Postdoctoral Position in Li-ion Cathode Materials
Expected Date of Employment: May 2025
Job Description:
We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher specializing in Li-ion cathode materials to join our research team. This position focuses on the development, synthesis, characterization, and optimization of advanced cathode materials for next-generation Lithium-ion batteries.
The successful candidate will contribute to fundamental research and industrial-scale implementation, working on the design of novel cathode compositions, understanding degradation mechanisms, and improving electrochemical performance. The postdoc will work with state-of-the-art facilities for materials synthesis, structural and electrochemical characterization, and in-depth performance evaluation of Li-ion cathode materials.
In addition to research activities, the candidate will be involved in collaborations with academic and industrial partners, participation in funding proposals, and mentoring graduate students.
Key Responsibilities:
- Synthesis and Processing of novel Li-ion cathode materials using solid-state synthesis, sol-gel, co-precipitation, and hydrothermal methods.
- Structural and Chemical Characterization using:
- X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD) and Rietveld refinement for phase analysis.
- Electron microscopy (SEM, TEM, EDS) for morphology and elemental distribution.
- Spectroscopic techniques (XPS, Raman, FTIR) for surface chemistry studies.
- Electrochemical Performance Evaluation:
- Galvanostatic cycling to assess capacity retention and rate capability.
- Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) to analyze charge transfer resistance.
- Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) and Galvanostatic Intermittent Titration Technique (GITT) for diffusion coefficient determination.
- Degradation Studies: Investigate structural, morphological, and interfacial degradation mechanisms to improve material stability and cycling performance.
- Scale-Up and Process Optimization: Work on improving synthesis methods for large-scale cathode material production.
- Collaborations and Knowledge Transfer:
- Work closely with industrial partners to translate lab-scale innovations into commercial applications.
- Contribute to research grant applications and proposal writing.
- Mentor PhD and Master s students in battery materials research.
Required Qualifications & Experience:
- Education:
- Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Electrochemistry, or a related field.
- PhD in Electrochemistry, Solid-State Chemistry, Materials Science, or related disciplines.
- Essential Technical Expertise:
- Proven experience in solid-state synthesis and other advanced synthesis techniques for cathode materials
- Strong knowledge of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Rietveld refinement.
- Hands-on experience with electrochemical characterization techniques (CV, EIS, GITT, galvanostatic cycling).
- Deep understanding of Li-ion battery cathode materials, including structural and interfacial properties.
- Experience in inorganic solid-state materials synthesis and characterization.
- Desirable Additional Skills:
- Knowledge of doping/coating strategies to enhance cathode performance.
- Familiarity with in-situ/operando characterization techniques.
- Experience with lithium-ion battery full-cell fabrication and testing
- Understanding of surface/interface engineering for cathode materials.
- Prior experience in co-supervision and mentoring of PhD/Master s students.
Competencies & Personal Qualities:
- Strong communication skills in English (spoken and written).
- Excellent publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Strong networking and organizational skills to facilitate collaborations.
What We Offer:
- Access to cutting-edge research facilities for battery materials development.
- Opportunities for collaboration with leading academic and industrial partners in the battery industry.
- A dynamic and innovative research environment at the forefront of energy storage materials research.
This position presents an exciting opportunity to contribute to next-generation Li-ion battery technology with a strong academic and industrial impact.
Interested candidates should apply with a detailed CV, cover letter, and relevant publications.
