MSN - Postdoctoral Position in Sodium-ion Cathode Materials

Expected Date of Employment: May 2025

Job Description:

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher specializing in Sodium-ion (Na-ion) cathode materials to join our research team. This position focuses on the design, synthesis, characterization, and optimization of advanced cathode materials for next-generation Na-ion batteries.

The successful candidate will contribute to fundamental research and industrial-scale implementation, working on the development of novel cathode compositions, understanding degradation mechanisms, and improving electrochemical performance. The postdoc will work with state-of-the-art facilities for materials synthesis, structural and electrochemical characterization, and performance evaluation of Na-ion cathode materials.

In addition to research activities, the candidate will be involved in collaborations with academic and industrial partners, participation in funding proposals, and mentoring graduate students.

Key Responsibilities:

• Synthesis and Processing of novel Na-ion cathode materials using solid-state synthesis, sol-gel, co-precipitation, and hydrothermal methods.

• Structural and Chemical Characterization using: 

  • X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD) and Rietveld refinement for phase analysis.

  • Electron microscopy (SEM, TEM, EDS) for morphology and elemental distribution.

  • Spectroscopic techniques (XPS, Raman, FTIR) for surface chemistry studies.

• Electrochemical Performance Evaluation: 

  • Galvanostatic cycling to assess capacity retention and rate capability.

  • Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) to analyze charge transfer resistance.

  • Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) and Galvanostatic Intermittent Titration Technique (GITT) for diffusion coefficient determination.

• Degradation Studies: Investigate structural, morphological, and interfacial degradation mechanisms to improve material stability and cycling performance.

• Scale-Up and Process Optimization: Work on improving synthesis methods for large-scale Na-ion cathode material production.

• Collaborations and Knowledge Transfer: 

  • Work closely with industrial partners to translate lab-scale innovations into commercial applications.

  • Contribute to research grant applications and proposal writing.

  • Mentor PhD and Master’s students in battery materials research.

Required Qualifications & Experience:

• Education:

  • Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Electrochemistry, or a related field.

  • PhD in Electrochemistry, Solid-State Chemistry, Materials Science, or related disciplines.

• Essential Technical Expertise:

  • Proven experience in solid-state synthesis and other advanced synthesis techniques for Na-ion cathode materials.

  • Strong knowledge of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Rietveld refinement.

  • Hands-on experience with electrochemical characterization techniques (CV, EIS, GITT, galvanostatic cycling).

  • Deep understanding of Na-ion battery cathode materials, including structural and interfacial properties.

  • Experience in inorganic solid-state materials synthesis and characterization.

• Desirable Additional Skills:

  • Knowledge of doping/coating strategies to enhance cathode performance.

  • Familiarity with in-situ/operando characterization techniques.

  • Experience with sodium-ion battery full-cell fabrication and testing.

  • Understanding of surface/interface engineering for cathode materials.

  • Prior experience in co-supervision and mentoring of PhD/Master’s students.

Competencies & Personal Qualities:

• Strong communication skills in English (spoken and written).

• Excellent publication record in peer-reviewed journals.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

• Strong networking and organizational skills to facilitate collaborations.

What We Offer:

• Access to cutting-edge research facilities for battery materials development.

• Opportunities for collaboration with leading academic and industrial partners in the battery industry.

• A dynamic and innovative research environment at the forefront of sodium-ion battery technology.

This position presents an exciting opportunity to contribute to next-generation Na-ion battery technology with a strong academic and industrial impact.

Interested candidates should apply with a detailed CV, cover letter, and relevant publications.