Research Associate (Limited-Term)

Your Opportunity:

Prof. Oleksandr Voznyy, in the Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences at the University of Toronto Scarborough, invites applicants for the position of Research Associate (Limited Term) to conduct research on Ni-based cathode materials for Li-ion batteries.

This opportunity for a Research Associate (Limited Term) is a 1-year appointment at 90% FTE. The anticipated start date is April 1, 2025.

Job Duties:

This position focuses on industrially relevant NMC cathodes and seeks to improve them for long-term stability under high-voltage operation. The candidate will:

• Design and execute the synthesis of Ni-based cathode materials using various techniques, including hydrothermal, sol-gel, co-precipitation, microwave, ball milling and others.
• Develop and refine synthesis techniques for quaternary metal oxides and their nanocomposites, to achieve tailored particle size, phase purity, composition gradient, core-shell structures, and enhanced electrochemical properties.
• Conduct advanced structural characterization using XRD, Neutron Diffraction, and Rietveld Refinement techniques to elucidate phase purity, crystallite size, and lattice strain.
• Evaluate material properties using TGA/DSC, SEM/EDX, HRTEM, UV/Vis, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy.
• Perform electrochemical testing and analysis of cathode materials, contributing to the development of cobalt-free lithium-ion battery technologies.
• Collaborate with team members to develop detailed research plans, write proposals, and manage laboratory instruments.
• Prepare high-quality research reports, publications, and presentations for dissemination in peer-reviewed journals and conferences.
• Mentor and assist in training graduate and undergraduate students in relevant research techniques.

At all times, the individual is expected to support the overall research and teaching missions of Prof. Voznyy’s research group.

Qualifications (Minimum Qualifications):

• Candidate must have a Ph.D. in Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related field, with extensive academic research experience in the synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials and inorganic metal oxides.
• Over 5 years of expertise in nanomaterials synthesis, cathode fabrication, and synthesis techniques, including hydrothermal, sol-gel, co-precipitation, microwave, solid-state synthesis, and Schlenk line techniques.
• Practical experience in Li-ion battery research and development, focusing on cathode material synthesis, surface coatings, and characterization, with a solid understanding of battery operation, ion transport mechanisms, and cathode-electrolyte interactions.
• Experience in the fabrication and characterization of semiconductor-based devices, such as sensors and photocatalytic systems, including expertise in deposition techniques (e.g., sputtering, photocatalytic membranes).
• Proficient in a wide range of materials characterization techniques, including XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS, Raman spectroscopy, TGA/DSC, FTIR, UV-Vis, GC-MS, and HPLC.
• Skilled in structural analysis and refinement techniques, such as Rietveld refinement, with hands-on experience in XRD and neutron diffraction.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in team environments and independently on research projects, with mentoring experience for undergraduate and graduate students.
• Strong scientific writing and communication skills, supported by a robust publication record in international journals (at least 10 research papers).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and independently on research projects.

Travel:

Limited travelling will be required. The Research Associate will have the opportunity to present research at academic conferences.

Notes:

This is a 90% FTE 1-year appointment, with the possibility of extension, depending on approval of supervisor based on performance and funding.

Prorated hours of work: 32.625 hours per week