Postdoc Advanced Characterization of Materials for Next Generation Battery Systems

Do you have a passion for electrochemical energy storage and experience in using advanced charcterization to understand how batteries work? Then this could be what you are looking for!

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with a strong passion for battery science and a desire to contribute to the development of next-generation energy storage systems. This position is part of the SMART-CBAT Project, funded by the Dutch National Growth Fund, which brings together leading universities, knowledge institutes, and industrial partners. The overarching aim of the program is to accelerate the transition toward circular, sustainable, and high-performance lithium-ion battery systems that can meet the demands of future energy technologies.

As a postdoc in our team, you will work at the intersection of fundamental science and applied research. Your primary focus will be on employing advanced X-ray and neutron-based characterization techniques to study the dynamic processes that occur within battery materials during operation. By conducting operando and in-situ experiments, you will unravel how electrodes and solid-state electrolytes evolve structurally and chemically over time. These insights are crucial for understanding degradation mechanisms and ultimately for designing more robust and recyclable battery systems.

We are particularly interested in candidates with prior experience in one or more of the following: the use of synchrotron X-ray or neutron scattering/diffraction methods, development of specialized cells for operando studies, and advanced data analysis of large-scale experimental datasets. Hands-on expertise in the synthesis or processing of sulfide- or halide-based solid-state electrolytes is not a strict requirement but will be considered a valuable asset, as it can broaden the scope of the project and facilitate collaborations within the consortium.

This role offers the opportunity to work in a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary environment where fundamental research is closely linked to industrial application. You will interact with leading experts in materials science, electrochemistry, and battery technology, and contribute to shaping the future of sustainable energy storage. If you are driven by curiosity, eager to work with cutting-edge experimental techniques, and enthusiastic about making a tangible impact on the energy transition, we encourage you to apply.

The Storage of Electrochemical Energy group of the Radiation Science and Technology department focusses on fundamental processes in electroceramics and next-generation batteries using experimental probes as neutron and X-ray scattering, as well as solid state NMR and computational approaches including density functional theory calculations. The direct access to these facilities and collaborative atmosphere represents a stimulating environment for research and development.

Job requirements 

• PhD degree in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related field (completed at the time of appointment)
• Proven experience with advanced X-ray and/or neutron-based characterization methods, for operando or in-situ studies and data analysis
• Strong background in battery research, with demonstrated interest in materials evolution and electrochemical systems
• Additional experience with the synthesis or processing of sulfide or halide solid-state electrolytes is desirable but not essential

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology) 

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context. 

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact! 

Faculty Applied Sciences 

With more than 1,100 employees, including 150 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,600 passionate students, the Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem. Focusing on key enabling technologies, such as quantum- and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology and materials for energy storage and conversion, our faculty aims to provide solutions to important problems of the 21st century. To that end, we educate innovative students in broad Bachelor's and specialist Master's programmes with a strong research component. Our scientists conduct ground-breaking fundamental and applied research in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Engineering Physics. We are also training the next generation of high school teachers. 

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Applied Sciences. 

Conditions of employment 

• Duration of contract is 2 years Temporary
• A job of 36-40 hours per week. 
• Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• An excellent pension scheme via the ABP. 
• The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year. 
• Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages. 
• Flexible working week. 
• Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget. 
• Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses. 
• Partially paid parental leave 
• Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program. 

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.  . 

Additional information

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Swapna Ganapathy, email: s.ganapathy@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 15 December 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV
• Motivational letter
• PhD degree

You can address your application to Marnix Wagemaker.

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest. You can find more information about this assessment on our website about knowledge security.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.