triple by 2050. Vapor-compression systems represent the ubiquitous cooling technology but suffer from downscaling limits, maintenance needs, and environmentally harmful impacts. A promising alternative is electrochemical processes but, while the concept is appealing, finding thermodynamically suitable molecule pairs undergoing the needed reactions is challenging. Even more so, the experimental demonstration is lacking to show that promising working pairs are suitable for practical implementations.

This project aims to transform electrochemical cooling and heating technology from a scientific curiosity to a practical engineering solution. We want to combine molecular and process simulations with experiments to evaluate the potential of electrochemical cooling, select and characterize suitable molecule pairs and materials, and demonstrate the process experimentally. The project has strong links with industry, and a global corporation active in the field of refrigeration technology is a partner in the project.

The project adopts a comprehensive experimental perspective on the early-stage development of electrochemical technologies in the sustainable heating and cooling industry. In your work, you are expected to lead the experimental activities to assess the behavior of electrochemical heating or cooling reaction pairs, previously identified as promising candidates, by:

• testing half-reactions in isolation, through various techniques (e.g., linear sweep voltammetry, cyclic voltammetry, and chronoamperometry), aiming at quantifying the voltage-current relations, reversibility and selectivity of the reactions.
• Testing full reactions in prototype electrochemical cooling and heating cells.

You are also expected to lead the modeling activities needed to gain insight into the studied systems and steer their design through, e.g., the development of 1D models able to predict the voltage-current characteristics measured by cyclic voltammetry.

The work will deepen your understanding of the potential of electrochemical cooling and heating technologies. You work on fundamentals and their translation into practice. Collaboration with partners from industry and academia will be crucial for success.

We offer you a full-time position for the duration of your postdoc, starting upon agreement, with the earliest starting of 01 January 2025. The position is planned for 2 years with an initial contract for one year. You will work in an interdisciplinary team of researchers with in-depth experience in process design, energy system optimization, and experimental determination of thermophysical properties. As an integral part of your work, you will publish your results in peer-reviewed journals and present them at international conferences. The role does not necessarily entail teaching, but you will be given the opportunity to contribute to the group's teaching activities if so desired.

We are looking for a proactive and motivated candidate who meets the requirements for a position at ETH Zurich and has a doctoral degree in process engineering, mechanical engineering, energy science & technology, or chemical engineering from a recognized university. You already have strong experience in experimental Electrochemistry. Ideally, you also have a background in process design and programming. You are highly motivated to learn, develop and apply novel experimental methods and characterization techniques in the field of Electrochemistry, and work in a dynamic environment with other postdocs and doctoral students. The ability to work independently and excellent communication skills in English (both written and spoken) complete your profile.

ETH Zurich is a family-friendly employer with excellent working conditions. You can look forward to an exciting working environment, cultural diversity and attractive offers and benefits.

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

• curriculum Vitae, max. 2 pages;
• motivational Letter, max. 2 pages;
• transcript of records and grade statistics from the university degree(s); and
• contact details of 2 referees.

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal before 1 November 2024. Please do not submit compressed files. We will not consider applications sent via email or postal services. We will get in touch with you after 2-3 weeks following the submission deadline.

For further information about the Energy and Process Systems Engineering (EPSE) Group, please visit our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. Dr. André Bardow, abardow@ethz.ch, or to Emliano Casati casatie@ethz.ch (no applications).

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.