Postdoc in amorphous energy materials for next-generation batteries - DTU Energy

DTU - Technical University of Denmark; Kongens Lyngby; On-site; DKK 500,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

DTU Energy in Denmark seeks a 2-year post-doctoral researcher to investigate amorphous energy materials for next-generation batteries. You will develop an automated synthesis and testing platform and perform mechanistic studies with collaborators in an international team.

The role requires a PhD in a related field and hands-on experience with solution-based synthesis, material characterization, and electrochemistry. Strong English skills are essential.

Qualifications

• PhD required in a related field.
• Experience with solution-based synthesis and coating is an advantage.
• Hands-on materials characterization (SEM/XPS/XRD/NMR).
• Experience with electrochemistry and solid-state synthesis is advantageous.
• Ability to work independently in an international, multidisciplinary team.
• Proficiency in OriginLab or Python for data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Design and synthesize amorphous energy materials.
• Characterize materials physicochemically (thickness, conductivity, stability).
• Evaluate charge transport and electrochemical performance.
• Data analysis and joint interpretation with collaborators.

Skills

Synthesis methods

Characterization techniques

High-throughput

Electrochemistry

Solid-state chemistry

OriginLab

Python

English proficiency

Education

PhD in Chemistry/Physics/Materials Science/Engineering

Tools

SEM

XPS

XRD

NMR

Automation platforms

Job description

Job Description

We invite applications for a 2-year post-doctoral appointment at DTU Energy. The project will focus on experimental investigations of synthesis, stability, and decomposition mechanisms of amorphous electrolyte and electrode materials for beyond Li-ion batteries, with the aim to discover new solution-processable materials to enable next generation battery chemistries. The experimental work will involve the development of an automated synthesis and testing platform, in addition to mechanistic studies.

Responsibilities And Qualifications

Your primary tasks will include:

• Design and synthesis of solution-processed amorphous energy materials
• Physicochemical characterization of the resulting materials (e.g. thickness, ionic and electronic conductivity, stability, morphology)
• Evaluation of local structure, charge transport and electrochemical performance with the aim of developing material design rules
• Data analysis, joint interpretation of results with collaborators, and iterative material redesign

Qualifications

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering or a related discipline.

• Knowledge of, or hands-on experience with, solution-based synthesis (spin, spray, dip coating) and/or modification is an advantage
• Hands-on experience with one or several material characterization techniques (SEM, XPS, XRD, NMR) is an advantage
• Hands-on experience with high-throughput experimentation and/or autonomous materials discovery methods is an advantage
• Research experience with electrochemistry/electrochemical characterization techniques
• Research experience with solid-state chemistry synthesis and characterization techniques
• Strong innovative and analytical skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of an international, multidisciplinary team
• Knowledge of OriginLab, Python or other relevant plotting and presentation software
• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills

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. In addition, supplements can be negotiated in accordance with DTU’s salary structure for scientific staff: www.inside.dtu.dk/en/human-resources/during-employment/salary/salary-structures.

The period of employment is 2 years. The starting date is 1 February 2027 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time position.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information

Further information may be obtained from Professor Alex Rettie ([e-mail]), Department of Energy Conversion and Storage.

You can read more about DTU Energy at 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.

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

As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

The Department of Energy Conversion and Storage (DTU Energy) focuses on research and development of functional materials, components, and systems for sustainable energy technologies. The technologies include fuel cells, electrolysis, power-to-x, batteries, and carbon capture. The research is based on strong competences on electrochemistry, atomic scale and multi-physics modelling, autonomous materials discovery, materials processing, and structural analyses. We also focus on educating engineering students at all levels, ranging from BSc, MSc, PhD to lifelong learning students. We have 300 dedicated employees. Read more about us at www.energy.dtu.dk.

DTU - For the benefit of society since 1829

DTU is one of Europe's leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe's global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.