Postdoc position on aging of lithium-ion batteries with silicon-graphite anodes

Empa - the place where innovation starts

Empa is the research institute for materials science and technology of the ETH Domain and conducts cutting-edge research for the benefit of industry and the well-being of society.

Empa’s Laboratory Materials for Energy Conversion focuses on materials and device innovation for sustainable energy conversion and storage technologies. We are offering a

Postdoc position on aging of lithium-ion batteries with silicon-graphite anodes

Your task is to study the influence of various operating parameters such as formation protocol, voltage range, applied pressure, temperature, etc. on the cycling stability of lithium-ion batteries based on silicon-graphite anodes. Post-mortem analysis using techniques such as electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy will be an important aspect of your work to understand how different operating conditions influence cell aging.

You will be embedded in a collaborative research project with ten partners from seven European countries. This will enable you to interact with leading European academic and industrial partners including a cell maker. Within this project, the ability to publish is not restricted. Generation of intellectual property in the form of patents is encouraged.

Our labs are fully equipped for battery research. State-of-the-art facilities include glove boxes to assemble various cell types including coin cells, pouch cells, and three-electrode cells, electrochemical characterization including battery cyclers, impedance spectroscopy, thermal analysis (TGA, DSC), Raman and FTIR spectrometers, and X-ray diffractometers (including operando cells). Access to NMR, elemental analysis (CHN, ICP-OES, etc.), advanced electron microscopy facilities (SEM, TEM, ion miller) and surface analytical tools (XPS, ToF-SIMS) is also available.

We are looking for a highly motivated team player ready to work independently in Empa's vibrant international research environment. The ideal candidate has a PhD in chemistry, materials science, physics, or related fields. Prior experience in electrochemistry and battery research is an advantage. The lab is located at Empa's main campus in Dübendorf, which is conveniently located next to Zurich, Switzerland.

For further information about the position please contact David Heusser [email protected] and visit our websites www.empa.ch/econversion and Empa-Video

We look forward to receiving your online application including a one-page letter of motivation, CV, publication list, diplomas with transcripts and two reference letters. Please upload the requested documents through our webpage. Applications via email will not be considered.

Empa, David Heusser, Human Resources, Ueberlandstrasse 129, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland.