Temporary contract | 24 months | 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?

After the International Energy Agency, cooling our food and houses requires today 20 % of all the energy needed in the residential sector. This share will grow to 40 % by 2040 as a direct consequence of the world population increase and the global warming effect. This industry accounts for 10% of all CO₂ emissions, which is three times more than what is generated by aviation and shipping. The existing cooling technologies are overwhelmingly dominated by the vapour-compression systems, which is a 150 years-old technology relying on greenhouse gases and exhibiting an average efficiency less than 50 %. We clearly need to come up with more efficient cooling principles.

LIST has recently been very successful at showing that electrocaloric cooling is a convincing technology when it comes to efficient cooling alternative principles (Alvar Torello et al. Science 2020; Junning Li et al., Science, 2023). In this study, we want to investigate electrocaloric polymers of different compositions to study their behaviour in a cooling regenerator. This study will be performed in collaboration with ARKEMA in France. Arkema is the first provider of polyvinylidene difluoride in the world and is interested in finding alternative applications for this well-known polymer. The objective of this project is to make a cooling proof-of-concept based on electrocaloric polymers made of different compositions able to exhibit a temperature span reaching 20 K.

You will be to fabricate polymer-based electrocaloric regenerators based on polymers of different compositions. This requires a strong taste for experimental studies, a good knowledge of electrical measurements and a good command of Python coding. Most of the work will be related to assembling polymer-based devices, preparing fluid-based circuits compatible with voltage to make heat exchangers based on these polymers and testing these devices (voltage, current, temperature change, cooling power). Thermodynamic knowledge is also mandatory for this position. Modelling based on finite element will also be part of the job in this position.

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

Education

You hold a PhD in Materials Science or in 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 fulfil 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.