MSN - Postdoctoral Position in Sodium-ion Cathode Materials

MSN - Postdoctoral Position in Sodium-ion Cathode Materials

Mohammed VI Polytechnic University is an institution oriented towards applied research and innovation with a focus on Africa.

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher specializing in Sodium-ion (Na-ion) cathode materials to join our research team. This position focuses on the design, synthesis, characterization, and optimization of advanced cathode materials for next-generation Na-ion batteries.

The successful candidate will contribute to fundamental research and industrial-scale implementation, working on the development of novel cathode compositions, understanding degradation mechanisms, and improving electrochemical performance. The postdoc will work with state-of-the-art facilities for materials synthesis, structural and electrochemical characterization, and performance evaluation of Na-ion cathode materials.

In addition to research activities, the candidate will be involved in collaborations with academic and industrial partners, participation in funding proposals, and mentoring graduate students.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Synthesis and Processing of novel Na-ion cathode materials using solid-state synthesis, sol-gel, co-precipitation, and hydrothermal methods.
2. Structural and Chemical Characterization using:

• X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD) and Rietveld refinement for phase analysis.
• Electron microscopy (SEM, TEM, EDS) for morphology and elemental distribution.
• Spectroscopic techniques (XPS, Raman, FTIR) for surface chemistry studies.

• Galvanostatic cycling to assess capacity retention and rate capability.
• Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) to analyze charge transfer resistance.
• Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) and Galvanostatic Intermittent Titration Technique (GITT) for diffusion coefficient determination.

• Work closely with industrial partners to translate lab-scale innovations into commercial applications.
• Contribute to research grant applications and proposal writing.
• Mentor PhD and Master’s students in battery materials research.

Required Qualifications & Experience:

1. Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Electrochemistry, or a related field.
• PhD in Electrochemistry, Solid-State Chemistry, Materials Science, or related disciplines.

• Proven experience in solid-state synthesis and other advanced synthesis techniques for Na-ion cathode materials.
• Strong knowledge of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Rietveld refinement.
• Hands-on experience with electrochemical characterization techniques (CV, EIS, GITT, galvanostatic cycling).
• Deep understanding of Na-ion battery cathode materials, including structural and interfacial properties.
• Experience in inorganic solid-state materials synthesis and characterization.
• Knowledge of doping/coating strategies to enhance cathode performance.
• Familiarity with in-situ/operando characterization techniques.
• Experience with sodium-ion battery full-cell fabrication and testing.
• Understanding of surface/interface engineering for cathode materials.
• Prior experience in co-supervision and mentoring of PhD/Master’s students.
• Strong communication skills in English (spoken and written).
• Excellent publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong networking and organizational skills to facilitate collaborations.

What We Offer:

• Access to cutting-edge research facilities for battery materials development.
• Opportunities for collaboration with leading academic and industrial partners in the battery industry.
• A dynamic and innovative research environment at the forefront of sodium-ion battery technology.

This position presents an exciting opportunity to contribute to next-generation Na-ion battery technology with a strong academic and industrial impact.

Interested candidates should apply with a detailed CV, cover letter, and relevant publications.