Job Description
UFI Hydrogen Catalyst & Ink Team Leader and Lab Manager
About UFI Hydrogen:
UFI Hydrogen is the first Italian R&D center and producer of green hydrogen technologies. Since 2017, the experience of the UFI Innovation Center in the study and production of filtration materials has been applied to the development of new technologies for the hydrogen sector, contributing to the path toward decarbonization.
We cannot stand by and watch as climate change unfolds. That's why UFI Hydrogen was founded in 2023 – a new company dedicated to the research, development, implementation, and industrialization of MEAs (Membrane Electrode Assemblies), the strategic component for both water electrolyzers for green hydrogen production and fuel cells for green hydrogen utilization in zero-emission mobility.
The global demand for green hydrogen is expected to increase significantly, with growth projected to rise from 1 GW in 2022 to 3,600 GW by 2050. For this reason, UFI Hydrogen has decided to take a leading role in the green transformation.
Purpose of Position
The Catalyst & Ink Team Leader and Lab Manager is a crucial role responsible for leading and managing the development, testing, and optimization of catalysts and inks used in hydrogen technologies (e.g., fuel cells, electrolyzers, hydrogen storage). This role combines technical expertise with leadership skills to drive innovation and ensure the efficient operation of the laboratory.
Key Accountabilities
* Team Leadership:
o Lead and mentor a team of scientists, engineers, and technicians.
o Assign tasks, set goals, and monitor performance.
o Foster a collaborative and innovative work environment.
o Conduct performance reviews and support professional development.
* Catalyst & Ink Development:
o Design, synthesize, and characterize novel catalysts and inks for hydrogen applications.
o Optimize catalyst and ink formulations for performance, durability, and cost-effectiveness.
o Oversee the testing and evaluation of catalysts and inks using various analytical techniques (e.g., SEM, TEM, XRD, electrochemical analysis).
o Collaborate with other research teams and external partners to advance catalyst and ink technology.
* Laboratory Management:
o Oversee the day-to-day operations of the laboratory, ensuring a safe and efficient working environment.
o Manage laboratory equipment, including maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting.
o Maintain inventory of chemicals and materials, and ensure proper storage and handling.
o Develop and implement laboratory procedures and safety protocols.
o Manage the laboratory budget and resources.
Hydrogen Specific Responsibilities
Focusing on catalysts and inks relevant to hydrogen production (e.g., PEM electrolysis, alkaline electrolysis, solid oxide electrolysis), hydrogen storage (e.g., metal hydrides, liquid organic hydrogen carriers), and hydrogen utilization (e.g., fuel cells).
Staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in hydrogen technologies and related materials.
Contributing to the development of intellectual property (patents, publications).
Ensuring compliance with relevant industry standards and regulations.
Qualifications
Master's degree or PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
Experience in catalyst and ink development, ideally within the hydrogen sector or related fields (e.g., electrochemistry, catalysis, nanomaterials).
Strong leadership and management skills, with experience leading technical teams.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
Familiarity with hydrogen technologies and related challenges is highly desirable.
Workplace
(Serravalle), Ala (TN)