The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) is a Research and Technology Organization (RTO) active in the fields of materials, environment and IT. By transforming scientific knowledge into technologies, smart data and tools, LIST empowers citizens in their choices, public authorities in their decisions and businesses in their strategies.
You ‘d like to contribute as a researcher? Join our Materials Research and Technology department
Through its research into advanced materials and processes, the “Materials Research and Technology” (MRT) department, with its 200 researchers and engineers, contributes to the emergence of enabling technologies that underpin the innovation processes of local and international industry. MRT’s activities hinge on four thematic pillars: nanomaterials and nanotechnology, scientific instrumentation and process technology, structural composites, and functional polymers.
The department also includes four high-tech platforms, focusing on composites, prototyping, characterization and testing. These platforms serve both LIST research staff, and other stakeholders in Luxembourg.
RESPONSIBILITIES
How will you contribute?
The Advanced Instrumentation for Nano-Analytics (AINA) group within the Scientific Instrumentation and Process Technology (SIPT) unit of MRT is renowned for developing innovative nano-analytical techniques for materials characterization and life science applications. Over the past few years, we have been developing in particular a Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) add-on system for the Helium Ion Microscope (HIM) and for the Focused Ion Beam Scanning Electron Microscope (FIB/SEM), allowing the advantages of high spatial resolution and high sensitivity chemical information to be combined for nano-analytics. Building on this expertise, AINA is currently valorising its research by developing correlative analytical methodologies and workflows for current and future analytical challenges.
In this context, we are launching the international project NanoLit, involving LIST and 3 additional academic and industrial partners, which aims to study lithium migration in both electrode/electrolyte interphases and the lithiated phases (SEIs) of active battery materials in order to develop specific analytical methods to improve interface engineering for future high-energy chemical energy storage systems with longer lifetimes and safer performances.
We propose monitoring the dynamics of the electrode/electrolyte interphase formation and evolution by tracking the migration of Li ions and by quantifying 6Li and 7Li isotopes trapped in the involved SEIs. This knowledge will enable us to suggest tailored interfaces/interphases or battery design features for future high-energy chemical energy storage systems in a systematic approach.
The project involves the evaluation of the analytical performance of the different techniques for isotopic analysis, the manufacturing of model electrode batteries by Plasma Vapour Deposition (PVD) and the cycling and electrochemical ageing of relevant samples. Once this work is done, the chemical and morphological composition of the SEI will be characterized, among other methods, by cutting-edge Correlative Microscopy based on Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry developed at LIST.
The candidate will work with highly skilled scientists and engineers in the dynamic environment of the MRT department. She/he will acquire highly valued skills in the battery field, as well as in working with advanced instruments for nano-analytics. The PhD student will take on the main role in the development of the methodologies, techniques and instruments mentioned above. She/he will coordinate local research efforts together with input from international project partners. The PhD student will design and perform relevant experiments, analyse and interpret the results, write scientific articles and disseminate the results at international conferences.
MUST HAVE REQUIREMENTS
Is Your profile described below? Are you our future colleague? Apply now!
You hold a Master’s degree in Materials Science, Physics or closely related fields.
You also have:
- Interest in working with prototype instruments
- Self-motivated by a passion for science and research
- Excellent team spirit
On top of this, you’re highly motivated with can do attitude. You are fluent in English. WE OFFER
Your LIST benefits
An organization with a passion for impact and strong RDI partnerships in Luxembourg and Europe that works on responsible and independent research projects;
Sustainable by design, empowering our belief that we play an essential role in paving the way to a green society;
Innovative infrastructures and exceptional labs occupying more than 5,000 square metres, including innovations such as our Viswall, high-scale incubators and top of the range 3D/4D printings that are part of our toolkit for excelling in all we do;
Multicultural and international work environment with more than 45 nationalities represented in our workforce;
Diverse and inclusive work environment empowering our people to fulfil their personal and professional ambitions;
Gender-friendly environment with multiple actions to attract, develop and retain women in science;
32 days paid annual leave, 11 public holidays, flexible working hours, 13-month salary, statutory health insurance and access to lunch vouchers;
Personalized learning programme to foster our staff’s soft and technical skills;
An environment encouraging curiosity, innovation and entrepreneurship in all areas.
Apply online
Your application must include:
- A motivation letter oriented towards the position and detailing your experience;
- A scientific CV with contact details;
- List of publications (and patents, if applicable);
- Contact details of 2 references.
Application procedure and conditions:
- LIST is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to hiring and retaining diverse personnel. We value all applicants and will consider all competent candidates for employment without regard to national origin, race, colour, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, religion, age or disability;
- Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled;
- An assessment committee will review the applications and select candidates based on guidelines that aim to ensure equal opportunities;
- The main criteria for selection will be the correspondence of the existing skills and expertise of the applicant with the requirements mentioned above.
PhD additional conditions:
- Supervisor at LIST: Jean-Nicolas Audinot
- Work location: Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), Belvaux, Luxembourg
- PhD enrolment: University of Luxembourg, Belval, Luxembourg
Candidates shall be available for starting their position in April 2022.
Please note the universities costs are at the charge of the student.
REQUIREDLANGUAGES
To be considered for this position it is crucial that you have knowledge of the following languages
- EnglishRead B2 Upper intermediateWrite B2 Upper intermediateSpeak B2 Upper intermediate
MINIMUM REQUIREDEDUCATIONMasterREQUIRED WORK EXPERIENCEIN YEARS0 or more years
DETAILSEMPLOYMENT TYPEFull-TimeCONTRACT TYPEFixed Term contractHOURS PER WEEK40CONTRACT PERIODMonthsCONTRACT DURATION48LOCATIONCOUNTRYLuxembourgCITYEsch-Sur-Alzette