Postdoc position in High Voltage Spinel Cathode for Li-ion batteries - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Department of Chemistry - Ångström conducts research and education in the chemistry field. The department has more than 200 employees and has a turnover of 200 million SEK. At the department's six programs, we conduct very successful research of a high international standard. We have a large number of externally funded research projects, often with international cooperation and we see continued good growth in our subject area. The department has education assignments in engineering and civil engineering programs and Master's programs. More information is available on our website.

The Department of Chemistry – Ångström Laboratory has for many years hosted a research environment focused on the development of materials and their applications within the energy storage area: the Ångström Advanced Battery Centre. We develop novel electrode and electrolyte materials, characterize them, evaluate and improve them with respect to battery performance, and study fundamental chemical processes and properties using both experimental and computational techniques. The research is, as such, both fundamental and applied.

Subject description: The primary focus of the research project will be on characterization of the high voltage spinel LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 (LNMO) and similar cathode materials for Li-ion batteries. Electrochemical techniques together with surface analysis (such as x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, XPS) will be used to understand fundamental mechnisms and ageing phenomena in LNMO-based cells. In particular, interfacial reactions between the cathode and electorlyte will be studied in order to improved the cycling performance. The aim is to apply this knowledge in collaboration with industry partners to realize a commercially relevant battery system based on LNMO as cathode material.

Work duties: The project will be carried out in a close collaboration with industrial partners, i.e. Haldor Topsøe, Volkswagen and Scania. Collaboration between the postdoc and the academia-industrial project team will be necessary, aiming for improved knowledge on materials and cells, and targeting high-quality publications. There will be regular meetings with the industrial partners, where it is expected that the candidate will actively attend and present progress of the project.

The main duties involved in a post-doctoral posistion is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included to a very limited degree.

Requirements: For employment as postdoc, the applicant should have a PhD exam or an international equivalent within the field of Chemistry or Physics of materials, or other for the position relevant fields, within a maximum of three (3) years before the final application date. During certain circumstances, an earlier PhD can be acceptable. Certain circumstances include leave due to illness, maternity leave, in trade unions, etc.

A background within battery experience and the competences within electrochemistry and understanding of battery systems are required.

The assessment of applications is based primarily on the applicant's ability to conduct independent research based on scientific skill. Greater importance is attached to the quality of individual scientific work, than to the amount of publications. The candidate must also have excellent capabilities in written and oral English.

Additional qualifications: Industrial mindset and ability to simultaneously work closely together with research groups at Uppsala University as well as in industry is beneficial.

Uppsala University strives to be an inclusive workplace that promotes equal opportunities and attracts qualified candidates who can contribute to the University’s excellence and diversity. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and from people of all backgrounds.

Salary: Individually negotiated salary.

Starting date: 01-09-2018 or as otherwise agreed.

Type of position: Temporary position for two years.

Working hours: 100 %

For further information about the position please contact
Reza Younesi (reza.younesi@kemi.uu.se) or Daniel Brandell (daniel.brandell@kemi.uu.se)

Please submit your application by 30 June 2018, UFV-PA 2018/1989

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