FBK is a private research institution based in Trento (Italy), operating in different scientific fields and disciplines. As such, it keeps the Autonomous Province of Trento within the mainstream of international research. FBK comprises 12 research centers with activities and production available at http://www.fbk.eu/research-centers.
Workplace
The Centre on Sustainable Energy (SE) supports the development of devices and methods for generation, storage, and distribution of energy solutions at low environmental impact. This will be done in the perspective of energy sustainability, of systems and solutions that respect the environment and the quality of life, of solutions with a lower impact on health and on environmental pollution levels. The ground for the Centre on “Sustainable Energy” is based on the Decarbonization targets, which will demand for more flexibility of the energy system, through new gas and power grids and using energy vectors and storage solutions, as enablers for the wide penetration of renewables.
The Battery and Electrification Technologies (BET) unit targets the development and optimal use of battery technologies in both mobility and stationary applications. BET focuses on current and upcoming battery and storage technologies (e.g., LIBs, SSBs, RFBs, HESS) working on a wide range of topics from material development and characterisation to demonstration activities in relevant environments, including of course modelling and optimal management.
FBK actively seeks diversity and inclusion in the workplace and is also committed to promoting gender equality.
To promote the inclusion of disabled staff as per law 68/99, the Foundation is available and interested in evaluating the applications received for technical-scientific domains that do not correspond exactly to this call.
Job Description
The position offered concerns the development and validation of battery storage systems and subcomponents focusing on redox-flow batteries and potentially on Li-ion batteries. The candidate will work in the Battery and Electrification Technologies (BET) unit supporting both European and national projects. The candidate will support the design, prototyping, construction, and validation of sub-components (e.g., flow stack, modules) and entire battery systems. He will be also in charge of selecting and integrating different components needed for battery systems (e.g., stack/modules, thermal management, safety systems, PCS and housing). This position is offered in the frame of the European Battery Innovation IPCEI project (https://www.ipcei-batteries.eu) aiming at the development of next-generation battery technologies.
The activities of the successful candidate will focus on:
- Designing, prototyping and testing of novel solutions for redox flow cells and stacks;
- Designing of innovative flexible flow battery system designs, including techno-economic evaluation, preliminary design, construction and validation;
- Performing tests on cells, stacks and battery systems and data analysis;
- Contributing to experimental activities on Hybrid energy storage systems integrating flow batteries;
- Supporting the design of custom large-scale test benches for battery systems (both Li-ion batteries and RFBs) including safety evaluation, selection of components and commissioning;
- Supporting lab equipment selection and management.
The ideal candidate should have:
- MSc in Energy, Chemical, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering or other relevant degrees;
- Know-how on battery technologies and battery systems;
- Experience in designing, assembling and validating battery subcomponents, in particular electrochemical flow reactors/battery stacks;
- Experience in electrical/electrochemical characterization of battery cells, battery modules/ flow stacks and battery systems;
- Experience in designing and construction of entire battery systems, also selecting other main components such as PCS, safety systems, housing and ensuring the electrical compliance;
- Ability to analyze experimental results using scientific tools (e.g., Python, Origin, Excel);
- Ability to write technical reports and scientific papers;
- Ability to manage multiple projects effectively;
- Good knowledge of written and spoken English;
- Ability to work in a collaborative environment, with a strong commitment to achieve assigned objectives;
- Skills in problem solving;
- Good communication and relational skills;
- Self-motivation and result orientation.
Furthermore, the following elements will be positively evaluated:
- PhD Degree in fields related to this call;
- Good knowledge of written and spoken Italian;
- Experience on safety assessment or PCS operation.
Employment
Type of contract: Fixed Term Contract
Gross annual salary: from about € 38.539 to € 44.087, depending on the background and the expertise of the candidate
Working hours: full time (38 hours per week)
Start date: preferably from February 2025
Duration: 24 months, with the possibility to extend the contract depending on fundings
Workplace: Povo (Trento) and Rovereto
Benefits: flexi-time, company subsidized cafeteria or meal vouchers, internal car park, welcome office support for visa formalities and for research in accommodation, social security(SANIFONDS), family-work balance, free training courses, support on bank account opening, discount on public transport, sport, language course fees, counseling and psychological support service. More info at https://www.fbk.eu/en/work-with-us/
Application
Candidates must submit their application through the online form at https://hr.fbk.eu/en/jobs. Please make sure to enclose the following documents with your application (pdf format):
- Detailed CV
- Cover Letter (explaining your motivation for this specific position)
- At least 2 professional references (e-mails and/or phone numbers)
Application deadline: Thursday, the 9th of January 2025
Please read our Regulations on the recruitment and selection of fixed-term personnel (effective from October 15, 2018) before completing your application.
For further information, please contact the Human Resources Services at jobs@fbk.eu