Website Utrecht University
Job description
Postdoctoral position: electrochemical in situ electron microscopy research
Project description
Battery and fuel cell technologies are key to the energy transition; storing green power generated by sustainable energy sources such as wind and solar is becoming increasingly important. To gain insight into the electrochemical processes at the battery electrode-electrolyte interface, there is an urgent need for real-time, high-resolution direct imaging of these processes. To this end, we will perform electrochemical studies within a transmission electron microscope, which is expected to provide exciting insights.
Your work
As a postdoctoral researcher, you will perform in situ electrochemical experiments in a transmission electron microscope (TEM). While electrochemical processes are often determined by nanoscale mechanisms of action, the TEM is able to determine the morphology and crystal structure of materials with atomic-scale resolution. Utrecht University is a leader in the development of in-situ TEMs, where nanomaterials can be placed in liquid or gaseous environments, heated and biased in order to study the electrodes under real (in operando) conditions. In order to overcome current technological barriers and improve the sustainability of battery technology, there is an urgent need to investigate solid-state battery materials containing ions other than lithium. In this project we will focus on the electrochemistry of batteries containing Na, Zn and Mn ions in novel porous nanomaterials. The EM Center external link at Utrecht University has deep expertise in in-situ TEM and is equipped with very advanced microscopes and specialized liquid and gas cell electrochemical mounts. You will also have the opportunity to contribute to the development of methods for in situ electromagnetics.
You will receive training in electron microscopy and electrochemistry and have the opportunity to visit a dedicated winter/summer school. You will publish scientific papers in international peer-reviewed journals and present research results at international conferences. You will also have the opportunity to (co-)supervise a master’s or bachelor’s thesis.
offer requirements
Your qualities
You are a collaborative and enthusiastic colleague with a scientific background in chemistry or physics and experience in electron microscopy. Your experience in in situ electron microscopy or electrochemistry is welcome.
offer benefits
We offer
An exciting research environment where you will have ample opportunity to present your research ideas on topics;
A three-year postdoctoral position;
A gross salary of between €3,378 and €5,331 per month for a 38-hour workweek (salary level 10 according to the Collective Agreement on Labor in Dutch Universities (CAO NU)) if you work full time;
8% vacation pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
Pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible employment terms based on the CAO NU.
In addition to the external link employment terms set out in the CAO NU, Utrecht University offers its employees a number of its own programs and facilities. These include an external link program for professional development, a sabbatical program, an external link program for sports and cultural events, and discounts on software and other IT products. We also offer additional employee benefits through our Terms of Employment Option Model. In this way, we encourage our employees to continue to invest in their own growth. For more information, please visit Utrecht University’s external links.
To apply for this job please visit uu.nl.