.Organisation/Company CIC energiGUNEResearch Field Chemistry » Inorganic chemistryResearcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1)Positions PhD PositionsCountry SpainApplication Deadline 31 Dec 2024 - 11:00 (Europe/Madrid)Type of Contract TemporaryJob Status Full-timeHours Per Week 40Offer Starting Date 2 Dec 2024Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programmeIs the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? NoOffer Description JOB DESCRIPTION:CIC energiGUNE is recruiting a highly motivated PhD candidate to join our cutting-edge research team. The candidate will focus on understanding the reactivity of Li metal with solid electrolytes (SEs) and engineering the SE/Li interfaces for their integration in the next generation of solid-state batteries. The solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formed between metallic Li and the SEs will be studied by Operando XPS (OpXPS), while plating Li in-situ in the vacuum analysis chamber.Besides, artificial SEI layers will be fabricated by magnetron sputtering and their effectiveness investigated by OpXPS and electrochemical methods. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to pioneering research aimed at improving battery performance and stability through advanced interface engineering, while developing beyond-state-of-the-art techniques to access interfacial phenomena difficult to probe by conventional methods.Main job functions:Optimize and develop new approaches of Operando XPS analysis to study the SEI formation and evolution on solid-state battery interfacesDevelop and optimize new artificial SEI layer concepts by magnetron sputteringConduct electrochemical tests on cells with bare and engineered interfacesCollaborate with a multidisciplinary team to integrate findings into battery design and performance improvementPublish research results in high-impact journals and present at international conferencesMinimum Requirements:Master's degree in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related fieldAnalytical and problem-solving skillsGood communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in a team environmentGood written and oral skills in EnglishBackground in surface analysis techniques, experience on battery materials and familiarity with physical vapor deposition techniques and UHV instruments will be highly valuedAdditional Information WHAT WE OFFER:We are offering a 3-year predoctoral contract and advantageous professional development opportunities with the possibility of 1 year extension based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds, and ongoing operational needs.Flexible working hours promoting work-life balance and self-organization.On-site work model with the option to telework.Professional and personal development: opportunity to attend seminars, international conferences, training courses, etc.Integrated, enthusiastic, international and multidisciplinary environment