Research Officer, Catalysis - NRC Institute for Fuel Cell Innovation

Research Officer, Catalysis - NRC Institute for Fuel Cell Innovation Vancouver - British Columbia

This is a continuing position. Your Challenge At NRC Institute for Fuel Cell Innovation (NRC-IFCI), our mission is to support Canada in becoming a world leader in sustainable energy and provide a global solution to air pollution and climate change by accelerating the commercialization of fuel cell technologies. We aspire to become a world leader in fuel cell and hydrogen innovation and integration, thereby supporting NRC's vision of becoming a world leading national research organization. We also believe that accepting and celebrating diversity is essential to our success. Our employees have been corporately and nationally recognized for their commitment and dedication to discovering, understanding, and learning from each other.
We are an outstanding employer of outstanding people seeking a qualified and motivated Research Officer- Catalysis to join our diverse team.
As Research Officer- Catalysis, you will contribute in a collegial, interdisciplinary team environment to IFCI’s world-class research programs by carrying out leading edge research and development in PEMFC catalyst synthesis, characterization, including fuel cell performance validation.
Your responsibilities will include:
Conducting research individually in fuel cell catalyst and as part of a matrix project team
Maintaining knowledge of electrochemistry, electrocatalysis, and fuel cell technology; applying these knowledge to make technical breakthroughs for new generation of fuel cell catalysts and catalyst support
Designing and establishing effective experimental approaches on new fuel cell catalyst and catalyst support synthesis and activity/stability tests
Deploying research of clean energy technologies; integrate these technologies into fuel cell power systems to speed up commercialization
Analyzing, documenting, and delivering research results through refereed publications and oral presentations at conferences
Developing patentable techniques; differentiating and protecting IP
Being accountable for project managing, appropriate utilization of resources and the timely completion of work
Providing input to the ongoing performance management of functional subordinates, where applicable, and/or the development of core competencies
In addition, you will enhance and maintaining the IFCI client and partner base through continued collaboration and development of linkages within the Canadian fuel cell industry and with international fuel cell agencies to fully exploit the capabilities of the directorate and IFCI, including the successful transfer of technology in a form that can be readily implemented throughout the fuel cell industry.
If you are eager to join our team of dedicated professionals towards achieving our mission, you may be the candidate we are looking for.
Screening CriteriaApplicants must demonstrate within the content of their application that they meet the following screening criteria in order to be given further consideration as candidates:
EducationA Ph.D. in Electrochemistry, Physical Chemistry, Material Science, Electrochemical Engineering, or Chemical Engineering is required.
Experience Significant experience in:
Synthesizing high performance catalysts and catalyst supports using chemical and physical methods
Electrochemical characterization (CV, LSV, EIS, RDE, RRDE, etc.) of electrocatalysts
Physical characterization (XRD, SEM, TEM, BET, XPS, FTIR, RAMAN, etc.) of electrocatalysts
PEM fuel cell MEA fabrication / characterization and single cell testing
Electrode material design and fabrication for fuel cells
Technically leading and managing projects
Condition of EmploymentReliability StatusLanguage RequirementsEnglish Assessment CriteriaCandidates will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria: Technical Competencies: Solid knowledge of:
Theoretical and applied electrochemistry including electrode reaction thermodynamics and kinetics
PEM fuel cell catalysis theory and applications
Synthesis of PEM fuel cell electrocatalysts using chemical and physical techniques, characterization of catalysts using instrumental and electrochemical methods, and fuel cell testing
Catalyst supports, in particular carbon and non-carbon nano-materials
Standard fuel cell processes and techniques including fuel cell testing data analysis using instruments and computer software
The principle, material preparation, cell fabrication and performance evaluation of PEM fuel cells or other energy devices.
Project management including effective project plan, implementation, and communication with clients
Demonstrated ability to:
Develop new materials and processes for fuel cells, batteries or super-capacitors
Prepare research proposals and funding applications
Write client technical reports and present scientific findings, in English, leading to publications in prestigious journals
Train junior researchers, co-op, and summer students
Understand and follow safety protocols and to contribute to the development of safety guidelines
Behavioural Competencies: Research Cluster Creative Thinking (Level 3) Communication (Level 2) Results Orientation (Level 2) Initiative (Level 2) Teamwork (Level 2) Self-knowing and Self-development (Level 2) For this position, NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile(s): ResearchAll competency profiles are available at: http://careers-carrieres.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/jobsnow/competencies_e.html. RelocationRelocation assistance will be determined in accordance with NRC's directives. Salary RangeThis position is classified as a Research Officer (RO), a group that is unique to the NRC. The RO group uses a person-based classification system instead of the more common duties-based classification system. Candidates are remunerated based on their expertise, skill, outcomes and impacts of their previous work experience. The salary scale for this group is vast, from $36,384 to $116,915 per annum, which permits for employees of all levels from new graduates to world renowned experts to be fairly compensated for their contributions. In addition, an incumbent occupying a position within the RO Groups is currently entitled to receive a terminable allowance of $8,000 per year.
Closing Date05/13/2009 Applications will be accepted until 23:59 Eastern Standard Time NotesIn order to ensure a prompt and efficient processing of applications, candidates are encouraged to provide, along with their résumé, a detailed covering letter explaining how they meet each of the requirements of this position (education, experience, language requirements) by providing concrete examples.This position is being advertised internally and externally simultaneously, however first consideration will be given to internal applicants.Eligibility ListAn eligibility list for external candidates only may be established for similar positions for a one-year period.Physical requirements:Minor lifting may be required. To Apply All applications must be submitted on-line. Please do not fax or email your applications. By applying over the web, your application becomes available to managers immediately. Applications must be received no later than the closing date.You should also be prepared to attach your résumé into the online application form in one of the following formats:
Microsoft Word 2000 or earlier
Rich Text Format (RTF)
ASCII text
PDF
As an employer who values diversity in its workforce, we encourage candidates to self-identify as members of the following designated groups: women, visible minorities, aboriginal peoples and persons with disabilities. Measures for accommodation are available to all candidates retained for further assessment.
Please review useful instructions before applying online. To obtain a copy of the job description Please direct your questions, with the competition number (38-08-50) to:E-mail: hrb.ifcicomp.int@nrc-cnrc.gc.caTelephone: (604) 221-3020