Postdoc position on analytics of lithium-ion batteries

Materials science and technology are our passion. With our cutting-edge research, Empa's around 1,100 employees make essential contributions to the well-being of society for a future worth living. Empa is a research institution of the ETH Domain.

Our analytics center offers attractive chemical-analytical services for internal and external clients. In addition, we conduct sophisticated research projects in the field of analytics and maintain an extensive network with universities, research institutes, industry partners, and federal authorities – both nationally and internationally. The training of laboratory technicians specializing in chemistry is also based in the analytical center.

• Development of a measurement cell for the online detection of transition metal ions, fluorides, and hydrofluoric acid in the electrolyte of lithium-ion batteries, as well as investigating the potential adsorption behavior of transition metals on the negative electrode 
• Development of an online measurement approach integrating ICP MS, ion selective electrode sensing, and ion chromatography to analyze the release of transition metal ions from the cathode into the electrolyte, as well as the formation of fluoride and hydrofluoric acid species during battery operation
• Coupling of the individual online measurement techniques and development of an appropriate control procedure 
• Maintenance of processing and characterization equipment related to battery research 
• Close collaboration with a team of chemists, materials scientists, and analytical experts 
• Integration of functionalized separators developed by project partners into full cells
• Support in supervising students (PhD, master’s, bachelor’s, interns, etc.)
• Support for internal and external researchers (equipment, processes, expertise, etc.) 
• Writing scientific publications in peer reviewed journals
• Presenting at national and international conferences 
• Contributing to project deliverables, milestones, and reports
• Contributing to future projects

• Bachelor’s/Master’s and PhD in Chemistry preferred 
• Optional Bachelor’s/Master’s and PhD in related disciplines such as Materials Science 
• Background in analytical chemistry, battery research, and/or electrochemistry preferred 
• Enjoy working in an interdisciplinary team and motivated to publish impactful research results 
• Good command of English, spoken and written, required; basic German is an advantage

We offer an international and highly stimulating research environment with state‑of‑the‑art infrastructure for analytical chemistry research. Our laboratories are equipped with a comprehensive suite of analytical techniques, including, ICP‑MS and ICP‑OES for precise elemental analysis, advanced digestion methods for sample preparation, LA‑ICP‑MS for spatially resolved elemental mapping, ion chromatography for detailed analysis of ionic species and a broad range of inorganic analytical methods to support fundamental and applied battery research.

This unique combination of expertise and instrumentation enables cutting-edge investigations of battery materials, interfaces, and degradation mechanisms. The starting date is May 2026 or upon mutual agreement, and the employment contract is limited to two years. The lab is located at Empa's main campus in Dübendorf, which is conveniently located next to Zurich, Switzerland.

We live a culture of inclusion and respect. We welcome all people who are interested in innovative, sustainable and meaningful activities - that's what counts.

DavidHeusser, HR Partner