Fixed term contract | Belval | Up to 24 Months

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.

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

How will you contribute?

Refrigeration and air conditioning account for ~17% of global energy consumption, a figure expected to triple by 2050, while contributing over 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Conventional vapor-compression cooling relies on high–global-warming-potential refrigerants, creating an urgent need for energy-efficient and environmentally friendly alternatives. Electrocaloric  cooling is a promising solid-state technology that can be up to 20% more efficient than vapor-compression systems. It uses ferroelectric materials that undergo a reversible temperature change under an applied electric field. The materials heats upon application and cools upon removal of an electric field. This temperature change arises from an entropy variation induced by the electric field. The electrocaloric effect is strongest near the Curie temperature, where the material transitions from ferroelectric to paraelectric and the polarization changes most strongly with temperature. Despite growing interest, electrocaloric research has largely been confined to room-temperature operation. Low-temperature electrocaloric effects, down to liquid nitrogen temperatures (≈ 77 K) remain largely unexplored. This project aims to fill that knowledge gap, opening new frontiers for cryogenic solid-state cooling technologies.

You will join the Ferroic Materials for Energy Harvesting (FMEH) group, a dynamic and collegial team of ~20 people (researchers, engineers, PhD students and fellow postdocs). You will investigate the electrocaloric effect of ceramics at cryogenic temperatures.

• Setup Validation — Validate an existing low-temperature electrocaloric measurement system using infrared (IR) thermography and thermocouple-based measurements within a cryostat. You will ensure measurement accuracy, repeatability and reliability prior to full experimental campaigns.

• Material Characterisation — Investigate the phase transitions of selected ferroelectric ceramics across cryogenic temperature ranges through multi-technique characterisation: electrical measurements (P–E hysteresis loops, dielectric spectroscopy), thermophysical analysis (Differential Scanning Calorimetry, DSC) and structural analysis (Raman spectroscopy).

• Cryogenic electrocaloric quantification — Directly measure the electrocaloric response down to liquid nitrogen temperatures (≈ 77 K) using infrared thermography and/or thermocouple embedded in a cryostat. Results will be correlated with structural and thermophysical data to build a comprehensive understanding of electrocaloric behaviour at low temperatures.

Other tasks include:

·        Conference/group meetings participation

·        Scientific Publications disseminating key findings from the project, in collaboration with supervisors.

·        Training & Development (complete all mandatory institutional and laboratory safety trainings)

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

Education

·        PhD in physics, materials science or thermodynamics.

·        Strong hands-on laboratory skills and attention to detail

·        Strong teamwork abilities

Language skills

•              Fluency in English both oral and written.

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 60 nationalities represented in our workforce

·        Diverse and inclusive work environment empowering our people to fulfill 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 (not remote) and access to Digital 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, ethnicity, 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.