PDRA - Solid State Battery Imaging

Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Oxfordshire
Full time / Flexible hours considered.
2 Years Fixed Term

About Us

Diamond Light Source is the UK’s national synchrotron science facility. By accelerating electrons to near light-speed, Diamond generates brilliant beams of light from infra-red to X-rays which are used for academic and industry research and development across a range of scientific disciplines including structural biology, physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering, earth, and environmental sciences.

About the Role

We now have an excellent opportunity for a Post-Doctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to work on solid-state battery material characterisation using X-ray imaging and computed tomography methods as part of the Faraday Institution SOLBAT project - SOLBAT - Next generation solid-state battery technology (solbat-faraday.org)

The all-solid-state battery (ASSB) is of great interest due to its potential for superior safety, longer lifetime and higher energy and power density. ASSBs would enable step changes in safety, driving range, charging time and longevity of future electric vehicles. There are however significant issues which prevent the mass adoption of ASSBs.

The SOLBAT project is tasked with understanding the limiting processes taking place in cells and using the fundamental knowledge gained to identify solutions and prioritise research which addresses these problems, such as preventing voiding and dendrite growth, minimising operating pressure and boosting performance through processing of solid electrolytes.

Advanced imaging methods such as tomography play a critical role in revealing the processes taking place in solid-state battery cells. This project will use existing and new multiscale imaging and tomography capabilities at Diamond to study all components of the cell to understand the effect of cycling conditions and processing parameters on causes of degradation, such as volume change and dendrite growth.

Further duties will include:

• Managing the day-to-day running of a research project.
• Identifying research objectives and carrying out appropriate research activities within a given timescale.
• Providing reports at SOLBAT project meetings.

Occasional UK and overseas travel will be required, as well as occasional out of hours working.

About You

Suitable candidates will hold an appropriate Science Degree and PhD, along with proven relevant experience.

You will demonstrate experience in Battery research, electrochemistry, or X-ray imaging-based material science, with a track record of peer-reviewed publications.

You will have experience of running a research project, including providing reports and demonstrating the ability to work co-operatively with colleagues with the wider project.

Any further experience or knowledge from the following areas is desirable:

• Synchrotron radiation and beamlines.
• Scientific programming in support of data collection and/or processing.
• Drafting scientific articles and disseminating research at international and/or national conferences.

Benefits

Diamond offers an exceptional benefits package to support staff in achieving a positive work/life balance. This includes 25 days annual leave plus 13 days of statutory and company holidays and 2 annual volunteering days, along with flexible working hours and an excellent pension scheme. Staff also have access to a range of amenities on site including a nursery, cafes, a restaurant and sports and leisure facilities. A relocation allowance may also be available where applicable.

To Apply

Please use the online application process to apply and tell us why you believe you are suitable for this role.

The initial closing date for applications is 10^th April, however applications will be reviewed and interviewed on an ongoing basis until this vacancy is filled.

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