Postdoc Development and Evaluation of Solid Electrolytes for Silicon Anodes

Do you have a passion for solid electrolyte development and advanced characterization? Then this could be what you are looking for!

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with a strong passion for battery science and a desire to contribute to the development of next-generation energy storage systems. This position is part of the Smart-Cbat project, funded by the Dutch National Growthfund, which aims to explore materials innovations for next-generation solid electrolytes, especially in combination with silicon anodes. In the Smart-Cbat project, universities collaborate with Dutch startups on several next-generation battery concepts, where the role of the universities is to provide fundamental understanding and develop novel electrolytes, strengthening the anode components developed by the startups.

As a postdoctoral researcher in our team, your primary focus will be the design, synthesis, and characterization of promising sulfide and halide-based inorganic solid electrolytes for different silicon anode technologies. Synthesis will be carried out mainly using mechanochemical methods, while characterization will involve a combination of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and X-ray/neutron scattering techniques.

We are particularly interested in candidates with prior experience in preferably all of the following areas:

• Hands-on experience in the synthesis of sulfide and halide-based inorganic solid electrolytes, including conductivity characterization using EIS.
• Hands-on experience in implementing advanced solid-state NMR experiments for the characterization of materials for battery applications.
• Experience with X-ray and/or neutron scattering techniques for material characterization.

This role offers the opportunity to work in a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary environment where fundamental research is closely linked to application. You will interact with leading experts in materials science, electrochemistry, and battery technology, and contribute to shaping the future of sustainable energy storage. If you are driven by curiosity, eager to work with cutting-edge experimental techniques, and enthusiastic about making a tangible impact on the energy transition, we encourage you to apply.

Job requirements

• PhD degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, or a closely related field (completed by the time of appointment).
• Demonstrated expertise in the synthesis of sulfide and halide-based inorganic solid electrolytes, including conductivity measurements using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS).
• Experience with advanced solid-state characterization techniques, particularly solid-state NMR and X-ray/neutron scattering techniques for the investigation of structure-property relationships in battery materials.
• Strong background in battery research, with a clear interest in electrolyte materials, interfacial phenomena, and sustainable energy storage technologies.

About TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society.

Faculty Applied Sciences

With more than 1,100 employees, including 150 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,600 passionate students, the Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem. Focusing on key enabling technologies, such as quantum- and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology and materials for energy storage and conversion, our faculty aims to provide solutions to important problems of the 21st century. Our scientists conduct ground-breaking fundamental and applied research in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Engineering Physics.

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is 1 year (temporary).
• Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• An excellent pension scheme via the ABP.
• The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year.
• Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages.
• Flexible working week.
• Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget.
• Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses.
• Partially paid parental leave.
• Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program.
• If you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job, TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible.