IMDEA Energy is opening a Postdoctoral Researcher Position for the Electrochemical Processes Unit looking for talented and motivated candidates, to join the regional MADBAT-CM consortium. The successful candidate will work on battery-grade electrolyte formulation, electrode–electrolyte interphases (SEI/CEI), and advanced high-throughput electrochemical characterization, with particular emphasis on Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy (SECM) and Scanning Droplet Cell (SDC) methodologies. The research will focus on Li-ion cells pairing polymer-based redox cathodes with graphite/Si–graphite anodes. It will encompass electrolyte formulation and screening, quantitative interphase analysis, and validation in coin- and pouch-cell prototypes.

The requirements are as follows:

Tasks Description:

• Formulate and screen electrolyte systems (solvents, lithium salts, and additives) compatible with polymer cathodes and graphite/Si–graphite anodes; define SEI-formation protocols and electrochemical operating windows.
• Install and commission the high-throughput Scanning Droplet Cell (SDC) system and take responsibility for its operation, upgrades, and routine maintenance.
• Map electrolyte–cathode compatibility and reaction kinetics using high-throughput SDC methodologies.
• Develop standard operating procedures and data-analysis pipelines for SDC workflows.
• Quantify SEI/CEI formation and evolution using CV, GCD, EIS, GITT, and dQ/dV analysis.
• Contribute to operando and in situ characterization (e.g., FTIR, XRD, and Raman spectroscopy) to establish structure–property–performance relationships.
• Fabricate electrodes (buckypapers and cast films); assemble three-electrode half-cells and two-electrode full cells in coin and pouch formats; and benchmark key performance indicators under controlled temperatures and standardized protocols.
• Perform electrochemical testing and parameter extraction—including diffusion coefficients, charge-transfer kinetics, and transport numbers—to support cell-scale models.
• Participate in project meetings and present the main research results.
• Disseminate results through high-impact scientific journals and conferences and, where appropriate, contribute to intellectual-property protection and technology-transfer activities.
• Contribute to research-proposal writing and the supervision or mentoring of undergraduate and Master's students.
• Co-supervise doctoral and visiting researchers working on related topics.

Compulsory Requirements:

• PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science or Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Electrochemistry, or a related discipline.
• Experience in electrolyte formulation and additive design aimed at SEI/CEI stabilization.
• Hands-on experience in high-throughput electrochemistry (e.g., SDC or micro-reference-electrode workflows).

Other merits to value:

• Experience with battery electrode materials and coin- and pouch-cell assembly.
• Experience with operando and in situ techniques (SECM, FTIR, XRD, and Raman spectroscopy).
• Hands-on experience in electrochemical data analysis, including EIS fitting and parameter extraction.
• A publication track record in high-throughput electrochemistry.
• Participation in European research projects.
• Experience in scientific writing.
• Good written and oral communication skills in English.

• Adequacy of the candidate's training and experience 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 40.000€ – 44.000€ per year, depending upon qualification and expertise.

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

• Contract: Until the end of the project - December 31, 2028

IMDEA Energía, Móstoles, Madrid