Postdoc position on high-temperature sodium-zinc chloride batteries

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.

The 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 high-temperature sodium-zinc chloride batteries

Your task is to develop and characterize next-generation cathodes for high-temperature sodium-zinc chloride battery cells with molten sodium anode. For this, you adopt commercially available materials and concepts where appropriate, and apply latest research findings to improve state-of-the-art cell components. Using a planar high-temperature cell platform developed by our group in previous projects, you assemble battery cells and cycle them at temperatures up to 300 °C. Apart from a detailed electrochemical characterization, ex-situ techniques such as conductivity measurements of components, SEM, XRD, etc. will be important aspects of your work.

This position is embedded in a collaborative European research project, including close collaboration with other research institutions and an industry partner. This will enable you to interact with leading European partners. Publications on the topic are highly encouraged. Our laboratory is fully equipped with facilities for state-of-the-art 

• Battery materials synthesis and processing 
• structural, electrical and electrochemical materials characterization
• battery cell cyling in inert atmosphere and at high temperatures. 

You have an excellent scientific understanding of electrochemistry, coupled ideally with strong hands-on experience on high-temperature devices and materials preparation. You possess a PhD degree in materials science, chemistry, mechanical engineering or related fields. You are an open-minded and self-motivated scientist and enjoy developing innovative ideas in an interdisciplinary research team. Good communication, presentation, and publication writing skills in English are a requirement. You will be working in a young international research team consisting of material scientists, chemists, physicists, and engineers. The lab is located at Empa's main campus in Dübendorf, which is conveniently located next to Zurich, Switzerland.