POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW IN NEXT-GENERATION LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES

Supervisor: Dr. Karim Zaghib

Department: Chemical and Materials Engineering, Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science University: Concordia University, Montreal, Canada Start Date: Fall 2026 - Winter 2027 PDF Fellowship: 50K CAD per year, renewable

PROJECT OVERVIEW

We are seeking a highly motivated and accomplished Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join our advanced energy storage research program. The successful candidate will lead cutting-edge research on next-generation lithium-ion batteries, focusing on the design, fabrication, characterization, and electrochemical evaluation of advanced electrode materials and electrolytes. This position is ideal for an independent researcher with extensive expertise in battery electrochemistry and a strong publication record. The postdoctoral fellow will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams comprising materials scientists, chemists, chemical engineers, and industrial partners to develop high-performance, safe, and sustainable lithium-ion battery technologies for electric vehicles, and emerging energy applications.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Design, fabricate, and optimize lithium-ion battery electrodes, including graphite, silicon-based anodes, lithium metal anodes, LFP, NMC, LNMO, and other advanced cathode materials. Assemble and evaluate coin cells, pouch cells, and Swagelok cells under inert atmosphere using standard battery fabrication techniques. Develop and optimize electrode formulations, slurry preparation, coating, calendaring, drying, and electrode processing. Investigate electrolyte formulations, electrolyte additives, binders, conductive agents, and separator technologies.

Perform comprehensive electrochemical characterization including

Galvanostatic charge-discharge testing Cyclic voltammetry (CV) Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) Rate capability analysis GITT/PITT Differential capacity (dQ/dV) analysis Long-term cycling and calendar aging High- and low-temperature performance evaluation Analyze degradation mechanisms, capacity fading, impedance growth, and Coulombic efficiency. Conduct post-mortem characterization using advanced analytical techniques such as SEM, TEM, XRD, and Raman. Investigate SEI and CEI formation and their impact on battery performance and lifetime. Correlate electrochemical behaviour with structural and physicochemical properties of electrode materials. Develop experimental protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for battery testing and materials characterization. Mentor graduate and undergraduate students and provide technical guidance in battery research. Prepare technical reports, patents, and manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals. Present research findings at international conferences, workshops, and meetings with industrial collaborators. Collaborate effectively with academic and industrial research partners.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

PhD in Electrochemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or a closely related discipline. Extensive research experience in lithium-ion battery technology, with strong hands-on expertise in battery materials, electrode development, cell fabrication, and electrochemical testing. Demonstrated hands-on research experience with graphite anode materials, including electrode preparation, fabrication, characterization, and electrochemical performance evaluation. Strong expertise in battery electrochemistry and electrochemical characterization, including techniques such as galvanostatic charge/discharge cycling, cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), rate capability analysis, and long-term cycling. Experience with lithium-ion cell assembly and testing, such as coin cells, pouch cells, and/or other laboratory-scale cell configurations. Experience investigating battery performance and degradation mechanisms, including capacity fade, Coulombic efficiency, impedance growth, and SEI formation. Experience with materials characterization techniques such as SEM, TEM, XRD, and/or Raman spectroscopy. Strong publication record in internationally recognized peer-reviewed journals related to lithium-ion batteries, battery materials, electrochemistry, or closely related fields.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates should submit the following documents to volt-age.recruitment@concordia.ca:

Cover Letter clearly explaining the applicant’s interest in the position and alignment with the research project. Applicants are encouraged to review the research team’s recent publications and highlight relevant expertise, research achievements, and potential contributions to the project.

Academic CV including

Complete list of publications, preferably with DOI, publisher, Google Scholar, or other accessible links. Names and email addresses of three academic or professional referees. Optional supporting documents, such as patents, technical reports, certifications, or other materials demonstrating relevant research expertise.

Evidence of independent research, a strong publication record, experience in collaborative research, and demonstrated contributions to battery or electrochemical energy-storage research will be considered strong assets.

APPLICATION FORMAT

Please combine all application documents into one PDF file and submit them as a single application package.

Subject line/File name: NMG_Your name

Applications submitted as multiple separate files or with incomplete documentation may not be considered.

DATES: APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED FROM JULY 30 - AUGUST 21. INTERVIEWS START ON AUGUST 12.

For all questions, please contact Alisa Makusheva at alisa.makusheva@concordia.ca

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