IMDEA Energy is opening a Predoctoral Researcher Positionfor the Electrochemical Processes Unit, within the framework of the regional consortium MADBAT, looking for talented and motivated candidates will address the formulation of battery‑grade electrolytes, electrode-electrolyte interphase science (SEI/CEI), and advanced high‑throughput electrochemical characterization, with strong focus on Scanning Droplet Cell (SDC) methodologies. The doctoral project will focus on Li‑ion cells pairing polymeric redox cathodes with graphite/Si‑graphite anodes, covering electrolyte formulation and screening , quantitative analysis of interphases, and validation in coin‑ and pouch‑cell prototypes.

The requirements are as follows:

Tasks Description:

• Formulate and screening of electrolytes (solvents, lithium salts, and additives) compatible with polymer cathodes and graphite/Si‑graphite anodes; define formation protocols and electrochemical windows.
• Map electrolyte/cathode compatibility and kinetics using high‑throughput Scanning Droplet Cell (SDC); develop standard operating procedures and data pipelines for SDC workflows.
• Quantify SEI/CEI formation and evolution via CV/GCD/EIS/GITT/dQdV.
• Assist in operando/ in situ characterisation (e.g., FTIR, XRD, Raman) to correlate structure–property–performance.
• Fabricate electrodes (buckypapers and cast films), assemble three‑electrode half‑cells and two‑electrode full cells (coin and pouch) and benchmark KPIs under controlled temperature and protocols.
• Contribute to modelling/parameter extraction (diffusion coefficients, charge‑transfer kinetics, transport numbers) to support cell‑scale models.
• Prepare technical reports, scientific publications and presentations; contribute to dissemination, IP scouting, and lab safety/QA procedures; provide occasional supervision of MSc/UG students.

Compulsory Requirements:

• Official Master degree in Chemical Engineering, Electrochemistry, Energy Engineering, Chemistry, Environmental Engineering, Physics, Industrial Engineering, Materials Engineering or similar finished in the last four years.
• Bachelor degree in Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering or similar.
• Prior training or hands‑on experience in electrochemistry.

* Include in the "academic certificate" section the academic certificates of grades for the Bachelor's and Master's degrees.

Other merits to value:

• Experience with electrolyte formulation and additive design for SEI/CEI stability.
• Experience with battery electrode materials and coin/pouch‑cell assembly.
• Experience with high‑throughput electrochemistry (e.g., SDC/micro‑reference workflows).
• Experience with operando/ in situ methods (FTIR, XRD, RAMAN).
• Hands‑on experience with data analysis (EIS fitting, parameter extraction).
• Experience in scientific writing.
• Oral and written communication skills in English.

• Adequacy of the candidate's training to the requested profile.
• Work experience related to the profile of the job position.
• Knowledge of English.
• Motivation for accomplishing high-quality research.

• Remuneration: Between 22.000€ – 25.000€ per year, depending upon qualification and expertise.

*The contract includes all the benefits of the Spanish Public Health and Social Security System.

• Contract: Predoctoral contract of a maximum duration of four years.

IMDEA Energía, Móstoles, Madrid