Laboratory Assistant (fixed-term – until May 2029, with the possibility of extension), 1 full-time position.
The Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia (ISSP UL), Laboratory of Energy Materials, invites a Laboratory Assistant (PhD student) to join the team to work on inert protective coatings and operando research of layered transition metal oxide lithium-ion and P2-type sodium-ion cathode materials. The goal of the doctoral project is to improve the cycle life and safety of sustainable battery chemistries by developing advanced coating strategies and uncovering their operational and aging mechanisms using state-of-the-art in-situ and post-mortem characterization tools.
This position is part of a national project and an international Swiss-Latvian research project (LACISE), focusing on next-generation, cobalt-free, and low-cobalt cathodes for grid-scale energy storage. The PhD candidate will join a strong laboratory of over 10 researchers dedicated exclusively to battery materials, working in close collaboration with international partners, including the use of synchrotron-based characterization techniques.
Main responsibilities:
- Development of Inert Protective Coatings
- Assist colleagues in developing inert protective coatings for battery materials
- NCM-type Li-ion battery cathodes
- P2-type Na-ion battery cathodes
- Optimization of coating thickness, composition, and synthesis methods (chemical and mechanochemical methods)
- Assessment of coating stability and its impact on electrochemical properties
- Degradation Mechanism Research and Operando Characterization
- Utilize advanced in-situ, operando, and post-mortem methods to characterize structural degradation, interfacial changes, and gas evolution
- Methods include: operando XRD, synchrotron XAS, and OEMS, complemented by XRD, SEM/TEM, XPS, ICP, and Raman spectroscopy
- Analyze the correlation between coating properties and long-term stability
- Provide feedback for iterative synthesis of improved materials
- Collaboration and Dissemination of Results
- Close collaboration with project partners (including the PSI group in Switzerland)
- Publication of results in high-impact scientific journals
- Presentation of findings at international conferences
What we expect:
- Master’s degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, Chemical Technology, or a related field
- Experience in electrochemistry or functional materials is desirable
- Prior experience in in-situ and operando characterization will be considered an advantage
- Strong motivation to conduct high-level scientific research
- Ability to work independently and effectively within an international team
- Excellent written and oral English language skills
We offer:
- A position at one of Latvia’s leading scientific institutes with international experience and high achievements
- Opportunities for professional growth and training
- Competitive and motivating salary (EUR 1,500 – 2,000 gross)
- Access to modern battery material synthesis labs, electrochemical testing infrastructure, operando equipment, and international large-scale research facilities
- A supportive, knowledgeable, and collaboration-oriented team
- The opportunity to participate in the development of next-generation sustainable battery technologies for grid-scale energy storage
- Social guarantees and health insurance
Interested candidates should contact gints.kucinskis@cfi.lu.lv with the following documents added:
- CV
- Cover Letter
- Copy of Diploma and Academic Transcripts
- Contact information for 1-2 references
