Temporary contract | Up to 24 months| Belval

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

The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) is a leading Research and Technology Organisation (RTO) that drives innovation for the economy and society in Luxembourg and beyond. With cutting-edge expertise in Natural, Built, Industrial environments, Space, AI, Security and defence technologies. LIST bridges scientific excellence and applied research to design solutions that address real-world challenges and create positive impact.

In 2024, LIST and GOODYEAR signed the second phase of their partnership, 2024-2029, building on the outcomes of their previous collaboration and entering new technological areas as well. GOODYEAR-LIST partnership 2.0 embraces Luxembourg's National priorities, such as Sustainability, Digital transformation and Circular economy, through the execution of six Strategic Research Programs: Data Science for Tires, Tire as a Sensor, End-of-Life Tire Valorization, Sustainable Materials for Non-Pneumatic Tires, Sustainable Materials for Next Generation of Pneumatic Tires, Structure-Process-Properties Relationships.

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

How will you contribute?

LIST is seeking to recruit a two-year postdoctoral position to work on fabrication of the piezoelectric energy harvester based on ceramics for tires. This position is part of the Strategic Research Program “Tire as a sensor” in the joint project with Goodyear SA and explores how to transform mechanical energy from tires to a useful electrical energy, which can power tire sensors. The approach used for energy harvesting is the piezoelectric effect. Materials which show piezoelectric properties transform strain variation into electrical charge. These materials can be ceramics or polymers. The material chosen in this study is commercial PZT ceramics. To efficiently use the available mechanical energy in tires and induce strain in the piezoelectric material, it is essential to develop an adapted harvester’s design, the transducer. In addition, harvester’s signal conditioning plays an important role. To harvest enough electrical energy, all three points: material properties, harvester design and signal conditioning, have to be addressed. 

This Postdoc position is mainly focused on development of energy harvester based on ceramics. Several challenges will be addressed to achieve targeted values of power from tires:

·        Investigation of geometries for an efficient transfer of strain from the tire into the ceramic. The design optimisation will be done using finite element modelling (Comsol)

·        Development/adaptation of signal conditioning electronics

·        Integration of the harvester into a real tire

·        Tests in the tire in operation

Other tasks:

·        Conduct literature analysis

·        Publish in peer-reviewed journals and conferences

·        Present papers at scientific conferences

·        Take part in the relevant training

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

Education

·        PhD degree with demonstrated theoretical and practical knowledge in Materials science and in electroactive ceramics or polymers

Experience and skills

·        Excellent knowledge in ferroelectric materials characterization techniques (capacitance, dielectric permittivity and polarization measurements) and piezoelectric characterization techniques (e31 and d33 coefficients)

·        Knowledge in electronics for signal conditioning adapted to piezoelectric energy harvesters

·        Experience in building demonstrators

·        Knowledge of Comsol multiphysics software for finite element modeling of the piezoelectric transducer is a plus

·        Skills in simulation of electronic circuits (LTSpice) and signal conditioning

·        Strong communication and interpersonal skills

·        The candidate should be motivated by working with an industrial partner

·        Collaborative skills, initiative, autonomy, result oriented and capacity to work in an interdisciplinary environment.

Language skills

·        Proficiency at 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.

Please note that by applying you consent to share your application with Marcel Wirtz, R&D Grant and partnership manager, Jason Middleberg, project manager , Yves Decoster principal engineer, from Goodyear Luxembourg and Junling Zhao WP supervisor from Goodyear Akron.