SHORT DESCRIPTION

Postdoctoral research associate on scattering methods (WAXS/SAXS, SLS) applied to networks of nanowires to study their aggregation and macroscopic properties as electrodes and structural materials.


OTHER DETAILS

Ref. num. 2023-JV-R2-71

Post-doctoral research associate in nanowire scattering

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IMDEA Materials Institute is a public research organization founded in 2007 by Madrid’s regional government to carry out research of excellence in Material Science and Engineering by attracting talent from all over the world to work in an international and multidisciplinary environment. IMDEA Materials has grown rapidly since its foundation and currently includes more than 120 researchers from 22 nationalities and has become one of the leading research centers in materials in Europe which has received the María de Maeztu seal of excellence from the Spanish government. The research activities have been focused on the areas of materials for transport, energy, and health care and the Institute has state-of-the-art facilities for processing, characterization and simulation of advanced materials.

More information can be found at our webpage.


Description

IMDEA Materials has an immediate opening for a postdoctoral research position on scattering methods (WAXS/SAXS, SLS) applied to networks of nanowires.

The Multifunctional Nanocomposite Group has developed a method to produce macroscopic networks made of inorganic nanowires assembled from the gas phase. They are freestanding flexible sheets, similar to nanotextiles, with an irregular mesoscopic structure.

We offer a postdoctoral research position to use WAXS/SAXS and SLS scattering methods to study the formation, structure and properties of these network materials. The first objective is to apply these scattering methods to determine the 3D structure of nanowire aggregates. Once the experimental method and suitable structural descriptors are established, these will be applied to study in-situ different processes of interest, including the aggregation of nanowires in the gas phase, the mechanical deformation of network materials, and the expansion of nanotextile electrodes in battery cells.

The candidate will lead the group’s work on the use of scattering methods, including the design/procurement of instrumentation for in-situ measurements. He/she will have full access to our state-of-the-art WAXS/SAXS equipment and will be in charge of managing applications and beamtime at synchrotron facilities. The candidate will be encouraged to interact with our industrial partners and external collaborators, and to represent the research group at international conferences. He/she will also be given the opportunity to supervise undergrad/master’s students.

This postdoctoral position is part of an ERC Consolidator Grant. The project is highly multidisciplinary and will require the collaboration of the candidate with physicists, chemists, and engineers in the research group.


Requirements
  • - Demonstrated experience as advanced user of X-ray and/or light scattering methods applied to materials characterisation, preferably of inorganic solid materials.
  • - PhD in materials science, physics, inorganic chemistry or a related discipline
  • - Strong interest in experimental work is essential.
  • - Command of written and spoken English is a prerequisite.

Conditions

The position includes a full-time, two-year contract with Social Security coverage.

The expected start date is December 2023.


Applications are processed upon reception. The position might be closed once ten working days have passed since publication, so we encourage early application.

The working language of the Institute is English. Full command of the English language is required in all positions.

WHAT YOU WILL FIND AT IMDEA:

Stimulating environment where you can grow professionally.

IMDEA Materials Institute is committed to equal opportunities, diversity and the promotion of a healthy work environment and work-life balance. Female applicants are encouraged to apply to our research and technical positions. See our Gender Equality Plan here and our Code of Ethics here.

Besides on-the-job technical training, IMDEA Materials Institute is committed to training the Institute’s scientists and staff in “soft” or transversal skills. See the available training here.

Meet some of our alumni to see what it is like to work with us.