Postdoc Position on Inorganic Synthesis of Hydroborate Electrolytes for Solid-State Batteries

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 Inorganic Synthesis of Hydroborate Electrolytes for Solid-State Batteries

The research project focuses on the solvothermal synthesis of hydroborate-based solid electrolytes for the application in solid-state batteries. Your task is to investigate the reaction pathways and to scale up the synthesis. You will design, conduct and analyze scientific experiments in an international and interdisciplinary environment in collaboration with an industrial partner. In addition, you will be involved in scientific reporting. Generation of intellectual property in the form of patents is encouraged.

Our labs are fully equipped for electrolyte development and testing. State-of-the-art facilities include synthesis labs with a reactor for solvothermal synthesis, ball milling, fume hoods, Schlenk lines, rotary evaporator, thermal analysis (TGA, DSC), Raman and FTIR spectrometers, glove-boxes, X-ray diffractometers (including operando cells) etc. Access to NMR (including PFG-NMR), elemental analysis (ICP-OES), advanced electron microscopy facilities (SEM, TEM) and surface analytical tools (XPS, ToF-SIMS) is also available.

We are looking for a highly self-motivated team player ready to work independently in Empa’s vibrant international research environment starting in January or February 2022. The ideal candidate possesses a PhD in chemistry, materials science or related fields. Prior experience in inorganic synthesis and NMR spectroscopy is required.