Research assistant position in the field of micro-Energy Harvesters in modern science centre CEZAMAT at the leading technical university in Poland – Warsaw University of Technology to realise tasks in the frame of the European Research Council Advanced Grant project SFINKS (Grant Agreement no: 101142881)

Position: Research specialist
Application Deadline: 20 June 2025 16:00 CET
Please send applications together with documents by e-mail to: Tomasz.Skotnicki@pw.edu.pl

Responsibilities:
• Simulating and modelling micro energy generators (piezoelectric energy harvesters) that convert pressure and temperature fluctuations into electrical energy;
• Constructing multiphysics simulation models of temperature and bistable snap-through force, taking into account the material parameters of various piezoelectrics and different generator geometries;
• Implementing real atmospheric pressure/temperature fluctuations into simulation models;
• Defining material and topological requirements to ensure bistable membrane snap-through within a specified range of temperature/pressure variations;
• Simulating/modelling energy performance to determine the optimal generator dimensions;
• Determining the optimal working fluid and its volume to maximize energy output under identical pressure/temperature fluctuations;
• Supporting the manufacturing process through simulations that utilize experimental results from prototypes – determining the accuracy of simulation models based on measurement data;
• Design and fabrication of a „meso”-scale demonstrator, i.e. approx. 10mm, on silicon;
• Execution of technological processes (with support of CEZAMAT process engineers);
• Characterization of the demonstrator morphology (optical microscopy, SEM, profilometry, ellipsometry);
• Electrical characterization of the demonstrator;
• Comparative analysis of experimental results with simulation outcomes;
• Drawing conclusions aimed at avoiding errors and optimizing the final microscopic prototypes of the SFINKS generator;
• Simulation study aimed at improving the generator’s performance, e.g., continuous operation, maximizing energy production;
• Preparation and submission of a grant proposal for a young researcher to a Polish or European scientific research funding system.

Candidates are required:
1) to have completed a higher education with a master’s degree or equivalent in a technical engineering;
2) to have a very good knowledge of written and spoken English, allowing active participation in international scientific conferences, publication of scientific articles, research reports, free work with English scientific literature and submission of scientific grant applications, also taking into account international cooperation;
3) to demonstrate a scientific track record of at least 5 co-authored scientific publications in journals or conference proceedings in the field of energy harvesting or related areas;
4) to have at least 2 years of experience and practical knowledge of multi-physical modelling in COMSOL;
5) to have a scientific profile in the field of semiconductor technology and energy conversion physics proven by publications, participation in scientific projects and professional experience;
6) to have knowledge of distributed/environmental energy harvesting devices;
7) Have documented experience in the applications of piezoelectric materials;
8) to possess experience in the organisation of research, preparation of documentation and procedures, preparation of scientific publications in English, preparation of research reports, archiving of models and simulation parameters;
9) to demonstrate experience in conducting research, proven by a track record of publications and participation in scientific projects.

We offer:
1. Fixed-term employment, 16 months, 100% FTE;
2. Position starting date: September 1, 2025
3. Work in the SFINKS project (grant agreement: 101142881) funded by the European Research Council in frame of the Advanced Grant competition;
4. Work at a leading technical university in Poland;
5. Possibility of scientific development thought integration with a dynamic team carrying out cutting-edge research in a strategically important area;
6. Possibility to work in hybrid mode;
7. The opportunity to participate in trainings aimed at further development and improvement of qualifications;
8. Possibility of taking advantage from a group insurance package and a social benefits addressed to the Warsaw University of Technology employees (co-financing of holidays, sports activities, language courses)

Applicants are invited to submit a CV with their academic achievements (publications listed chronologically from most recent to oldest), a copy of their academic degrees by e-mail to: Tomasz.Skotnicki@pw.edu.pl
Application deadline: 20 June 2025 16:00 CET
We reserve the right to contact only selected people. We do not return submitted documents.

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