Selection Procedures
J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry of the CAS announces an open competition in accordance with the Act No. 283/1992 Coll. on the Czech Academy of Sciences, and the Statutes of the Czech Academy of Sciences for a position Postdoctoral researcher on in-situ spectroelectrochemistry of advanced battery materials.
A leading research institute in Prague, Czechia, named after Nobel laureate in Chemistry, J. Heyrovsky, is looking for a postdoctoral researcher in the field of Li-ion battery research.
Type of contract: Temporary (1 year)
Job status: Full-time
Starting date: 1. 9. 2025
Link to the department's website: https://www.jh-inst.cas.cz/department/department-of-electrochemical-materials#department
Job description
We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled postdoctoral researcher to join our team in a research project focused on in-situ spectroelectrochemical investigations of advanced battery materials. The position offers the opportunity to work at the interface of electrochemistry, materials science, and spectroscopy, with a focus on two key battery technologies: silicon-based anodes for next-generation alkali-ion batteries, where the candidate will explore electrochemical processes and structural changes during cycling, and electrode materials in water-in-salt (WIS) electrolytes for aqueous battery systems, aimed at improving stability and expanding the electrochemical window.
A key focus will be on understanding the interfacial processes at the electrode–electrolyte interface, especially the formation and transformation of the solid–electrolyte interphase (SEI). These interfacial processes will be studied in both non-aqueous and aqueous systems using in-situ Raman spectroscopy and in-situ X-ray diffraction, alongside standard electrochemical techniques. This approach will help reveal how material structure and surface chemistry evolve during cycling and how they influence battery performance and lifetime.
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, or a related field
- Fundamental knowledge of electrochemistry and hands-on experience with potentiostats
- Strong background in in-situ spectroelectrochemical techniques (documented by peer-reviewed publication(s) in respected journals)
- Strong English communication skills, both spoken and written
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to work independently and in a team environment
Desirable experience and competences
- Hands-on experience with spectroscopy techniques (at least one of: Raman, FTIR, UV/Vis/NIR absorption), X-ray diffraction, battery assembly
Benefits
- 5 weeks paid leave of absence (holidays) per year + 3 days of paid sick-leave in addition to the statutory insurance
- Flexible working-time, the possibility of part-time work
- Lunch vouchers
- Subsidy for sport and cultural activities
- Recreation subsidy, recreation subsidy for children
- Possibility of attending children groups of the CAS
- Possibility to use discounts in recreation centers of the CAS
- Sports goods rental, free parking, trade union library
- Language courses
- Possibility of further education and career development by participating in courses organized by our institute.
To apply, please send your CV, full list of publications, ORCID, a motivation letter, and contacts for two references to recruitment@jh-inst.cas.cz and zuzana.vlckova@jh-inst.cas.cz, including the following text in the subject line of your email: SC2025_22 in situ spectroelectrochemistry in battery research. Note that applications with a generic motivation letter, not tailored to this position, will not be considered.
Application deadline: 08/22/2025