Research Scientist Assignment on “Design, production and characterization of graphene-related materials and structures for multi-functional applications”

Invitation for Expression of Interest:

Research Scientist Assignment on “Design, production and characterization of graphene-related materials and structures for multi-functional applications”

The Institute of Chemical Engineering Sciences, Foundation of Research and Technology - Hellas, (FORTH/ICE-HT) is seeking applicants for one research scientist assignment in the context of the research project “Graphene Flagship Core Project 3 – SGA 881603”, which is implemented under the Horizon 2020 Research Framework Program.

Job Description

To conduct research under a work or an employment contract in the aforementioned project “Graphene Flagship Core Project 3 – SGA 881603”. The aim of this research is the development and characterization of multi-functional graphene-based structures suitable for sensing, corrosion, and superlubricity applications. This includes the fabrication of graphene-related materials (GRMs) and the development of the multi-functional structures, as well the characterization of them by a wide range of experimental techniques by means of microscopy, spectroscopy, electrochemistry, electrical and mechanical testing, etc.

In particular, the job consists of the following main tasks:

1. Production, manipulation and characterization of graphene-related materials by using several experimental techniques (such as AFM, Raman spectroscopy, etc.)
2. Fabrication and manipulation of thin and ultra-thin coatings of GRMs and GRMs/polymer nanocomposites by using several coating techniques (i.e. electrophoretic deposition, spray coating, etc)
3. Design and fabrication of GRMs based pressure, strain and humidity sensors
4. Characterization of structural and functional properties of the produced materials and structures by using a wide range of experimental techniques (such as AFM, LFM, EIS, potentiostatic and potentiodynamic corrosion testing, electrical capacitance/impedance testing, electrical and mechanical testing in conjunction with Raman spectroscopy, etc.)
5. Prepare the corresponding reports (technical and economical) for project’s evaluation.
6. Research activities related to graphene and other 2D related materials, such as the development and characterization of conductive coatings

The potential candidate should also be responsible for the following main tasks:

1. Organization of activities and national and international meetings.
2. Identification of requirements for the research and develop tactics for future challenges.

Location: FORTH/ICE-HT, Patras, Greece

Duration: 3 months with the potential of renewal or extension according to the needs of the project

Salary: up to 2000€ per month depending on the qualifications (total cost of the employer, including social security and taxes)

Envisaged starting date: 01/02/2022

Requirements and Qualifications

Candidates are required to hold an Engineering Diploma or a degree in Materials Science and a Master in Polymer Science and Technologies, preferably on functional structures of GRMs/polymer nanocomposites, with experience in reporting, in tandem with strong expertise in characterization techniques such as Raman spectroscopy, Atomic Force Microscopy, electrochemical corrosion testing, electrical and mechanical testing. Moreover, the candidate should have knowledge of the Greek and English language (level B1). The appropriate candidate must have:

1. A great scientific background in 2D materials and their multi-functionality, especially in graphene-based materials and their polymer nanocomposites
2. Proven expertise in the preparation and characterization of graphene and other 2D related materials (such as graphene nanoplatelets, graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide, etc)
3. Proved expertise in the fabrication and characterization of graphene-based coatings for anti-corrosion and friction applications
4. Strong expertise in the production and characterization of GRMs based sensors (must be capable to design and fabricate a wide range of sensors for monitoring pressure, strain and humidity)

The evaluation of the candidacies will be based on the following criteria and qualifications: