PhD Position in Silicon Anode Materials

What you will do

• Conduct experiments in the interdisciplinary area of battery research at the boundary of material science, electrochemistry, physics, and engineering
• Synthesize novel electrode materials (Si nanomaterials and hybrid silicon/carbon materials) and electrolytes (aqueous, ionic-liquid, and solid-state)
• Develop and characterize new electrochemical energy storage devices (batteries and supercapacitors)
• Analyse data, maintain laboratory instruments, and implement new techniques/processes
• Foster collaboration and communication with other international partners, group members, students, and FZU staff
• Train/supervise students and other laboratory users
• Write research papers and present results at conferences

What we expect

• Master’s degree in physics, chemistry, engineering, or an equivalent combination of related education and relevant experience
• Theoretical and experimental background in nanomaterials and electrochemistry
• Previous experience with silicon synthesis, electrochemical characterization, electrode fabrication, and electrochemical cell assembly is beneficial
• Capacity to conduct research, develop innovative ideas, and drive projects forward
• Creative thinking and proactive problem-solving
• Ability to collaborate effectively with a diverse team of researchers and students
• Eager to learn and share knowledge
• Excellent communication skills
• Excellent organization and time management skills
• Good knowledge of English (written and spoken)

What we offer

• Interesting work in cutting-edge research and development of new energy storage materials and devices
• Access to state-of-the-art research facilities (plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD), atomic layer deposition (ALD), electrochemical characterization setups, battery testers, impedance spectroscopy, operando Raman spectroscopy, EQCM, and XRD, elemental analysis (XPS and EDS), advanced electron microscopy facilities (SEM and TEM), and surface analytical tools (AFM/SPM))
• A competitive salary
• Participation in multidisciplinary scientific projects
• Working in an international team and a stimulating environment
• Training and development (seminars, workshops, conferences, high-quality language courses, soft skills training)
• Support of your work-life balance – flexible work hours, work from home, extended vacations
• In-house tennis/volleyball courts, table tennis
• And many more benefits such as a Multisport card, meal allowance, kindergarten operated by the Czech Academy of Sciences

It´s good to know

• Start of employment 1st June 2024
• Full-time
• 1-year contract (possible extension up to 4 years upon mutual agreement)
• We expect applications by: 29th February 2024
• Interested candidates are invited to apply by sending the following documents to Mrs. Monika Svobodova at svobodomo [at] fzu [dot] cz. Please send us a cover letter detailing career objectives and research interests, curriculum vitae (CV) including publications, two reference letters, and transcripts of degrees/diplomas.
• For additional information, please contact Dr. Jiri Cervenka (cervenka [at] fzu [dot] cz).

We look forward to hearing from you! 

FZU – Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic is a leading public research institution based in Prague. FZU is the largest institute of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic with more than 1100 employees and focuses on basic and applied research in the field of physics. Our top researchers strive to understand and explain the basic phenomena and processes of how the world works and thus respond to the current scientific and technical challenges of our society.  

As an employer, FZU supports equal opportunities and diversity. This approach helps to foster a positive work culture and creates a supportive environment for all employees. The principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion are embedded in our policies and hiring practices, providing a solid foundation for fair selection processes.