Postdoc position on nickel-rich NMC cathodes for lithium-ion batteries

Updated: almost 2 years ago
Deadline: The position may have been removed or expired!

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

The research project focuses on enabling nickel-rich, cobalt-less NMC cathode materials for automotive lithium-ion batteries. Your task is to develop solutions, e.g., coatings that mitigate degradation and enable aqueous slurry processing. Another aspect of the project is to improve the thermal conductivity of NMC-based electrodes to reduce heating of the battery during fast-charging. You will be embedded in the collaborative research framework of a European Horizon H2020 project. This will enable you to interact with leading European academic and industrial partners including a large 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 cathode development and testing. State-of-the-art facilities include synthesis labs with fume hoods, Schlenk lines, various synthesis reactors, e.g., for co-precipitation reactions, furnaces, sputtering and evaporation facilities, X-ray diffractometers (including operando cells), surface area and particle size analyzer, Raman and FTIR spectrometers, facilities to assemble coin cells, Swagelok cells as well as pouch cells, electrochemical characterization including battery cyclers (Arbin, Bio-Logic), impedance spectroscopy, thermal analyzer (TGA, DSC), various equipment for the characterization of electrolytes, etc. Access to advanced electron microscopy facilities (SEM, TEM), elemental characterization (ICP-OES), 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. The ideal candidate possesses a PhD in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering or related fields. Prior experience in electrochemistry and battery research is an advantage.



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