Advancing Autonomous Energy Networks in the North: Research and Development of Technologies for Extreme Cold Environments
Funded PhD position in Chemical and Materials Engineering
Last updated: July 30, 2025, 10:44 a.m.
Supervisory details
Supervisor: Michel Laurent Trudeau
Department: Chemical and Materials Engineering, Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science
University: Concordia University, Montreal, Canada
Start date: As soon as possible (Fall 2025) (with possibilities up to Fall 2026)
PhD Fellowship: 35K CAD per year for 4 years
Postdoc Fellowship: 50K CAD per year (renewable)
Project overview
This project focuses on creating clean, independent energy systems for remote Northern Quebec communities. The goal is to replace diesel generators with renewable energy solutions like wind, solar. The team will be working on energy storage systems (battery and hydrogen storage), intelligent power management specifically adapted to harsh winter conditions. This project will also look at electric vehicles as backup power. Indigenous communities will be involved to ensure the technologies are culturally appropriate.
Research activities
- Evaluate electrolyzer technologies for extreme cold performance, including startup behavior and energy source compatibility in Arctic conditions.
- Design and test thermal management strategies to maintain operational stability of hydrogen systems below
- -20°C, including insulation, pre-heating, and passive/active solutions.
- Investigate hydrogen storage options (compressed gas, liquid, and solid-state hydrides) and evaluate material behavior and safety under sub-zero and cryogenic conditions.
- Characterize gas tanks and regulators at temperatures below -40°C, assessing mechanical integrity, pressure retention, and regulatory compliance.
- Investigating hydrogen embrittlement of various materials.
- Studying the oxygen produced by electrolysis for enhancing biological water purification.
- Test hydrogen fuel cells with low-impedance stacks, emphasizing cold-weather mass transport performance and mitigation of voltage sag at low temperatures.
- Conduct freeze–thaw cycling and abuse testing of membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) to evaluate durability, resistance to delamination, and performance loss.
- Support microgrid installation and integration of hydrogen–battery hybrid systems, wind turbines, solar panels, and V2X EV infrastructure in remote communities.
- Collaborate on field deployment of pilot systems and assist in developing standardized technology packages and site maintenance protocols.
- Contribute to impact reporting, including technical achievements, deployment challenges, and policy recommendations focused on northern energy sovereignty and resilience.
Requirements
- Master’s or PhD degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrochemistry, or a related discipline
- Background in hydrogen energy systems, including fuel cells, electrolyzers, or hydrogen storage technologies
- Hands-on experience with thermal analysis, materials testing at low temperatures, or microscopy and characterization techniques (e.g., SEM, TEM, XRD, Raman)
- Familiarity with nanomaterials and membrane materials for energy applications
- Experience with cryogenic systems, thermal modeling, or abuse testing protocols is an asset
- Ability to work in interdisciplinary teams and participate in field testing or deployment activities
- Strong written and verbal communication skills to support technical reporting and stakeholder engagement
- Interest in contributing to energy transition projects, remote community empowerment, and sustainable infrastructure under harsh climate conditions
- Fully funded PhD and Postdoc positions with a competitive annual stipend, plus additional funding for research-related travel, northern field testing, and industry collaboration.
- Hands-on research in hydrogen storage, production and fuel cell systems tailored for cold climates, including testing under extreme environmental conditions.
- Access to specialized facilities for thermal cycling, materials testing, gas analysis, and advanced characterization (e.g., SEM, TEM, XRD, Raman) through Concordia University and national lab partnerships.
- Collaboration with leading researchers, Indigenous communities, and northern utilities on pioneering energy technologies for off-grid and remote applications.
- Structured mentorship and cross-disciplinary training in energy systems, materials science, and applied engineering, with opportunities to co-author high-impact publications and present at international conferences.
- A dynamic research environment at Concordia University in Montreal—recognized for leadership in clean energy innovation and its commitment to sustainable, community-centered development.
Please combine the following documents into a single PDF file.
- Letter of intent strongly aligned with the project and the research domain of the professor
- Academic CV
- Transcripts
- Names and contact information of 3 referees
- Publications if any
- Any other documents that might benefit your file
If you are already in Canada, or if you’re a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident, please highlight this in your communications.
Send your PDF file to volt-age.recruitment@concordia.ca with the subject North_Your name_PhD/Postdoc.
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.
Questions/contact
For all questions, please contact Alisa Makusheva at alisa.makusheva@concordia.ca.
