Postdoc position on redox-targeted flow batteries

Empa

Dübendorf

On-site

CHF 90,000 - 130,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

International research environment

State-of-the-art facilities

FLOWBOOST collaboration across Europe

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Empa, a leading Swiss research institution, seeks a PhD-level scientist to develop solid booster formulations for redox-targeted flow batteries under the FLOWBOOST Horizon Europe project. You will evaluate binder systems, study charge transfer at the liquid-solid interface, and prototype booster-bed reactors using 3D printing for scalable processing.

You will apply in‑situ UV‑Vis diagnostics and advanced spectroscopy to understand mediator interactions, with a focus on translating laboratory

Qualifications

PhD in materials science, chemistry, or related field with strong publication record.
Experience in flow-cell electrochemistry and in-situ spectroscopy (UV-Vis, Raman, FTIR).
Experience with 3D printing and polymer processing is desirable.
Proficient in English; basic German is an advantage.

Responsibilities

Develop solid booster formulations with PFAS-free binders for redox-targeted flow batteries.
Explore compositions and morphologies to optimize mass transport and mediator transfer.
Prototype booster-bed reactors from mL to L scale via 3D printing.
Apply in-flow UV-Vis diagnostics to quantify mediator-booster reactivity during operation.
Validate material combinations in lab-scale flow batteries and support scale-up efforts.

Skills

Flow-cell electrochemistry

In-situ spectroscopy

English communication

German language (basic)

Education

PhD in materials science, chemistry, or related field

Tools

UV-Vis spectroscopy

Raman spectroscopy

FTIR spectroscopy

3D printing equipment

X-ray diffraction (XRD)

Impedance spectroscopy

Polymer processing equipment

Job description

Materials science and technology are our passion. With our cutting‑edge research, Empa's around 1,100 employees make essential contributions to the well‑being of society for a future worth living. Empa is a research institution of the ETH Domain.

Empa’s Laboratory Materials for Energy Conversion focuses on materials and device innovation for sustainable energy conversion and storage technologies.

The research project focuses on the development of solid electrode composites, so‑called boosters, for next‑generation redox‑targeted flow batteries. In these systems, soluble redox mediators dissolved in the electrolyte exchange charge with solid booster materials held in the storage tanks, decoupling energy density from active‑material solubility while preserving the modularity and safety of aqueous flow batteries. The performance of such batteries hinges on the solid booster formulation, morphology, and the efficiency of charge transfer between mediator and solid under continuous flow.

Your tasks

Your task is to develop solid booster formulations with PFAS‑free binders, in line with the sustainability goals of the project. You will explore compositions and pellet morphologies to optimize mass transport and reactivity with the mediator solution while maintaining mechanical stability, and characterize the thermal and chemical stability of components and formulations. You will apply in‑situ diagnostics, in particular in‑flow UV‑Vis, to quantify mediator‑booster reactivity and component dissolution during operation, developing a firm understanding of how material formulation and experimental parameters govern charge transfer at the liquid‑solid interface. To connect materials to devices, you will prototype booster‑bed reactors from mL to L scale by 3D printing and support the transfer of promising formulations toward scalable, solvent‑free processing. Material combinations will be validated in lab‑scale flow batteries, benefiting from the characterization capabilities available at Empa.

The position is embedded in the Horizon Europe project FLOWBOOST, an international consortium advancing the technology from the laboratory toward a kW‑scale prototype, offering close collaboration with academic and industrial partners across Europe.

Your profile

We are looking for a self‑motivated team player ready to work independently in Empa's vibrant international research environment. The ideal candidate holds a PhD in materials science, chemistry, or related fields, with a strong publication record. Prior experience in flow‑cell electrochemistry, in‑situ spectroscopy (UV‑Vis, Raman, FTIR), or 3D printing and polymer processing is desired. Good spoken and written English is required, and basic German is an advantage.

Our offer

Our labs are fully equipped for battery fabrication and characterization. State‑of‑the‑art facilities include synthesis labs with fume hoods, gloveboxes, various synthesis reactors and furnaces, several lab‑scale flow battery test stands, 3D printers for rapid reactor prototyping, and equipment for electrode and composite fabrication.

Analytical facilities include X‑ray diffractometers, UV‑Vis (including in‑flow configurations), Raman and FTIR spectrometers, surface area and particle size analyzers, electrochemical characterization including impedance spectroscopy, mass spectrometers, gas and liquid chromatographers, thermogravimetric analysis, elemental analysis (ICP‑OES), and a broad suite of tools for the physicochemical characterization of components. Access to advanced electron microscopy and X‑ray facilities is also available.

We live a culture of inclusion and respect. We welcome all people who are interested in innovative, sustainable and meaningful activities - that's what counts.

David Heusser, HR Partner

Questions?

Dr. David Reber

Materials for Energy Conversion

+41 58 765 4536

https://www.empa.ch/web/s501

Your future place of work

Empa
Ueberlandstrasse 129
8600 Dübendorf

Empa as an employer