Job description
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Li-ion batteries have great potential for large-scale mobile energy storage, as required for (hybrid) electrical vehicles, except for two crucial physical bottlenecks. First, the (dis)charge rate is too low; second, the Li-ion capacity needs to be increased while making the batteries smaller and less heavy. The most promising strategy to improve these properties appears to be reduction of the electrode crystallite particle sizes from the conventional micrometres down to nanometres. This decreases the rate-limiting Li-ion transport distances; however, the performance of nano-sized materials is also altered due to largely unexplored intrinsic changes of the material properties and the larger impact of surface phenomena. The candidate will probe these altered structure and ion dynamics of nano-sized materials using first principle modelling methods and experimental techniques such as solid state NMR, X-ray and neutron diffraction, and electrochemistry. In addition, the candidate will be involved in the synthesis of nano-structured electrode materials.
Requirements
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University Graduate
Applicants should have a strong physics or physical chemistry background, preferably in the field of Li-ion batteries, and experience with more than one of the experimental techniques mentioned.
Organization
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Delft University of Technology Applied Sciences
Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is a multifaceted institution offering education and carrying out research in the technical sciences at an internationally recognized level. Education, research and design are strongly oriented towards applicability. TU Delft develops technologies for future generations, focusing on sustainability, safety and economic vitality. At TU Delft you will work in an environment where technical sciences and society converge. TU Delft comprises eight faculties, unique laboratories, research institutes and schools.
The Department of Radiation, Radionuclides and Reactors (
www.rrr.tudelft.nl) is located in the Reactor Institute Delft (RID). The department’s common focus is nuclear radiation and reactions. Although its areas of interest are varied, from materials, sensors and instrumentation, to energy, sustainable production and health, all the department’s research is related to radiation in some way. In experimental research, extensive use is made of the research facilities of the Reactor Institute Delft as well as of large, international research facilities.The FAME section performs research on functional and structural materials aimed at practical applications. The focus is on the study of the relationships between structure, dynamics and function at the atomic and nanoscale. For this we use neutrons, positrons, X-rays, NMR, muons, Mossbauer spectroscopy and first principles modelling, at both local (RID) and international facilities.
Conditions of employment
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Estimated maximum salary per month: eur 2500 - 3000
Maximum salary amount in Euro's a month 2612
Employment basis: Temporary for specified period
Duration of the contract: Four years
Maximum hours per week: 38
Additional conditions of employment:
The successful candidate will be employed full-time by TU Delft for a fixed period of 4 years within which he or she is expected to write a dissertation leading to a doctoral degree (PhD thesis). The starting salary for a PhD is €2042 gross per month increasing to a maximum of €2612 gross per month in the fourth year.
TU Delft offers an attractive benefits package, including a flexible work week, free high-speed Internet access from home, and the option of assembling a customized compensation and benefits package (the 'IKA'). Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
Delft University of Technology strives to increase the number of women in higher academic positions; women are therefore especially encouraged to apply.
For more information about this position, please contact Dr. Ir. M. Wagemaker, phone: +31 (0)15-2783800, e-mail:m.wagemaker@tudelft.nl. For information about the application process, you are welcome to contact Mrs. N. D. Banga, phone: +31 (0)15-2786814, e-mail:
n.d.banga@tudelft.nl. To apply, please e-mail a detailed CV along with a letter of application to Mrs. Banga by March 1, 2009. When applying for this position, make sure to mention vacancy number TNWRRR08-057.
TU Delft is an equal opportunity employer.
Additional Information
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Additional information about the vacancy can be obtained from:
Dr. Ir. M. Wagemaker, for more information about the function
Telephone number: +31 (0)15-2783800
E-mail address:
m.wagemaker@tudelft.nl
Or additional information can be obtained through one of the following links.
