Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) in X-ray Computed Laminography and Diffraction for Solid-State Batteries

This position is until 31 March 2027 with the possibility of a 1-year extension.

About Us

Diamond Light Source is the UK’s national synchrotron; a huge scientific facility designed to produce very intense beams of X-rays, infrared and ultraviolet light. Our scientists use the light to study a vast range of subject matter, from new medicines and treatments for disease to innovative engineering and cutting-edge technology. Diamond is one of the most advanced scientific facilities in the world, and its pioneering capabilities and talented staff are helping to keep the UK at the forefront of scientific research.

This role sits on the DIAD beamline, a unique instrument that combines imaging and diffraction for correlative materials characterisation.

About the Role

We now have an opportunity for a postdoctoral researcher to develop and deploy coupled X-ray computed laminography and X-ray diffraction methods for non-destructive 3D analysis of solid-state battery pouch cells. The role is embedded within the Faraday Institution SOLBAT project and is focused on revealing degradation pathways in realistic cell architectures.

All-solid-state batteries are of great interest due to their potential for superior safety, longer lifetime and higher energy and power density, but key issues still limit large-scale adoption. Advanced X-ray characterization is critical to revealing degradation pathways in realistic cell formats, including void formation, contact loss and failure mechanisms that emerge during cycling and processing.

The post is primarily a methods-development role with strong application delivery into solid-state battery research. You will establish robust acquisition and reconstruction workflows, deliver quantitative 3D analysis, and help translate these methods into high-value experimental studies.

What you will do

·      Lead the development and deployment of coupled computed laminography and diffraction methods on DIAD for pouch-cell geometries, including acquisition strategy development, geometry calibration and artefact mitigation.

·      Develop and maintain reconstruction and data-processing pipelines using Python programming tools.

·      Implement quantitative 3D analysis workflows such as registration, segmentation and feature extraction to support microstructure–performance studies.

·      Work with SOLBAT partners at the University of Oxford to correlate microstructural evolution with electrochemical state-of-health, cycling conditions and failure mechanisms.

·      Contribute to in situ or operando experimental development where feasible.

·      Deliver research outputs through presentations, reports and peer-reviewed publications.

·      Contribute a clearly limited minority of time to DIAD beamline support, including relevant local-contact duties and method or instrumentation development.

This position is until 31 March 2027 with the possibility of a 1-year extension.

About You

You will hold an appropriate first degree in Physics, Engineering, Materials Science or a closely related discipline, as well as an appropriate multidisciplinary PhD

Must-have background:

·      Strong experience in X-ray imaging, tomography or closely related 3D X-ray methods.

·      Experience with reconstruction, scientific coding and image/data-processing workflows.

·      Ability to deliver an independent research project and communicate results clearly.

·      A collaborative approach suited to multidisciplinary and consortium-based work.

Helpful additional experience:

·      Computed laminography or other limited-angle imaging geometries.

·      Battery materials, electrochemistry or in situ / operando experiments.

·      Synchrotron or beamline environments.

·      Diffraction or crystallography methods, especially where integrated with imaging

Applicants do not need to meet every desirable criterion. We strongly encourage applications from candidates with X-ray imaging, tomography and scientific computing backgrounds who may be coming from adjacent research domains.

Working environment and support

You will work with DIAD scientists and the wider Diamond environment, while collaborating closely with SOLBAT partners at the University of Oxford. The post offers the chance to contribute to both method development and high-impact battery research in a nationally significant facility setting.

If have any questions or would like to have an informal conversation about the role, please feel free to call Sharif Ahmed on +44 7442 411 407 or email sharif.ahmed@diamond.ac.uk

Benefits

Diamond offers an exceptional benefits package to support staff in achieving a positive work/life balance. This includes 26 days annual leave plus Christmas closure, public holidays, 2 annual volunteering days and flexible working hours. We also offer an excellent defined benefit pension scheme. A relocation allowance may also be available where applicable.

Our campus-based location, with open green space, offers sports pitches, an outdoor gym, as well as a network of cycle, running and walking routes. Staff also have access to a range of onsite amenities including cafes, restaurants, a daycare nursery and free on-site parking.

As standard this role requires a fully onsite working arrangement

To Apply

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

Shortlisting will take place shortly after the closing date, there will be a two-stage interview process which will include a first stage online 30-minute interview then a second stage onsite interview.

The closing date for applications is Monday 4th May 2026, however, we encourage early applications as some candidates may be interviewed before this date.