Postdoc Position: In-Situ Electron Microscopy of Electrochemistry

Battery and fuel cell technologies are key in the energy transition; the storage of green electricity generated through sustainable energy resources like wind and solar, is becoming increasingly important. To obtain advanced understanding of the electrochemistry taking place at the electrode-electrolyte interfaces of batteries, the direct imaging of these processes in real time and at high resolution is urgently needed. To this end, we will perform electrochemistry inside the transmission electron microscope, which is expected to provide exciting insights.

Your job

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will be conducting in-situ electrochemistry experiments in the transmission electron microscope (TEM). Electrochemical processes are typically ruled by mechanisms acting at the nanoscale, and TEM is capable of determining the morphology and crystal structure of materials at atomic scale resolution. Utrecht University is leading in the development of in-situ TEM,where nanomaterials can be placed in liquid or gas environments and subjected to heating and biasing in order to study the electrodes under realistic (in operando) conditions. To overcome current technological barriers and to enhance the sustainability of battery technology, research into solid state battery materials with ions other than Li is urgently needed. In this project, we will focus on battery electrochemistry with Na, Zn, and Mn ions in novel porous nanomaterials. The EM Centre at Utrecht University has in-depth expertise regardingin-situTEM, and is equipped with highly advanced microscopes and dedicated liquid cell and gas cell electrochemistry holders. You will also have the opportunity to contribute to method development inin-situEM.You will be trained in electron microscopy and electrochemistry, and will have the opportunity to visit specialised winter/summer schools. You are expected to consolidate the research outcomes in scientific papers that will be published in international peer-reviewed journals, and to present the results at international conferences. You will also have the opportunity to (co)supervise Master's or Bachelor's theses.

Your qualities

You are a collaborative and enthusiastic colleague with a scientific background in chemistry or physics, and with experience in electron microscopy. Experience with in-situ electron microscopy or electrochemistry is very welcome.

Our offer

• A stimulating scientific environment where you will have ample opportunity to develop your own research ideas on the topic;
• a postdoc position for three years;
• a working week of 38 hours and a gross monthly salary between €3,378 and €5,331 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale 10 under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.