Postdoc Position on Analytics of Lithium-ion Batteries

Postdoc Position on Analytics of Lithium-ion Batteries

Empa - Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology

Dübendorf, Switzerland

Your tasks

• Development of a measurement cell for the online detection of transition metal ions, fluorides, and hydrofluoric acid in the electrolyte of lithium-ion batteries, as well as investigating the potential adsorption behavior of transition metals on the negative electrode;
• Development of an online measurement approach integrating ICP MS, ion selective electrode sensing, and ion chromatography to analyze the release of transition metal ions from the cathode into the electrolyte, as well as the formation of fluoride and hydrofluoric acid species during battery operation;
• Coupling of the individual online measurement techniques and development of an appropriate control procedure;
• Maintenance of processing and characterization equipment related to battery research;
• Close collaboration with a team of chemists, materials scientists, and analytical experts;
• Integration of functionalized separators developed by project partners into full cells;
• Support in supervising students (PhD, master’s, bachelor’s, interns, etc.);
• Support for internal and external researchers (equipment, processes, expertise, etc.);
• Writing scientific publications in peer reviewed journals;
• Presenting at national and international conferences;
• Contributing to project deliverables, milestones, and reports;
• Contributing to future projects.

Your profile

• Bachelor’s/Master’s and PhD in Chemistry preferred;
• Optional Bachelor’s/Master’s and PhD in related disciplines such as Materials Science;
• Background in analytical chemistry, battery research, and/or electrochemistry preferred;
• Enjoy working in an interdisciplinary team and motivated to publish impactful research results;
• Good command of English, spoken and written, required; basic German is an advantage.