Postdoc position on battery cell design and manufacturing

The postdoc position will be part of the large national research program NXTGEN HIGHTECH focusing on the development of the next generation of high-tech equipment. The Netherlands is an international frontrunner in ultra-precise high-tech equipment. Yet the continuity of this position is threatened by political interests and growing competition from other continents. The goal of NXTGEN HIGHTECH is to bring the Netherlands back to the top as well as contribute to solutions for major societal challenges. To achieve this, the NXTGEN HIGHTECH program is investing around €1 billion until 2030 and will, in collaboration with 330 partners, boost the Dutch economy. In the next seven years, the six key domains (agrifood, biomedical production technology, energy, composite, laser-satellite communication and semiconductors) will work hard on various smart solutions.

The postdoc position will focus on the cell design, development and advanced testing of future battery generations. As key member of our interdisciplinary team in the Battery Centre Twente, you will collaborate closely with experts from various fields to revolutionize battery technology and drive the transition towards a sustainable energy future. The position will be strongly involved in the building up of dedicated battery manufacturing (battery cell pilot line) and testing infrastructure at the University of Twente.

Key responsibilities:

• Design and optimize novel battery architectures and material systems
• Develop advanced battery testing protocols and equipment for performance characterization
• Investigate and analyze electrochemical behavior, including cycle life, capacity, and impedance
• Collaborate with materials scientists and engineers to develop next-generation battery materials
• Contribute to the development of battery management systems for enhanced performance and safety

You will be embedded in in the Battery Centre Twente and work closely together with Prof. Sebastian Thiede (Manufacturing Systems) and Prof. Mark Huijben (Nanomaterials for Energy Conversion and Storage) but also interacting with many other colleagues.

Requirements:

We are looking for a highly motivated, positive and hardworking researcher with a PhD degree related to battery design, testing or manufacturing. This should include both fundamental knowledge on underlying technologies and modelling as well as practical skills for designing/selecting and implementing relevant equipment and software. We seek candidates with good team spirit and multidisciplinary curiosity, who like to work in an internationally oriented environment where many cultures meet. Proficiency in English is a requirement.

Specific qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or a related field but with clear focus on battery technology
• Research and/or practical experience in battery design, testing or battery cell manufacturing
• Extensive knowledge of battery materials, electrochemistry, and relevant characterization techniques
• Proven track record of interdisciplinary collaboration and excellent problem-solving skills
• International experience and an established network within the battery manufacturing community are highly desirable

Salary Benefits:

The UT provides a dynamic and international environment, combining the benefits of academic research with a topic of high industrial relevance, excellent working conditions, an exciting scientific environment and a green and lively campus. Salary and conditions are in accordance with the collective labor agreement for Dutch universities. We offer

• A postdoc position for 24 months;
• Full status as an employee at the UT, including pension and health care benefits;
• Gross salary: ranging from € 3.877 to € 5.090 per month, plus holiday allowance (8%) and end-of-year bonus (8.3%);
• Excellent facilities for professional and personal development;
• Good secondary conditions, in accordance with the collective labor agreement CAO-NU for Dutch universities;
• A green campus with lots of sports facilities and an international scientific community.

40 hours per week

Drienerlolaan 5