The Energy Materials Laboratory at the Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia, invites you to join an international project team researching the reaction mechanisms between aluminum waste and water for hydrogen production.
We are looking for a current or soon-to-be doctoral student eager to actively participate in the Swiss-Latvian international research project focused on developing sustainable hydrogen production technologies using a circular economy approach! If you are passionate about sustainability, materials science, and innovative energy solutions, we invite you to join our project team at ISSP UL.
Your research will focus on investigating the reaction mechanisms between aluminum waste and water, analyzing different waste types, and evaluating the impact of catalysts on reaction efficiency. As part of the project, you will have the opportunity to spend 1 to 3 months in Switzerland at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), where you will gain hands-on experience with catalytic processes, state-of-the-art equipment, and advanced methods to help develop new, economically viable hydrogen production techniques.
And, of course, your ultimate goal will be to submit—and ideally defend—your dissertation!
The project runs until June 2029, which is also the duration of the initial employment contract, with the possibility of extension.
Your Responsibilities:
Conduct experimental studies on the purification of aluminum waste and analyze reaction mechanisms for hydrogen production.
Investigate the effect of various catalysts on reaction efficiency and develop optimization strategies.
Utilize scientific equipment and research methods at both ISSP UL and PSI.
Identify and implement sustainable, circular economy-based hydrogen production methods.
Collect and analyze experimental data, preparing scientific publications and presentations.
Collaborate with international partners and contribute to research project proposals.
Present findings at conferences, seminars, and science outreach events, promoting awareness of sustainable hydrogen production.
We Expect From You:
A Master’s degree in physics, chemistry, materials science, or a related field (or expected completion this year).
Experience in conducting experiments, data processing, and analysis. Prior knowledge of catalytic processes is an advantage.
Strong problem-solving skills, independence in organizing research tasks, and the ability to anticipate and address experimental challenges.
A positive attitude, eagerness to learn, and willingness to acquire new knowledge.
A high sense of responsibility, ability to work both independently and collaboratively, and active participation in laboratory and institute activities.
Willingness to mentor and guide undergraduate and/or student research projects.
Proficiency in English and a willingness to travel for research collaborations.
What We Offer:
Work in an innovative and dynamic research environment.
Collaboration with PSI and other international research partners.
Professional development through training and qualification improvement courses.
Flexible working hours.
Health insurance (after the probationary period).
The possibility to combine work with doctoral studies.
Career growth opportunities and a performance-based salary of €1200 – €2000 gross per month for full-time employment.
Application Requirements:
Send an e-mail with your CV, Short motivation letter and Diploma copy of Master’s degree to cv@cfi.lu.lv
