Postdoc Position multiphysics modelling and electrochemical testing of Na-salt battery

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As part of the 30 Mio € SLDBattproject , we are looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher to design and scale up a low-cost, safe and high energy density (up to 100 Wh/kg cell-level) long-duration battery (8+ hrs of storage) using sodium chloride and (recycled) aluminum with a Na Al Cl4  electrolyte. You will work very closely with Exergy Storage , the battery developer, and another postdoctoral researcher in the PCS research group , to investigate the limiting physico-chemical phenomena inside the battery and propose design and operational strategies to overcome them.

A core feature of your work will be combining multiphysics modelling for cell design with electrochemical testing, e.g. charge-discharge cycling and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, for model parametrization and validation. By leveraging this combined experimental and modelling approach, we aim to unlock innovations allowing for cell capacities up to 4 kWh and discharge durations of up to 100 hours.

• You have a PhD in chemical engineering, chemistry, applied physics or a related field.
• You have a strong track-record and experience in physics-based modelling of batteries.
• You have experience coding in C++/Python/Julia and/or using software such as COMSOL Multiphysics.
• You have experience and/or willing to learn hands-on cell testing via electrochemical characterisation (i-V, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) and analytical techniques (SEM-EDX, XRD, IR, Raman).
• You are self-driven and able to work independently but also happy to contribute to a team effort in an enthusiastic group of scientists and engineers working on a common theme.
• You are willing to mentor PhD, Master and Bachelor researchers in the group and help out with group responsibilities.
• You are fluent in English and able to collaborate intensively with external parties from academia and industry in regular meetings and work visits.

• A full-time position for 36 months.
• Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU).
• You will receive a gross monthly salary depending on experience and qualifications from € 4.241,- to € 5.538,-.
• There are excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme.
• A minimum of 232 leave hours in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours. A full-time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis.
• Free access to sports facilities on campus.
• A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid).
• Excellent career support and courses for your professional and personal development.

Your application should include

• a 1 A4 page cover letter,
  emphasizing
  why you would be a good fit for the position
  ,
• a detailed CV including the name and e-mail address for at least two references, and
• a half A4 page summary of your PhD research.

An interview (or two) comprising of a scientific presentation followed by discussion will be part of the selection procedure. Following a pre-selection, short-listed candidates will likely be invited for interviews 1-2 weeks after the Final date to receive applications.

For more information and/or specific questions about the position, you are welcome to contact Dr. Aayan Banerjee (a.banerjee ). However, please do not send applications to this email address or via Linked In. They will not be taken into consideration.

You can apply via the button below.

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