Open Positions

The Electron Microscopy for Energy Materials via Environment Manipulation Laboratory (EM³ Lab) at the Korea Institute of Energy Technology (KENTECH), Naju, Republic of Korea, invites applications for postdoctoral researcher and M.S./Ph.D. student positions.

Led by Prof. Sang Ho Oh, the EM³ Lab conducts internationally recognized research in atomic-resolution and in situ electron microscopy. Prof. Oh's research has been published in leading journals, including Science, Nature Materials, Nature Nanotechnology, Nature Chemistry, Nature Communications, and Advanced Materials.

Facilities

The EM³ Lab operates state-of-the-art aberration-corrected TEM/STEM facilities, including:

• Thermo Fisher Scientific Spectra Ultra with EMPAD
• Thermo Fisher Scientific Spectra 200 with Dectris ARINA
• Protochips in situ TEM holders for electrical biasing and heating, gas reactions, nanoindentation, and mechanical straining

These facilities enable atomic-resolution TEM/STEM, in-situ and operando microscopy, high-speed 4D-STEM, differential phase-contrast STEM, quantitative structural and electrostatic mapping, and multislice electron ptychography.

Research Areas

Successful candidates will participate in one or more of the following research programs, depending on their experience and interests:

• Development and application of 4D-STEM and electron ptychography
• Atomic-scale structural and electrostatic characterization of HZO, IGZO, and functional oxide materials
• In-situ studies of ionic motion, Li-ion gating, and phase transformations
• Characterization of quantum-dot and OLED display materials and devices
• Structural and interfacial analysis of perovskite solar-cell materials
• Python-based quantitative analysis of multidimensional TEM/STEM datasets

Qualifications

Postdoctoral applicants

• Ph.D. in materials science, physics, chemistry, electrical engineering, or a related field
• Experience in TEM/STEM characterization and relevant specimen preparation
• Ability to analyze electron microscopy data and communicate research results in English
• Strong motivation to conduct independent and collaborative research

Experience in in-situ TEM, aberration-corrected STEM, 4D-STEM, electron ptychography, spectroscopy, focused-ion-beam specimen preparation, or Python programming is advantageous but not required in all areas.

Graduate applicants

• Bachelor's or master's degree in materials science, physics, chemistry, electrical engineering, or a related field
• Strong interest in electron microscopy and atomic-scale materials research
• Motivation to learn advanced microscopy, scientific programming, and quantitative data analysis

Previous TEM experience is preferred but not required. Systematic training will be provided.