Institute of Solid-State Physics, University of Latvia, Laboratory of Energy Storage and Harvesting works to advance environmentally friendly energy storage and harvesting solutions. Our main research directions are materials for lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries, photo- and electrocatalysis and hydrogen-based energy solutions. We are currently looking for two PhD students working in our battery team, planned time of PhD defense until 31.12.2023.
Lithium-ion batteries are used everywhere – from smartphones to electrical mobility and large-scale grid storage solutions. It is not unusual for a new battery cell chemistry to be tested and optimized up to a year or more before it comes to series-production – a considerable amount of time, given the fast-paced battery market. The aim of this research project is to develop a novel testing routine for speedy characterization of lithium-ion battery electrodes and cells, utilizing current-voltage response measurements. This will be achieved through a combination of large amount of current-voltage response measurements and developing a deeper understanding of the physicochemical phenomena taking place in the battery cell, analysed by XRD, SEM, EDS and XPS.
Work Tasks
- Synthesis and structural characterization of electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries
- Assembly of lithium-ion battery cells
- Structural analysis of battery materials before, during and after charging and discharging
- Electrical measurements of mass-produced lithium-ion battery cells
- Analysis and processing of large amounts of data, presentation of results
Two positions are open – one with emphasis on structural characterization, second on electrical measurements and processing of large amounts of measurement data.
Requirements
- Master’s degree in physics, chemistry, material sciences or similar obtained by 15.08.2020.
- Basic knowledge in one of these areas and motivation to learn the rest:
structural characterization of materials, electrical measurements, batteries, analysis of large amounts of data - Preferred: basic knowledge on at least one software environment: C/C++, Python, R, Matlab
- Excellent knowledge of English
- Personal competences: ability to work independently as well as in a team, analytical thinking, self-initiative, self-motivation
We offer work in a rapidly developing, motivated team at a leading materials research center in Baltics, obtaining a PhD degree in a perspective field of research. The topic of PhD is well defined and aligns with the goals of the scientific team. Possibility to supervise bachelor’s and master’s students. Health insurance, flexible working hours, home office.
For more information: http://www.cfi.lu.lv; responsible for the vacancy: Dr. Gints Kucinskis, gints.kucinskis@cfi.lu.lv
For you application sent to gints.kucinskis@cfi.lu.lv please include your CV and diploma with transcripts.
Applications are considered on a rolling basis, deadline for candidate selection: 24.08.2020.
Start of work: from 01.10.2020.; 01.01.2021. at latest
