PhD in Chemistry with specialisation in Li-ion batteries for electric vehicles - 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.

Subject description/research project: The overall aim of the research project is to build a comprehensive understanding of ageing mechanisms in the latest generation of electric vehicle Li-ion batteries. A specific focus is on the ageing mechanisms of nickel-rich layered oxide electrode materials. Our aim is to make use of and develop cutting-edge characterisation methods applied to realistic model systems and commercial cells. The project will be carried out as part of a collaboration with academic and industrial partners in Sweden.

Work duties: The research project will involve both the construction of model Li-ion cells as well as the extraction of components from commercial Li-ion batteries. These will be characterised by a variety of techniques such as electrochemical methods, x-ray and neutron diffraction, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, microscopy, both operando and post mortem. The student will be expected to plan and execute experiments, collect data, perform high-quality analysis and disseminate results through peer-reviewed journal articles and oral presentation.

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties can also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

Admission requirements: A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if he or she:

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

Requirements: The applicant should have a degree or equivalent as above in a relevant discipline (e.g. chemistry or chemical engineering). Documented practical experience of relevant experimental methods (electrochemistry, diffraction, photoelectron spectroscopy) and/or experience in relevant scientific disciplines (e.g., energy storage materials, solid state chemistry, electrochemistry, analytical chemistry) is a strong merit. Very good oral and written proficiency in English is required.

Additional requirements: Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through his or her experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

Terms of employment: The rules about PhD students are found in the Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 5 §§1-7 and the University's Rules and Regulations.

Application procedure: The application should include a statement of research interest, CV, certificates of exams, degrees and grades, a copy of Master thesis, published article or relevant materials, if available. Also, contact information of at least two reference persons should be included.

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.

Pay: According to local agreement (Local collective agreement for doctoral students and students).

Starting: 2019-04-01 or as otherwise agreed.

Type of employment: Temporary position for four years

Working hours: 100 %

For further information about the position, please contact
Dr Matthew Lacey, +46 18 471 3700, matthew.lacey@kemi.uu.se

You are welcome to submit your application no later than 2019-02-17, UFV-PA 2019/196