Research Fellow – Solid-state Battery Interface Design (ss-bid)

• $106,194 (ALB1) per annum plus 17% Superannuation
• 3-year Fixed Term Full time Position

Job Reference: 1041331

ARC Discovery Project – Solid-State Battery Interface Design (SS-BID)

This research project aims to use the world’s best performing solid-state ion conductors to develop next generation solid-state batteries. Boron-rich electrolytes will be paired with lithium metal anodes to construct batteries that are more energy dense, safer, have wider operational temperature windows, and aim to be lower cost than existing Li-ion batteries. The current roadblock for these batteries lies in the poorly performing interfaces between anode, electrolyte and cathode. This research aims to develop new strategies to overcome these barriers and perform world-class measurement techniques to understand and optimise solid-state batteries to provide a commercially viable energy storage solution.
  
The project will be undertaken within the Hydrogen Storage Research Group (HSRG) https://research.curtin.edu.au/research-areas/energy-transition/hydrogen-storage-research-group/ and Institute for Energy Transition https://research.curtin.edu.au/ciet/ at Curtin University. There will be access to the John de Laeter Centre (JdLC) https://jdlc.curtin.edu.au/, which is Curtin’s infrastructure hub with $40M worth of instrumentation (located in same building as research team). The research team consists of multidisciplinary experts across the fields of electrochemistry, physics, chemistry, and materials characterisation. The HSRG consists of 7 research staff, over 12 PhD students, and undergraduates working on diverse projects across the field of energy storage.
  
Your new role

An exciting opportunity exists for a postdoctoral researcher to join our multidisciplinary team to work on this existing project and to expand our expertise in the field of batteries.
  
In this role you will:

• Conduct high-quality research in solid-state batteries with other team members.
• Develop new strategies and solution for commercially viable energy storage
• Participate in collaborative activities with professional bodies, industry partners, affiliated associations and the wider community.

You will require current work rights in Australia that match the tenure of this role. Only in limited situations will visa sponsorship situations be considered.
To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Associate Professor Mark Paskevicius, School of Elec Eng, Comp and Math Sci (EECMS) on [email protected].

About us
 
Curtin University offers a competitive remuneration and benefits package, a friendly and collaborative work environment, generous leave entitlements and superannuation, flexible working arrangements, and salary-packaging. Our vibrant campus includes an art gallery, gym, childcare and medical centre, and endless food options including a supermarket.
  
For more information about our university, please visit www.curtin.edu.au
  
Join us!

Please provide a cover letter, your CV and separate document addressing the selection criteria (noted below) to allow us to assess your suitability for this role.
  
Selection criteria:  

• A doctoral qualification in Chemistry, Physics, or Engineering, or related area.
• Have expertise in electrochemistry, battery construction, testing and design, ideally solid-state.
• A strong Chemical synthesis using inert atmosphere (Schlenk) techniques.
• Experience in Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), focussed ion beam (FIB) and time of flight mass spectroscopy (TOF-SIMS).
• Knowledge about in-operando characterisation techniques.
• Familiar with X-ray diffraction and other materials characterisation techniques.

To view a copy of the generic Academic Role Statement, please copy and paste the following link into your web browser.
  
https://cloudstor.aarnet.edu.au/plus/s/60UVBjEANhPCs7K
  
Applications close: 9PM AWST, Wednesday 29th March 2023.

Applicants should note that prior to appointment, you will need to have a current National Police Records check, undergo character, integrity, and reference checks. Please note that this position may be subject to a WA state government vaccination mandate. If requested, you will be required to provide evidence of your vaccination status prior to employment.
  
If you have any queries in relation to this application process, please contact our careers team on 08 9266 9000 (option 3,1).

Please note we are not accepting applications from recruitment agencies at this time.