Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Computational Studies of Zinc and Deep Eutectic Solvents
Project: You will be conducting research on environmentally sustainable zinc based technologies (batteries, electro-plating and recycling) with an emphasis on ionic liquid based deep eutectic solvents (DES). You will be employing molecular quantum chemical calculations to undertake in-depth studies of covalent and non-covalent interactions within these liquid systems with the aim of developing novel DES for Zn-batteries and recycling.
Single use Zn-batteries are widely used in NZ, however there is no satisfactory method for recycling; most Zn-batteries are stockpiled, some are sent to landfill. Zn-batteries are literally piling up and are a growing problem world-wide. A reduction in Zn-batteries can be achieved by developing rechargeable Zn-batteries and formulating new Zn-recycling processes. Ionic liquids (ILs) and Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs) are novel liquids capable of providing a transformative breakthrough. DES offer significant advantages as battery electrolytes, allowing the development of environmentally sustainable re-chargeable Zn-batteries. Underlying the stagnant development of Zn-based technologies is a lack of understanding of the underpinning chemistry.
You will carry out quantum chemical calculations on existing and novel electrolytes based on ILs and DES, exploring Zn speciation to identify stable Zn-complexes, evaluate structures, and analyse the electrochemistry and chemical bonding (MOs, QTAIM, NBO, ChelpG, NCIPlot) in addition to computing reaction paths to elucidate relevant reaction mechanisms. The knowledge obtained will be used to design and computationally model novel DES.
You will also be involved in Hunt Research Group life, teaching and mentoring UG/PG students and contributing to the smooth running of the group.
Applicants: You will have a Ph.D. in Chemistry, Physics, Materials, Chemical Engineering or a related discipline relevant to the project. You will have direct experience in a numerical, computational or simulation based discipline, OR high grades (A band or above) in relevant UG courses and a strong interest in developing computational chemistry skills.
It will be an advantage to have experience in any one of the following: computational chemistry, working in a Unix/Linux environment and/or programming/scripting skills, inorganic coordination or organometallic chemistry, ionic liquids or deep eutectic solvents.
Candidates must have excellent written and oral communication skills in English. You will be motivated, well-organised, with a strong work ethic, have developed logic and problem solving skills, and you will be able to take the initiative as the research project progresses.
Start date and duration: The position is in-person, on-site, at Victoria University of Wellington. Starting date is early March but with some variation negotiable. The initial contract duration is for 1 year, with potential to extend depending on funding.
Contact Prof Hunt if you are interested and have a suitable background, with your inquiry a cover letter, your CV and academic transcript. e-mail:
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