Offer Description
IMDEA Energy is opening a Postdoctoral Researcher Position for the Electrochemical Processes Unit looking for talented and motivated candidates, to join the regional MADBAT-CM consortium. The successful candidate will work on battery-grade electrolyte formulation, electrode–electrolyte interphases (SEI/CEI), and advanced high-throughput electrochemical characterization, with particular emphasis on Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy (SECM) and Scanning Droplet Cell (SDC) methodologies. The…
research will focus on Li-ion cells pairing polymer-based redox cathodes with graphite/Si–graphite anodes. It will encompass electrolyte formulation and screening, quantitative interphase analysis, and validation in coin- and pouch-cell prototypes.
The requirements are as follows:
Tasks Description:
- Formulate and screen electrolyte systems (solvents, lithium salts, and additives) compatible with polymer cathodes and graphite/Si–graphite anodes; define SEI-formation protocols and electrochemical operating windows.
- Install and commission the high-throughput Scanning Droplet Cell (SDC) system and take responsibility for its operation, upgrades, and routine maintenance.
- Map electrolyte–cathode compatibility and reaction kinetics using high-throughput SDC methodologies.
- Develop standard operating procedures and data-analysis pipelines for SDC workflows.
- Quantify SEI/CEI formation and evolution using CV, GCD, EIS, GITT, and dQ/dV analysis.
- Contribute to operando and in situ characterization (e.g., FTIR, XRD, and Raman spectroscopy) to establish structure–property–performance relationships.
- Fabricate electrodes (buckypapers and cast films); assemble three-electrode half-cells and two-electrode full cells in coin and pouch formats; and benchmark key performance indicators under controlled temperatures and standardized protocols.
- Perform electrochemical testing and parameter extraction—including diffusion coefficients, charge-transfer kinetics, and transport numbers—to support cell-scale models.
- Participate in project meetings and present the main research results.
- Disseminate results through high-impact scientific journals and conferences and, where appropriate, contribute to intellectual-property protection and technology-transfer activities.
- Contribute to research-proposal writing and the supervision or mentoring of undergraduate and Master's students.
- Co-supervise doctoral and visiting researchers working on related topics.
Where to apply
Website: https://jobs.energy.imdea.org/en/offer/436
Requirements
Research Field: Engineering » Chemical engineering
Education Level: PhD or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
- PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science or Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Electrochemistry, or a related discipline.
- Experience in electrolyte formulation and additive design aimed at SEI/CEI stabilization.
- Hands-on experience in high-throughput electrochemistry (e.g., SDC or micro-reference-electrode workflows).
Specific Requirements
- Experience with battery electrode materials and coin- and pouch-cell assembly.
- Experience with operando and in situ techniques (SECM, FTIR, XRD, and Raman spectroscopy).
- Hands-on experience in electrochemical data analysis, including EIS fitting and parameter extraction.
- A publication track record in high-throughput electrochemistry.
- Participation in European research projects.
- Experience in scientific writing.
- Good written and oral communication skills in English.
Languages: ENGLISH
Research Field: Engineering » Chemical engineering
Additional Information
Benefits
- Remuneration: Between 40.000€ – 44.000€ per year, depending upon qualification and expertise.
*The contract includes all the benefits of the Spanish Public Health and Social Security System.
- Contract: Until the end of the project - December 31, 2028
Eligibility criteria
- Adequacy of the candidate's training and experience to the requested profile.
- Work experience related to the profile of the job position.
- Knowledge of English.
- Motivation for accomplishing high-quality research.
Work Location(s)
Number of offers available: 1
Company/Institute: Fundacion IMDEA Energia
Country: Spain
State/Province: Madrid
City: Madrid
Postal Code: 28935
Street: Av. Ramón de la Sagra 3, Parque Tecnológico de Móstoles, 28935, Móstoles, Madrid
Contact
State/Province: Madrid
City: Mostoles, Madrid
Website: http://www.energy.imdea.org
Street: Av. Ramón de la Sagra 3, Parque Tecnológico de Móstoles, 28935, Móstoles, Madrid
Postal Code: 28935