R1-PhD Position: Developing Next Generation All-Solid-State Battery Devices

IREC - Institut de Recerca en Energia de Catalunya; Barcelona; On-site; EUR 13,000 - 17,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

36-month PhD scholarship

Salary policy aligned to IREC

Job summary

The Nanoionics and Fuel Cells Group at IREC invites MSc graduates to join a PhD project focused on the development of next-generation all-solid-state battery devices based on earth-abundant materials. The research will explore alternatives to lithium, including sodium- and fluoride-based chemistries, with emphasis on ceramics and interfaces.

The PhD will cover synthesis, characterization, and device fabrication; a high-throughput and combinatorial approach will explore new materials spaces

Qualifications

• MSc in materials science, chemistry, physics or related fields.
• Hands-on experience in synthesis and characterization of ceramic materials or electrochemical devices.
• Interest in sustainable energy storage and alternative battery chemistries.

Responsibilities

• Synthesize and characterize functional ceramic materials.
• Investigate ionic conductors, electrode materials and interfaces.
• Fabricate and test proof-of-concept solid-state devices.
• Contribute to high-throughput structural and electrochemical studies.

Skills

Data analysis

Scientific programming

Communication skills

Independent researcher

Education

MSc in Materials Science/Materials Chemistry/Chemistry/Physics/Chemical Engineering/Energy Engineering

Tools

XRD

Electrochemical techniques

Job description

The Nanoionics and Fuel CellsGroup is seekinga motivated MSc graduate to join an ambitious PhD project focused on the development of next-generation all-solid-state battery devicesbased on sustainable and non-critical materials. The research aims to explore alternative battery chemistries beyond lithium, including emerging sodium- and fluoride-based energy storage technologies.

The PhD project will address key scientific and technological challenges in the design of ceramic solid-state batteries by combining advanced materials discovery with device engineering. The candidate will investigate novel ionic conductors, electrode materials and interfaces, with a particular emphasis on compositions relying on earth-abundant elements. The work will involve the synthesis and characterization of functional ceramic materials, the study of ion transport mechanisms, and the fabrication and testing of proof-of-concept solid-state devices.

A significant part of the research will be devoted to exploring new materials spaces using combinatorial approaches and high-throughput structural and electrochemical characterization techniques. The ultimate goal is to establish new pathways toward safer, more sustainable and scalable energy storage technologies capable of supporting the future electrification of society.

This position offersa unique opportunity to contribute to the development of disruptive batteryconcepts at the intersection of materials science, electrochemistry and solid-state ionics. The successful candidate will join a dynamic and internationally recognized research team with extensive expertise in advanced ceramic devices, electrochemical energy technologies and functional oxide materials.

We are looking for a curious, creative and proactive researcher with a strong interest in experimental science and a desire to contribute to breakthrough advances in sustainable energy storage.

Qualifications and experience required(at the momentof start):

The call is open to candidates of any nationality fulfilling the following criteria:

• Hold an MSc in Materials Science,Materials Chemistry, Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering, Energy Engineering, or related disciplines.

Preferred:

• Hands-on experience in synthesisand characterization of ceramic materials, solid-state compounds or electrochemical devices.
• Knowledge of electrochemistry, solid-state ionics, batteries, fuel cells or related energy technologies.
• Experience with structural, microstructural or electrochemical characterization techniques.
• Interest in sustainable energystorage technologies and alternative batterychemistries beyond lithium.
• Basic skills in data analysisand scientific programming.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to collaborative and interdisciplinary research environments.
• Strong communication and scientific writingskills.
• Previous research experience throughMSc projects, internships or publications is highly valued.

Personal Skills:

• Initiative in researchand innovation
• Flexibility
• Results-oriented
• Analytical and synthesiscapabilities

Offer of job position:

We offer a 36-month PhD scholarship.

Salaries will follow IREC’s salarypolicy, adjusted to the candidate’s qualifications and experience.

The expected startingdate is October-November 2026.