Post-doctoral - Hard Carbon Synthesis for Energy Storage

KAUST; Jeddah; On-site; SAR 210,000 - 270,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive tax-free salary

Free on-campus housing

22 days of annual vacation

Additional benefits

Job summary

KAUST CREST is seeking postdoctoral researchers in the Physical Science and Engineering Division to develop hard carbon materials for energy storage. You will synthesize carbon from bio-based and non-bio-based precursors and optimize processes, with detailed characterizations using XRD, SEM, TEM, Raman, BET, and electrochemical testing.

Collaboration across chemistry, materials science and engineering is expected.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field with a focus on carbon materials or energy storage.
• Strong experience in synthesis of hard carbon materials from bio-based or non-bio-based precursors; proficiency in XRD, SEM, TEM, Raman, BET and electrochemical testing.
• Ability to design and conduct experiments, analyze data, and interpret results effectively.
• Strong track record of publishing in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams and communicate across scientific backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize hard carbon synthesis processes using bio-based and non-bio-based precursors.
• Explore methods to enhance material properties for energy storage and emerging technologies.
• Characterize synthesized materials with structural, chemical and electrochemical analyses (XRD, SEM, TEM, Raman, BET, electrochemical testing).
• Collaborate with chemists, material scientists, and engineers.
• Manage day-to-day research activities, including experiment design, execution, and troubleshooting.
• Publish findings in high-impact journals and present at international conferences.

Skills

Hard carbon synthesis

Experiment design

Team collaboration

Energy storage knowledge

Research publication

Education

Ph.D. in Materials Science or related field

Tools

XRD

SEM

TEM

Raman spectroscopy

BET analysis

Electrochemical testing

Job description

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology: Postdoc Positions: Physical Science and Engineering Division (postdoc): Material Science and Engineering (postdoc)

Location

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)

Open Date

Jan 19, 2025

Description

We are seeking postdoctoral researchers with expertise in hard carbon synthesis for energy storage applications. This position focuses on developing hard carbon materials derived from bio-based or non-bio-based sources, with applications in energy storage and other emerging technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize hard carbon synthesis processes using bio-based and non-bio-based precursors.
• Explore innovative methods to enhance material properties for energy storage applications and other emerging technologies.
• Conduct detailed structural, chemical, and electrochemical characterizations of synthesized hard carbon materials. Analyze material performance using advanced techniques such as XRD, SEM, TEM, BET, Raman spectroscopy, and electrochemical testing.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including chemists, material scientists, and engineers.
• Manage day-to-day research activities, including experiment design, execution, and troubleshooting.
• Publish research findings in high-impact journals and present at international conferences.

Compensation Package

• Competitive tax-free salary
• Free on-campus housing
• 22 days of annual vacation
• Additional benefits

About CREST

The Center for Renewable Energy and Storage Technologies (CREST) at KAUST aims to develop renewable energy and storage technologies that help Saudi Arabia achieve its environmental and economic goals. Through strategic partnerships, cutting‑edge research, and workforce training, the center will spearhead the prototyping and eventual commercialization of renewable energy and storage solutions that secure the Kingdom’s industrial competitiveness and empower its ambition to expand into new sustainability‑centered economic sectors. CREST aims to focus on home‑grown technologies, invented at KAUST.

About KAUST

KAUST is located on the shores of the Red Sea near Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and welcomes exceptional students, researchers, and faculty from around the world. Our university is internationally diverse with over 100 nationalities living and working on campus. KAUST boasts world‑class equipment, research and recreational facilities, and computational resources. It is the leading university in citation per faculty according to the QS Rankings. Further information can be found at www.kaust.edu.sa.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field with a focus on carbon materials or energy storage.
• Strong experience in the synthesis of hard carbon materials from bio‑based or non‑bio‑based precursors. Proficiency in material characterization techniques such as XRD, SEM, TEM, Raman spectroscopy, BET analysis, and electrochemical testing.
• Demonstrated ability to design and conduct experiments, analyze data, and interpret results effectively.
• Strong track record of publishing research findings in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams and communicate effectively with team members from various scientific backgrounds.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and a passion for advancing sustainable technologies.

Application Instructions

We look forward to welcoming candidates who are eager to advance technological innovations in hard carbon materials for energy storage and other emerging technologies! If interested, please send your resume (a detailed list of publications, and the names of three references) to Prof. Husam N. Alshareef at: [e-mail].

ONLY SELECTED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED BY E-MAIL.

Application Process

This institution is using Interfolio's Faculty Search to conduct this search. Applicants to this position receive a free Dossier account and can send all application materials, including confidential letters of recommendation, free of charge.