PDF, Dev of new porous transport layer architectures for Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis

National Research Council Canada; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 83,000 - 117,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Canadian research organization is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow to advance Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis technology. The role focuses on designing innovative Porous Transport Layer structures to improve efficiency and durability. Ideal candidates will have a PhD in relevant fields, hands-on experience in PEM systems, and a track record of peer-reviewed publications. This full-time position offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits.

Benefits

Robust pension plan

Comprehensive health and dental coverage

Career progression opportunities

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in PEM water electrolyzer or PEM fuel cells required.
• A minimum of three first-authored peer-reviewed publications required.

Responsibilities

• Collaboration with graduate students, technical officers, and machine learning scientists.
• Designing and evaluating experiments for PTLs.
• Contributing to publications supporting PEMWE component development.

Skills

hands-on experience in PEM water electrolyzer or PEM fuel cells

Knowledge of Python coding

Education

PhD in Electrochemistry

PhD in Material Science or Material Science & Technology / Engineering

PhD in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering

Job description

Tenure : Term

Duration : 2 years

Language Requirements : English

Work arrangements

• Due to the nature of the work and operational requirements, this position will require full-time physical presence at the at the NRC work location identified.

The program

The NRC’s Postdoctoral Fellowship program offers PDFs access to unique world‑class facilities and the opportunity to work alongside multi‑disciplinary teams of expert researchers and technicians on projects of critical importance to Canada. PDFs will carry out research on innovative research projects, with opportunities for career development (publications and / or industry interaction).

PDFs will be offered appointments to the staff of the National Research Council on a term basis and will be offered salaries and benefits currently available to Research Officers. Salaries commensurate with experience are taxable and subject to other deductions. As a guide, the current annual PhD recruiting rate is $83,985. In addition PDFs will be allocated a travel fund to support their work.

Project title

Hierarchical Design of Porous Transport Layers for Enhanced Performance in Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis.

The role

This project aims to advance the Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis (PEMWE) technology for the production of clean hydrogen by developing innovative PTL structures to enhance interfacial properties. In PEMWE systems, the Porous Transport Layer (PTL) plays a critical role, affecting performance, efficiency and durability, yet current PTLs are often generic, off-the-shelf components lacking tailored designs and optimized interfaces. The absence of well-engineered PTLs impedes further advancements of PEMWEs.

The successful candidate will collaborate with graduate students, technical officers, and machine learning scientists to design, evaluate and intelligently optimize PTLs with innovative structures, delivering design guidelines for next‑generation components.

The role includes designing independent in situ and ex situ experiments, mentoring short‑term studens, and contributing to publications that will support the key component development for PEMWE. This work is expected to enhance efficiency, durability, and cost‑effectiveness, while enabling component standardized manufacturing and quality control. This effort contributes to strengthen Canada’s supply chain for high‑performance PTLs and facilitate the transition to a sustainable hydrogen economy in Canada.

Education

PhD in either of the following :

• Electrochemistry
• Material Science or Material Science & Technology / Engineering
• Chemistry or Chemical Engineering

Experience

• Essential : hands‑on experience in PEM water electrolyzer or PEM fuel cells and a minimal of three first‑authored peer reviewed publications
• Asset : Knowledge of Python coding

Language requirements

English

Information on language requirements and self‑assessment tests

Condition of employment

Reliability Status

For a Reliability Status, verification of background information over a period of 5 years is required.

Who is eligible?

• Fellowships will be for two years contingent on satisfactory progress achieved during the first year.
• Candidates should have obtained a PhD (or equivalent) within the past three years (PhD received on or after July 1, 2023) or expect to complete their PhD within 6 months of appointment.
• Fellows will work in a lab under the direct supervision of an NRC researcher.
• Exceptions may be considered to recognize personal or family related leave. Please connect with us using the contact information below to discuss in more detail.

Application requirements

In order to be considered for the program please include the following in your application, please note that you will need to attach the required documents as per the list below when submitting your application. Failure to do so will result in your application being excluded from searches.

• Resume
• Statement of Interest in the project (maximum one page in length)
• PhD Transcript - an electronic copy is sufficient, it does not have to be an official version.
• List of Publications

When submitting your application you can include the required documents in any attachment field such as «Second language evaluation results» or «Other attachments»

In addition, applicants who best meet the requirements of the position will be asked to provide three letters of recommendation at a later stage of the competition process.

Compensation

The intent of this hiring action is to staff the position at the AsRO level, which is an early‑career level position with a salary range of $83,985 to $116,641. This wide range accounts for varying degrees of expertise and impact, and growth within the role.

Salary determination will be based on a thorough evaluation of the successful candidate’s prior experience. This evaluation will consider specific achievements, skills, and contributions that demonstrate the candidate’s impact and expertise. As a guide, the average starting rate for new PhD graduates entering this role is $83,985.

The NRC is committed to supporting career progression within the organization, providing access to the opportunities and resources needed for a pathway to a fulfilling career. NRC employees also enjoy a wide‑range of competitive benefits including a robust pension plan, comprehensive health and dental coverage, disability and life insurance, office closure at the end of December, and additional supports to enhance your well‑being throughout your career and beyond.

Discover the possible

Anything is possible at the NRC, named in 2025 one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, Top Employer in the National Capital Region and Forbes Canada’s Best Employers!

As Canada’s leading research and technology organization, our world‑renowned research pushes the boundaries of science and engineering to make the impossible, possible. Every day we explore new ideas through innovative research and help companies discover possibilities that impact Canada’s future and the world.

At the NRC, you’ll also discover new possibilities. Our supportive workplace fosters a culture of creativity, welcoming fresh perspectives and innovation at all levels. We value teamwork. You’ll collaborate across multiple fields and with the brightest minds to find creative solutions. Most importantly, you’ll discover what’s possible within you as you grow, make valuable contributions and progress in your professional journey. From ground‑breaking discoveries to a life‑changing career, discover your possible at the NRC.