In the Laboratory for Stone, Aggregates and Recycled Materials, which operates in ZAG’s largest department, Department for Materials, we are offering a position for an Asistant with Doctorate (Post-doctoral researcher). Research areas covered in the open position include 3D X-ray imaging, battery technology, material science, quantitative image processing and analysis.
The open position is a full-time job for 24 months, and requires a degree in physics, civil engineering or other similar research fields, e.g. engineering and material science. A more detailed description of the tasks can be found on the website of the Employment Service of Slovenia.
Job description
The 3D Imaging Center at ZAG is a state-of-the-art X-ray microscopy laboratory addressing research questions in geosciences, biomaterial studies, and advanced materials science. The laboratory provides two high-resolution computed tomography (CT) scanners, allowing to reach a spatial resolution up to a few hundred nanometres to apply static and dynamic in situ X-ray imaging techniques in absorption and phase-contrast modalities. A fully devoted powerful computational laboratory is available. The center is manged by a dynamic and higly-skilled multidisciplinary team.
Efficient and long-duration stationary energy storage with Lithium-ion batteries plays a key role in the transition towards a carbon-neutral economy within the booming increase of electrical vehicle market. A new generation of Zn batteries is offering sustainable, cheaper and safer technological alternative. At our institute a proposal has been recently approved for funding through an EIT Raw Materials European project. ZAG is the coordinator of a two-year project, starting in January 2024, with the main objective of designing, optimising and implementing a new generation of Zn-based rechargeable batteries. Several other institutions are involved in the project constituting a Consortium of academic and industrial partners fully covering the different technical and managerial aspects of the project idea.
The aim of this post-doctoral work is to develop a method for detecting and quantifying local information (microstructural evolution, degradation, etc.) in battery components during static (3D) and dynamic (4D) electrochemical cycling experiments under advanced laboratory X-ray microtomography.
The tests carried out as part of this project will provide in situ images of new-generation rechargeable Zn-based batteries under cycling of charge and discharge. Quantifying the 4D evolution of the electrodes microstructure and electrolite contact will represent a new advance in the field. In collaboration with the Partner institutions, these measurements will be coupled with conventional electrochemical testing and spectrochemical analyses as well as mathematical modelling will be developed in order to represent the electrodes behaviour and the interaction with electrolite and eventual chemical additives, enabling us to test different chemical environments and cycling models. The results will allow us to better understand the life cycles of Zn-based batteries under different operating conditions and at different spatial scales, and to use mathematical models to optimise battery design and performance.
How to apply?
We accept applications no later than February 5, 2024, by email to kadri@zag.si, in which please state
- registration number (PD53125),
- code (H019001) and
- job title (Asistant with doctorate).
Further information can be obtained from Lucia Mancini by telephone on 00386 70 495 598 or by e-mail lucia.mancini@zag.si.
The job is funded through the EU Research Framework Programme EIT Raw Materials (Capacity building projects, KAVA call 9).
