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The Opportunity

• Contribute to developing sodium-ion batteries to support the development of opportunities for Australian industry
• Join the Battery Materials and Design (BMD) team based at Clayton, VIC
• Opportunity to enhance your career in a supportive and flexible environment 

CSIRO Early Research Career (CERC) Postdoctoral Fellowships provide opportunities to scientists and engineers who have completed their doctorate and have less than three years of relevant postdoctoral work experience. These fellowships aim to develop the next generation of future leaders of the innovation system.

CSIRO Manufacturing is developing deeper expertise in cathode synthesis and production, in particular for sodium-ion batteries, to support the development of opportunities for Australian industry. The Battery Materials and Design (BMD) team is seeking a motivated, enthusiastic Postdoctoral Fellow who has broad knowledge of a variety of cathode materials and particular experience in the synthesis and characterisation of materials designed for sodium-ion batteries. 

In this position you will conduct research that will focus on the synthesis of specific cathode materials and how the choice of pre-cursor starting materials affects the resulting properties, based on evaluations of structural, physico-chemical, and electrochemical performance of the materials produced. Feedback from the latter will guide the development of optimized synthesis parameters for each candidate cathode material.

Your duties will include:

• Conducting synthesis of a range of sodium-ion cathode materials.
• Conducting physicochemical characterisation of the materials.
• Performing device fabrication, as coin-cells and in three-electrode cells. 
• Evaluating cathode performance through coin-cell testing and reporting of the results.  
• Identifying pre- and post-service characterisation of materials and battery cells to identify problems and propose potential solutions. 
• Maintaining accurate and up-to-date records for track and tracing purposes. 
• Being able to work independently, as well as collaboratively within the team environment, to deliver tasks in timely manner to internal and external stakeholders.

Location:  Clayton, VIC 

Salary:  AU$92k - AU$101k plus up to 15.4% superannuation

Tenure:  Specified term of 3 years

Reference:  95824

To be considered you will need:

Essential

• A doctorate (or will shortly satisfy the requirements of a PhD) in a relevant discipline area, such as Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science or Materials Engineering. Please note: To be eligible for this role you must have no more than 3 years (full-time equivalent) of postdoctoral research experience.
• Demonstrable experience in the synthesis and characterisation of sodium-ion battery cathode materials.
• Deep understanding of the relationships between composition, processing, and performance for sodium-ion or lithium-ion cathode materials.
• Expertise in the use of gloveboxes and battery testing equipment.
• Computer literacy and familiarity with MS Office Applications as well as other graphing packages such as Origin.

Desirable

• Demonstrated proficiency in the use of X-ray characterization techniques, including powder diffraction analysis, photoelectron spectroscopy, fluorescence analysis.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the use of electron beam characterization techniques, including scanning electron microscopies, X-ray spectrometries, electron diffraction.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the use of analytical/characterization techniques, including those based on ICP, electroanalytical methods, NMR spectroscopy, Thermal analysis (DSC, etc.). 
• Working knowledge of computational chemistry packages and their application to issues affecting lithium-ion/sodium-ion cathode materials.
   

For full details about this role please view the Position Description

Eligibility

Applications for this position are open to Australian/New Zealand Citizens, Australian Permanent Residents or Australian Temporary Residents, currently residing in Australia, with an existing valid visa with unrestricted work rights for the duration of the term (at least until mid-2027).  Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.

Flexible Working Arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. 

Diversity and Inclusion

We are working hard to recruit people representing the diversity across our society, and ensure that all our people feel supported to do their best work and feel empowered to let their ideas flourish. 

About CSIRO

At CSIRO Australia's national science agency, we solve the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. We put the safety and wellbeing of our people above all else and earn trust everywhere because we only deal in facts. We collaborate widely and generously and deliver solutions with real impact. 

CSIRO is committed to values-based leadership to inspire performance and unlock the potential of our people.

Join us and start creating tomorrow today!

How to Apply

Please apply on-line and provide a cover letter and CV that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.

Applications Close

19 March 2024, 11:00pm AEDT