Haile - Materials and Microstructures

Materials and Microstructures for Thermoelectric Devices

A one-year post-doctoral position is open immediately in the broad area of thermoelectric materials. Under the auspicies of the NSF supported Center for the Science and Engineering of Materials (CESM), materials that ideally combine the properties of high Seebeck coefficient, high electrical conductivity and low thermal conductivity will be developed. Explorations will focus on complex Zintl semiconductors, specifically, ternary antimonides that incorporate a transition metal element and an alkaline earth or rare earth element. Microstructural enhancement to thermoelectric properties will be pursued by rapid quenching so as to generate fine-scale features that suppress thermal conductivity. The successful applicant will have experience in synthesis of air sensitive materials and several characterization methodologies including X-ray diffraction (powder and single crystal), Hall conductivity and mobility measurements, thermal measurements (conductivity and Seebeck coefficient), thermal analysis (TGA, DSC and DTA), and electron microscopy (SEM and TEM). Depending on progress and the funding situation, the position may be extended for a second year. This project will be carried out in collaboration with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

Applicants should send:

CV

Three letters of recommendation

Two relevant publications

to:

Professor Sossina M. Haile
Materials Science, 138-78
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, CA 91125
smhaile@caltech.edu
FAX: 626-395-3933

Fluent English is a requirement. For reasons of access to JPL, U.S. citizens or permanent residents are preferred. Salary will be ~ $37k/yr, depending on level of experience. Full benefits are included.

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