Postdoc in New materials for sodium ion batteries - DTU Energy

In this 2 year postdoc position you will work with synthesis and characterization of new, environmentally friendly cathode materials for sodium ion batteries. You will be the experimental part of a project where new functional materials are predicted by machine learning and computational methods.
The Department of Energy Conversion and Storage at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU Energy) invites applications for a 2-year experimental postdoc position to work on synthesis, electrochemical characterization, and structural analysis of new sodium ion battery materials. The position is part of a combined computational and experimental project where we use novel computational methods to predict new sodium intercalation cathode materials and subsequently synthesize, characterize, and test the materials with most promising properties.

Responsibilities and qualifications
The main focus of the postdoc work will be synthesis, structural characterization and determination of electrochemical properties of new and optimized cathode materials for sodium ion batteries. You will work closely with computational colleagues from DTU Energy in a project aimed at combining new computational methods and machine learning in an efficient search for new sodium ion battery cathode materials with superior performance, earth abundant elements composition, and good synthesizability. The project will focus on polyanionic materials (e.g. phosphates, silicates) with mixed transition metal content. The successful postdoc will be part of the section for Structural Analysis and Modelling and will work in close collaboration with the Autonomous Materials Discovery and Atomic Scale Materials Modelling sections at DTU Energy in an international, inspiring, and dynamic research environment.

Main duties of the position include:

• Plan and perform synthesis of inorganic materials using e.g. solid state or hydrothermal synthesis methods.
• Carry out electrochemical characterization of materials in half cells as well as in full sodium ion battery cells.
• Perform structural, thermal, and morphological characterization of the synthesized materials using powder diffraction, thermal analysis (TG, DSC), electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) etc.
• Develop and carry out in-house in situ studies (e.g. X-ray diffraction or Raman spectroscopy) of the materials synthesis to investigate synthesis mechanisms.
• Perform in situ and operando synchrotron X-ray diffraction studies of operating batteries and materials synthesis.
• Participate in developing standards and protocols for data format and sharing.
• Dissemination of the research results.

Candidates should have a PhD degree in experimental physics, chemistry, materials science or equivalent.

The core skills for the project are:

• Experience in inorganic materials synthesis.
• Experience in assembly and electrochemical characterization of rechargeable battery cells.
• Experience in structural analysis from X-ray diffraction data using Rietveld refinement.
• Excellent communication skills in English (both written and verbal)
• Ability to work independently and take responsibility for progress and quality of projects
• Ability to work in a team environment

Moreover, the successful candidate is:

• Highly motivated and enthusiastic about the research topic
• Able to work in an organized fashion, document and disseminate scientific results such as writing results in reports and publications
• Able to work with diverse colleagues working on theory and experiments

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and terms of employment
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.

The period of employment is 2 years. The expected starting date is 1/10 2024 (or according to mutual agreement).

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.
Further information
If you need further information concerning this position, please contact Professor Poul Norby at [email protected] or phone +45 21124450.

Please do not send applications to this e-mail address, instead apply online as described below.

You can read more about DTU Energy at https://www.energy.dtu.dk/

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark.

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 12 May 2024 (23:59 Danish time).
Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• Application (cover letter) – please answer the following questions:
  • Do you have documented experience with battery research?
  • Do you have documented experience with inorganic synthesis?
  • Do you have documented experience with structural analysis from diffraction data?
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
• List of publications
• At least one reference

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

DTU Energy
DTU Energy is focused on education, research, and development within functional materials and their application in sustainable energy technologies. In a sustainable energy system, a large part of the energy will be supplied by fluctuating sources such as solar and wind power. This makes it critically important to be able to convert and store the energy as needed. Our research areas include fuel and electrolysis cells, solar cells, and batteries as well as advanced filtration devices. We are ca. 250 employees. Additional information about the department can be found on http://www.energy.dtu.dk.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.

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