International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory Careers

Research Fellow – Second Life Lithium-Ion Battery

Job Reference: RRP.12.33.16.15/1

Employer: International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL)

Location: Braga, Portugal

Group/Unit: Nanofabrication, Optoelectronics, and Energy Applications

Number of Vacancies: 1

Employment Type: Full time

Contract Duration: 18 months

Open Date for Applications: April 19th, 2024

Closing Date for Applications: May 14th, 2024, 23h00m (Lisbon Time)

Key words: #lithiumionbatteries #batteries #BatteryManagementSystems #electrochemistry

Overview

NOA at INL is spearheading a transformative initiative to develop a comprehensive battery ecosystem in Portugal, Spain, and across Europe. This ambitious project, known as "New Generation Storage," represents an investment around 200 million euros with the participation of 47 partners and is set to revolutionise the battery industry. INL plays a pivotal role in this endeavor, bridging the gap between industry and research institutions throughout the entire battery value chain, from raw materials to recycling.

As NOA was the group leading the proposal and is part of the executive committee of this project, this position is at the center of this project implementation with direct connections to industry and academia, providing the candidate with a unique network and access to a diverse set of areas.

We are looking for an experienced researcher that will help in the development of two large topics: 1) electrical characterisation of batteries; 2) second life of used batteries.

Job Duties

The job duties will be the following:

• Conduct electrical measurements to assess the state of lithium-ion batteries, including capacity, impedance, voltage, and cycle life;
• Analyse test data and generate reports for battery condition assessment;
• Develop expertise in characterising the electrochemical properties of lithium-ion batteries, including charge-discharge behavior and aging mechanisms;
• Design and implement industrial procedures for the systematic testing and assessment of battery performance;
• Ensure safety protocols are in place for battery testing and handling;
• Investigate potential applications for repurposed lithium-ion batteries, identifying industries, products, or systems where these batteries can be effectively integrated;
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop innovative use cases;
• Analyse and interpret data from electrical measurements to guide decisions regarding battery utilisation and optimisation;
• Stay current with developments in battery technology and Second Life battery usage, incorporating emerging trends and technologies into the project;
• Maintain detailed records of testing procedures, results, and findings;
• Prepare reports, documentation, and presentations to convey project progress and outcomes.

Mandatory Qualifications

Education

• PhD in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a related field.

Experience and Technical Skills

• Strong understanding of lithium-ion battery technology and electrochemistry;
• Proficiency in electrical measurement techniques and instrumentation;
• Experience with data analysis and interpretation, preferably in the context of battery testing;
• Knowledge of safety protocols for working with lithium-ion batteries;
• Innovation and creativity to explore new applications for repurposed batteries.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience and Technical Skills

• Previous experience in battery research and development;
• Familiarity with battery management systems (BMS);
• Knowledge of recycling processes for lithium-ion batteries;
• Experience in project management and the ability to meet project milestones.

Personal Skills

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills;
• Ability to work independently and in a cross-functional team to collaborate effectively;
• Commitment and result driven work ethics;
• Capacity to organise the workload in a flexible way;
• Capacity to work in multidisciplinary teams;
• Pro-active spirit;
• Good understanding of state-of-the-art research and practices in the field;
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

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;

d)     Recognition of academic degrees (only academic degrees awarded by non-Portuguese higher education institutions) *

*The selected candidate(s) with an academic degree granted by a non-Portuguese higher education institution must present, for hiring purposes, the certificate of recognition of that degree(s), issued by the Portuguese Directorate General for Higher Education or by a Portuguese Public Higher Education Institution. Please consult the website of the Portuguese Directorate General for Higher Education: https://www.dges.gov.pt/en.

Online application instructions:

1. The application is made online by clicking the “Apply” button below;
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.