International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory Careers

Research Fellow - Synthesis and characterisation of layered materials for energy storage and conversion

Job Reference: Ref.04.24.21

Employer: International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL)

Location: Braga, Portugal

Group/Unit: Nanostructured Materials

Number of Vacancies: 1

Employment Type: Full time

Contract Duration: 18 months

Open Date for Applications: April 26th, 2024

Closing Date for Applications: May 20th, 2024, 23h00m (Lisbon Time)

Key words: #LayeredMaterials #MetalionBatteries #EnergyStorageandConversion #BeyondLi #Characterisation

Overview

The Nanostructured Materials Group is involved in investigating fundamental phenomena and dynamics at the atomic scale. We are looking for a qualified Research Fellow to join our team in the synthesis and characterisation of layered materials for energy storage and conversion under the Twinning Project on Functional Layered Materials for Advanced Applications (Funlayers) with the reference code 101079184 under the Horizon Europe Funding Framework.

The candidate will also have strong interactions with other research teams at INL such as NESC, TQN, among others in the synthesis, characterisation and fabrication of batteries. They will also actively interact and travel to Max Plank Institute-Halle and the ALBA-CELLS synchrotron facilities, partners in this project, for carrying out the tasks within the project. The work that will be carried out at INL will be complemented by stays at MPI-Halle and ALBA.

Job Duties

The job duties will be the following:

• Synthesise and fabricate battery materials for non-Li batteries;
• Characterise the materials by several electrochemical and related techniques;
• Disseminate the work in international conferences;
• Publish in high impact journals;
• Prepare technical and progress reports.

Mandatory Qualifications

Education

• PhD in Electrochemistry, Materials Science and Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or related fields.

Experience

• Experience with synthesis of battery materials particularly layered materials;
• Experience with assembling and testing of batteries including coin cells, pouch cells etc.;
• Experience with different electrochemical techniques;
• Expertise in the use of gloveboxes and battery testing equipment;
• Expertise in advanced characterisation techniques.

Other Skills

• Extensive track record of high-impact publications or patents as the first author;
• Motivation to travel and engage with partners of the project: MPI-Halle (4 months) and Alba synchrotron (2 months) for secondments in order to execute the tasks within the project.

Personal Skills

• “Hands-on” approach together with a high commitment in respecting working deadlines;
• Problem Solving ability;
• Customer orientation;
• Ability to work independently and as team player;
• Good communication skills.

Our Benefits

• Competitive salary;
• Tax benefits and other Diplomatic privileges;
• Private health insurance;
• Family allowances (according to family situation);
• Free nursery service at INL premises (subject to availability);
• Support for education fees of dependent children;
• Relocation support;
• 30 working days of annual leave.

How to Apply

The application must be in English and include the following mandatory documents:

a)     Cover letter

b)     Curriculum Vitae

c)      Academic and/or Professional diplomas

Online application instructions:

1. The application is made online by clicking the “Apply” button;
2. The candidate must complete all required sections of the online application form;
3. The candidate must submit the mandatory documents mentioned above in pdf format by including them in the “Additional files” section using the “Add portfolio” button.

Important note:

Incomplete applications including the failure to provide mandatory documents or providing inaccurate information will result in the application not being considered.

How the Selection Process works
 

A. Applications eligibility check

This stage will be carried out on the basis of the mandatory requirements, education, experience and technical skills defined for the job, as well as the validation of the mandatory documents. Only candidates who meet the eligibility criteria will move forward to the next stage.

B. CV Assessment

The Selection Committee will evaluate the eligible applications based on their CV and other submitted documents and the suitability for the position. The best ranked candidates will be shortlisted for the interview stage(s).

C. Interview(s)

The interview(s) may be done in different formats: video recording, online or onsite.

The question based interview will evaluate the match between the candidate’s profile and the requirements for the position, including the technical and personal skills. To better support this stage, the candidate may be requested to prepare a short presentation.

D. Nomination

The selected candidate will be nominated and formally offered the position, including the disclosure of the contractual conditions. 

Additional Information

Application feedback

We highly value your interest in becoming part of the INL experience and it is important for us to maintain good communications with all candidates. No matter the outcome of your application, we will always provide you with feedback.

Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Principle

INL follows a non-discrimination and equal access principle, wherefore no candidate can be privileged, benefited, impaired or deprived of any rights whatsoever, or be exempt of and duties based on any possible discriminatory issues.

The advertisement deadline may be extended at any time without previous notice in order to improve the suitability and effectiveness of the recruitment process.

About INL

The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory – INL (http://www.inl.int), is the first and only Intergovernmental Organisation in the world entirely focused on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.

It was founded under an international legal framework to perform interdisciplinary research, deploy and communicate nanotechnology for the benefit of society. INL aims to be a recognised leading global nanotechnology innovation hub.