Postdoctoral Researcher – Improving Energy Density and Cycle Life of Si-LFP Li-ion Batteries

Job Description
The Mustain Laboratory for Electrocatalysts and Fuels (mleaf) and the Jalilvand Laboratory for Materials
Properties and Structures (LMAPS) at the University of South Carolina (USC) invite applications for a
Postdoctoral Fellow in the area of Lithium-Ion Batteries. This position is funded through an international
collaboration between USC and two other organizations. The position will provide a unique opportunity
to work as a part of a large team, managing the activities of graduate students, conducting experimental
research, interfacing intimately with theoretical researchers, and collaborating with industry.

The overall focus of this position will be the advancement of Si and LFP-based Li-ion batteries. More
specifically, the USC team will focus on electrode processing and the extraction of physical parameters
from ½-cell and full-cell experiments. Successful candidates will have significant previous experience with
high-resolution electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), elemental and compositional characterization
techniques (XRD, XRF, EDS, XPS), porosimetry measurements and Raman spectroscopy as well as
electrochemical techniques for battery evaluation such as cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic
charge/discharge, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and galvanostatic intermittent titration
technique (GITT). It is also preferred for the candidate to have previous experience with Si anodes and/or
LFP-based cathodes.

The nature of this work is fast-paced and highly collaborative. The position is available starting from
January 16, 2024 and can be renewable, upon continued funding and mutual agreement. The position is
open until filled. Applications will be reviewed starting on December 8, 2024, and be continuously as-
received until the ideal candidate is found.

Required Qualifications
• Recent Ph.D. with a thesis focused on Li-ion batteries
• Previous experience in the assembly and testing of lithium-ion battery coin cells
• Extensive experience with electrochemical data analysis
• Previous experience with materials characterization
• Excellent communication skills

Preferred Qualifications
• Previous experience with electrochemical systems modeling
• Previous experience with Si anodes
• Previous experience with LFP cathodes

Applicants should apply by emailing both Profs. William Mustain (mustainw@mailbox.sc.edu) and
Golareh Jalilvand (golareh@mailbox.sc.edu). For more information about the Mustain and Jalilvand
groups, please visit https://www.mustainlab.com and https://www.jalilvandlab.com, respectively.
Appointment Type
Restricted

Additional Information
The successful Candidate will be required to have a criminal background check.

About the University of South Carolina

We enjoy a rich history of more than 200 years of academic leadership, and we're building on that tradition.
Founded in 1801, then-South Carolina College flourished pre-Civil War, overcame postwar struggles, was
rechartered in 1906 as a university and transformed itself as a national institution in the 20th and 21st
centuries. We are located in Columbia, SC, a great city with a rich history that supports the university, Fort
Jackson and the state legislature. In 2019, Columbia was rated the 4th highest destination for millennials to
move in the U.S. It is one of only 62 universities in the U.S. designated a center of very high research
activity by the Carnegie Foundation. There is no doubt that high quality research happens here, but also
that our quality of life is very high. Additionally, the University of South Carolina has a rich history in
Electrochemistry and Electrochemical Engineering that continues today – with this position and many
others. We hope that you are as excited as we are for you to join our family!