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

FUNDACIO INSTITU DE RECERCA EN ENERGIA DE CATALUNYA; España; On-site; EUR 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

36-month PhD scholarship

Salary policy aligned to IREC

Job summary

FUNDACIO INSTITU DE RECERCA EN ENERGIA DE CATALUNYA seeks a motivated MSc graduate to join a PhD project on next-generation all-solid-state battery devices using earth-abundant materials. The work spans synthesis, characterization, and device engineering to explore sodium- and fluoride-based energy storage options.

The project combines materials discovery with high-throughput characterization, aiming at safer, scalable energy storage.

Qualifications

• Hold an MSc in Materials Science, Materials Chemistry, Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering, Energy Engineering, or related disciplines.
• Hands-on experience in synthesis and 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 energy storage technologies and alternative battery chemistries beyond lithium.
• Basic skills in data analysis and scientific programming.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to collaborative and interdisciplinary research environments.
• Strong communication and scientific writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Synthesize and characterize functional ceramic materials for solid-state batteries.
• Investigate ion transport mechanisms and interfaces in novel electrolytes and electrodes.
• Fabricate and test proof-of-concept solid-state devices and materials libraries.
• Explore new materials spaces using combinatorial approaches and high-throughput methods.
• Contribute to interdisciplinary research at the interface of materials science and electrochemistry.

Skills

Hands-on experimentation

Electrochemistry

Materials synthesis

Characterization techniques

Data analysis

Scientific programming

Independent work

Collaborative research

Education

MSc in Materials Science

MSc in Materials Chemistry

MSc in Chemistry

MSc in Physics

MSc in Chemical Engineering

MSc in Energy Engineering

Job description

FUNDACIO INSTITU DE RECERCA EN ENERGIA DE CATALUNYA

Organisation/Company FUNDACIO INSTITU DE RECERCA EN ENERGIA DE CATALUNYA Research Field Other Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions Bachelor Positions Application Deadline 4 Nov 2026 - 10:42 (Europe/Madrid) Country Spain Type of Contract Permanent Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The Nanoionics and Fuel Cells Group is seeking a motivated MSc graduate to join an ambitious PhD project focused on the development of next-generation all-solid-state battery devices based 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 offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of disruptive battery concepts 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.

- Curriculum Vitae, specifying the completed degree and any relevant professional experience.

- BSc and MSc transcripts.

- Motivation letter explaining interest in the project and fit with the position.

Offer of job position:

We offer a 36-month PhD scholarship.
Salaries will follow IREC's salary policy, adjusted to the candidate’s qualifications and experience.

The expected starting date is October-November 2026.

Requirements

Research Field Chemistry Education Level Bachelor Degree or equivalent

Research Field Engineering Education Level Bachelor Degree or equivalent

Research Field Physics Education Level Bachelor Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

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 synthesis and 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 energy storage technologies and alternative battery chemistries beyond lithium.

Basic skills in data analysis and scientific programming.

Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to collaborative and interdisciplinary research environments.

Strong communication and scientific writing skills.

Previous research experience through MSc projects, internships or publications is highly valued.