SHORT DESCRIPTION

Ph.D. position for the development of flexible Li-ion batteries and electronics for implantable medical devices (DITTCe Project)


OTHER DETAILS

Ref. num. 2023-AP_PD-RA-67

Ph.D. candidate: Development of flexible Li-ion batteries and electronics for implantable medical devices


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

A Ph.D. student position is available jointly at IMDEA Materials and CEI-UPM on developing flexible Li-ion batteries for implantable medical devices with wireless recharging functionality. The project is device-oriented and the successful candidate will work in different labs to fabricate and evaluate the composite electrodes and electrolytes in lab-scale full cells. After appropriate device optimization towards target specifications, small prototypes will be designed, fabricated, and tested in vivo for tumor treatment using electric field.

The project is multidisciplinary and collaborative in nature for which the student will be exposed to distinct scientific environments, will work in different labs to fabricate and evaluate the batteries as well as integrating them with a wire-less power transfer unit. The successful candidate will perform the design and assembly of LIB cells based on innovative flexible electrodes, and engineer electrical circuitry for wireless powering. He/she will extensively use electrochemical and electrical apparatus/techniques and will work in a very collaborative team in two distinct institutions (IMDEA Materials and CEI-UPM).

The candidate is expected to contribute to dissemination of the results in project meetings, publications in high-impact factor journals, presentation at international conferences, and engagement with industrial partners.


Requirements

Master’s and undergraduate degree in disciplines such as electronics, electrical engineering and/or electrochemistry.

Strong interest in experimental work is essential.

Previous experience on electronics, batteries, potentiostats/galvanostats and/or preparation of electrode laminates, and small battery prototypes will be positively evaluated.

Command of written and spoken English is a prerequisite.


Conditions

Screening of candidates will begin immediately. Short-listed candidates will be invited for an initial interview via Zoom, even before the closing date.

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to ensure best consideration of their application.

Employment contract with full Social Security coverage.


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.