MSN – Postdoc Position in Advanced Coating of LFP Materials in Collaboration

Job overview

A Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) position is available to investigate advanced coating techniques for Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) materials, conducted in collaboration with the University of Waterloo, Canada. The role focuses on developing innovative coating strategies to improve the performance and durability of LFP batteries, with emphasis on advanced materials engineering and surface modification technologies.

This research addresses the need to enhance the surface properties and stability of LFP materials used in high-performance energy storage systems. Conventional coating and stabilization techniques for LFP cathodes often face limitations related to durability and electrochemical efficiency. The project aims to overcome these limitations through the development of polymer-based and nanomaterial-based coatings that improve chemical stability, thermal resistance, electrochemical performance, surface area, and selective permeability.

The selected candidate will investigate coating methods for active materials, including nanostructured protective layers designed to enhance particle protection while maintaining optimal performance in high-energy-density battery applications. The resulting coated materials are expected to demonstrate improved mechanical strength and chemical stability, ensuring structural integrity during large-scale industrial operations.

Key research areas

• Develop novel polymer-based or nanomaterial-based shells to coat LFP particles.

• Improve coating surface properties to selectively enable ion diffusion while reducing unwanted reactions and improving electrochemical performance.

• Ensure coated LFP materials remain stable under high-voltage and cycling conditions commonly encountered in energy storage applications.

• Focus on scaling advanced coating materials for industrial deployment, including traditional battery technologies and emerging energy storage systems.

This research will contribute to the development of next-generation LFP batteries, improving safety, efficiency, and overall performance for sustainable energy storage solutions.

Job responsibilities

The successful candidate will perform the following duties to a high standard:

• Conduct original research of international quality.

• Develop research objectives and proposals for individual and collaborative research projects.

• Publish research findings in leading academic journals and present results at national and international conferences, workshops, and research meetings.

• Communicate research development, progress, and outcomes to the research team to ensure project activities and experimental results are properly documented.

• Establish collaborative relationships with scientific personnel across related research programs to expand knowledge and exposure to experimental approaches.

• Identify opportunities to strengthen research structures using integrated management approaches while maintaining scientific rigor.

• Support the preparation of proposals for research funding when required.

Candidate profile

• PhD in Organic Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or a related discipline.

• Expertise in electrochemistry, polymer chemistry, and materials synthesis.

• Strong experience in the characterization of materials, including polymers and nanomaterials.

• Solid background in polymer coating technologies and LFP or other battery electrode materials.

• Hands-on experience in battery fabrication and electrochemical characterization.

• Familiarity with energy storage technologies is preferred.

Associated skills

• Experience working on projects involving organic material synthesis, purification, and characterization.

• Demonstrated experience in polymer preparation and electrochemistry research.

• Ability to work both independently and within a multidisciplinary and multicultural research team.

• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with project partners to meet objectives within defined timelines.

• Strong networking, coordination, and organizational skills.

• Academic, industrial, or international research experience is highly valued.

• Ability to generate innovative ideas and build upon existing research concepts.

• Experience co-supervising or coordinating master’s and PhD students.

• Excellent communication skills in English and French.

• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

• Willingness to work within an international team and travel between Morocco and Canada.

Research team

• UM6P: Dr. Mouad Dahbi, Dr. Mohamed Aqil

• University of Waterloo (Canada): Dr. Yuning Li (Department of Chemical Engineering, Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology)

Program details

UM6P will serve as the administrative institution for this program. Selected candidates will apply through the UM6P Postdoctoral Program and will be formally employed as a Postdoctoral Fellow (PDF) by UM6P. Compensation will be administered by UM6P for the duration of the program.

• Salary: $2,000 USD per month (approximately $2,700 CAD per month), guaranteed by UM6P throughout the program.

• University of Waterloo co-supervisors may provide additional financial support during the residency period at Waterloo. The amount and duration of this support will be determined individually.

Program duration and residency

The program duration is typically three years. During this period, residency will be shared between the UM6P campus and the University of Waterloo.

• Candidates will spend 1.5 years at the University of Waterloo.

• Candidates will spend 1.5 years at UM6P.

The residency schedule and arrangement will be determined through mutual agreement between the candidate and their UM6P and Waterloo co-supervisors.