PDRA in X-ray Computed Laminography and Diffraction for Solid-State Batteries
Posted on April 22, 2026 (about 1 month ago)
This job post is archived - the company is no longer hiring for this position.
Check out other job posts of this company here!PDRA in X-ray Computed Laminography and Diffraction for Solid-State Batteries
Fixed term until 31 March 2027. Based onsite at Harwell, Didcot, Oxfordshire.
About Us
Diamond Light Source is the UK’s national synchrotron, a scientific facility producing intense beams of X-rays, infrared and ultraviolet light. Our scientists use these beams to study a wide range of topics from medicines and disease treatments to engineering and advanced technology. Diamond is one of the most advanced scientific facilities in the world and supports high-impact research.
About the Role
This post sits on the DIAD beamline, a unique instrument that combines imaging and diffraction for correlative materials characterisation. The postdoctoral researcher will develop and deploy coupled X-ray computed laminography and X-ray diffraction methods for non-destructive 3D analysis of solid-state battery pouch cells. The role is embedded within the Faraday Institution SOLBAT project and focuses on revealing degradation pathways in realistic cell architectures.
All-solid-state batteries offer potential advantages in safety, lifetime and energy density but face challenges that limit large-scale adoption. Advanced X-ray characterisation is critical to reveal degradation pathways in realistic cell formats, including void formation, contact loss and failure mechanisms that emerge during cycling and processing.
The post is primarily a methods-development role with strong application delivery into solid-state battery research. You will establish robust acquisition and reconstruction workflows, deliver quantitative 3D analysis, and help translate these methods into high-value experimental studies.
What you will do
- Lead the development and deployment of coupled computed laminography and diffraction methods on DIAD for pouch-cell geometries, including acquisition strategy development, geometry calibration and artefact mitigation.
- Develop and maintain reconstruction and data-processing pipelines using Python programming tools.
- Implement quantitative 3D analysis workflows such as registration, segmentation and feature extraction to support microstructure–performance studies.
- Work with SOLBAT partners at the University of Oxford to correlate microstructural evolution with electrochemical state-of-health, cycling conditions and failure mechanisms.
- Contribute to in situ or operando experimental development where feasible.
- Deliver research outputs through presentations, reports and peer-reviewed publications.
- Contribute a limited minority of time to DIAD beamline support, including local-contact duties and method or instrumentation development.
This position is until 31 March 2027 with the possibility of a 1-year extension.
About You
You will hold an appropriate first degree in Physics, Engineering, Materials Science or a closely related discipline, and an appropriate multidisciplinary PhD.
Must-have background:
- Strong experience in X-ray imaging, tomography or closely related 3D X-ray methods.
- Experience with reconstruction, scientific coding and image/data-processing workflows.
- Ability to deliver an independent research project and communicate results clearly.
- A collaborative approach suited to multidisciplinary and consortium-based work.
Helpful additional experience:
- Computed laminography or other limited-angle imaging geometries.
- Battery materials, electrochemistry or in situ / operando experiments.
- Synchrotron or beamline environments.
- Diffraction or crystallography methods, especially integrated with imaging.
Applicants do not need to meet every desirable criterion. We encourage applications from candidates with X-ray imaging, tomography and scientific computing backgrounds, including those from adjacent research domains.
Working environment and support
You will work with DIAD scientists and the wider Diamond environment while collaborating closely with SOLBAT partners at the University of Oxford. The post offers the chance to contribute to method development and high-impact battery research in a nationally significant facility setting.
If you have questions or would like an informal conversation about the role, contact Sharif Ahmed by phone or email (contact details provided in the application section).
Benefits
Diamond offers an exceptional benefits package including 26 days annual leave plus Christmas closure, public holidays, 2 annual volunteering days, flexible working hours and an excellent defined benefit pension scheme. A relocation allowance may be available where applicable. The campus provides sports pitches, an outdoor gym, cycle and walking routes, onsite cafes, restaurants, a daycare nursery and free on-site parking.
As standard this role requires a fully onsite working arrangement.
To Apply
Please use the online application process to apply and explain why you believe you are suitable for this role. Shortlisting will take place shortly after the closing date. There will be a two-stage interview process including a first-stage online 30-minute interview and a second-stage onsite interview.
The closing date for applications is Monday 4th May 2026, however early applications are encouraged as some candidates may be interviewed before this date.
Contact
For informal enquiries about the role contact Sharif Ahmed: phone +44 7442 411 407 or email [email protected].