SD-25168 -PHD POSITION IN ADVANCED CORRELATIVE MICROSCOPY AND ISOTOPIC IMAGING FOR NEXT-GENERATION LI-ION BATTERIES

About this position

Fixed term contract | Belvaux | up to 48 months (14 months initial contract)

Are you passionate about research? So are we! Come and join us

The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) is a leading Research and Technology Organisation (RTO) that drives innovation for the economy and society in Luxembourg and beyond. With cutting-edge expertise in Natural, Built, Industrial environments, Space, AI, Security and defence technologies. LIST bridges scientific excellence and applied research to design solutions that address real-world challenges and create positive impact.

Do you want to know more about LIST? Check our website:

https://www.list.lu/

How will you contribute?

The PhD project will focus on the development of advanced correlative microscopy and isotopic imaging methodologies to investigate lithium transport and interfacial processes in next-generation silicon-based Li-ion battery electrodes. The candidate will contribute to the development of high-throughput FIB-SIMS workflows, building on methodologies previously developed at LIST, and will adapt innovative sample preparation strategies to preserve the complex porous structure and fragile Solid Electrolyte Interphase (SEI).

A major objective of the PhD will be to develop and optimize advanced characterization approaches, including cryogenic sample preparation and analysis, protective capping and lift-out strategies, and automated high-resolution isotopic mapping. The candidate will also contribute to the development of automated acquisition and data-processing workflows, enabling large-area, statistically representative 2D and 3D maps of lithium isotopes and SEI-related species. These datasets will provide quantitative information on lithium distribution and transport at the nanoscale and serve as inputs for predictive modelling of battery behaviour.

The doctoral researcher will work closely with experienced scientists, engineers and international project partners in a highly interdisciplinary environment combining battery science, nano-analytics, instrumentation, software development and data science. The position offers the opportunity to gain expertise in cutting-edge FIB-SIMS and correlative microscopy, electrochemical materials characterization, isotopic tracing, automated data analysis and scientific communication. The candidate will take an active role in designing and performing experiments, developing analytical methodologies, interpreting results, publishing scientific findings and presenting the work at international conferences.

Is Your profile described below? Are you our future colleague? Apply now!

Education

• Master’s degree in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, or a closely related field

• Interest in working with advanced and prototype scientific instruments

• Basic programming skills (e.g. Python) and an interest in developing automated data analysis and acquisition workflows are considered an asset

• Self-motivated, with a strong interest in science and research

• Excellent team spirit and ability to work in a multidisciplinary and international environment

Language skills

• Fluency in English both oral and written. Other relevant languages are an asset.

Your LIST benefits

• An organization with a passion for impact and strong RDI partnerships in Luxembourg and Europe that works on responsible and independent research projects

• Sustainable by design, empowering our belief that we play an essential role in paving the way to a green society

• Innovative infrastructures and exceptional labs occupying more than 5,000 square metres, including innovations in all that we do

• An environment encouraging curiosity, innovation and entrepreneurship in all areas

• Personalized learning programme to foster our staff’s soft and technical skills

• Multicultural and international work environment with more than 60 nationalities represented in our workforce

• Diverse and inclusive work environment empowering our people to fulfil their personal and professional ambitions

• Gender-friendly environment with multiple actions to attract, develop and retain women in science

• 32 days’ paid annual leave, 11 public holidays, 13-month salary, statutory health insurance

• Flexible working hours, home working policy (not remote) and access to Digital lunch vouchers

Apply online

Your application must include:

• A motivation letter oriented towards the position and detailing your experience

• A scientific CV with contact details

• Contact details of 2 references

Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by email will not be considered.

Application procedure and conditions

We kindly request applicants to provide their nationality for statistical purposes only, as part of our commitment to promoting diversity and ensuring equal opportunities in our workforce. This information will be kept confidential and will not be used for any discriminatory purposes.

LIST is dedicated to maintaining an inclusive work environment and is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to attracting, hiring, and retaining a diverse workforce. All applicants will be considered for employment without discrimination based on national origin, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, religion, age, or disability.

Applications will be continuously reviewed until the position is filled. An assessment committee will thoroughly evaluate applications, adhering to guidelines designed to ensure equal opportunities. The primary criteria for selection will be the alignment of the applicant's existing skills and expertise with the requirements mentioned above.

As part of our recruitment process, the selected candidate might be subject to a background check in accordance with applicable laws and institutional policies. Further checks and restrictions might apply to candidates in compliance with export controls requirements

PhD additional inform