PhD position – “Accelerated discovery of new electrode materials” (FPI grant in ION-SELF project)

CIC energiGUNE is seeking for a motivated student to complete a PhD in Materials Science in the field of energy storage.

Project description:

• The student will join an experienced, international and multidisciplinary team, including both theoretical and experimental experts.
• His/her research project will be focused on the “Accelerated discovery of new electrode materials for Li- and Na-ion batteries, using Artificial Intelligence-aided high-throughput synthesis methods”, which will be part of a wider, public-funded, innovative project aligned with the H2020 European research strategy in the field of Electrochemical Energy Storage.
• He/she will carry out the following tasks: 
  • Synthesis of inorganic materials. The student will be able to explore several approaches, such as solid-state, hydrothermal and/or sol-gel synthesis routes, under controlled atmospheres (inert or reductive conditions, work in glove-box, etc.) and using high-throughput synthesis modules developed at CICe. He/she will also take part in the implementation of machine learning algorithms to predict the outcome of new experiments and automatize their planning.
  • Physical-chemical and structural characterization. The samples will be characterized using a large panel of techniques, including X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, chemical analyses, thermogravimetric analyses, etc.
  • Electrochemical characterization. The student will learn how to prepare electrode materials (formulation, coating) and assemble electrochemical cells (Swagelok-type and/or coin cells). He/she will perform electrochemical tests, including galvanostatic cyclings, cyclic voltamperometry, etc.
  • Study of the reaction mechanisms of the most promising candidates. Using advanced ex-situ and in-situ experiments, as well as contrasting experimental results with density functional theory (DFT) predictions.
  • Redaction of scientific publications in high-impact journals and participation to national and international conferences.

We offer the candidate to prepare his/her PhD thesis funded by a national grant (Ayudas para contratos predoctorales para la formación de doctors del Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovacion y Universidades) at CIC energiGUNE in an experienced and multidisciplinary team.

We offer a collaborative and international environment with a wide range of up-to-date facilities that will be accessible to the student, as well as a culture through which he/she will be able to share ideas, develop expertise and prepare for a scientific career in both academic and industrial sectors.

All applicants are invited to submit a cover letter, a detailed curriculum vitae and their academic records at www.cicenergigune.com. The selection process also requires to register in RUS (Registro Unificado de Solicitantes del Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación / Unified Registry of Applicants of the Ministry of Science and Innovation; https://sede.micinn.gob.es/rus/editarRegistroPrevioUsuario.mec) and apply for the FPI Ayudas Predoctorales grant associated to the project Ref. PID2019-106519RB-I00 “Automatización de la Busqueda de nuevos materiales electroactivos para baterias” at the Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación webpage (https://sede.micinn.gob.es/ayudaspredoctorales/) before 27 October 2020 11:59 am.

CIC energiGUNE is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity and the diversity of its workforce.

The selection process ends once the candidate is selected.