Marie Curie-PhD position in polymer composite electrolytes for Li-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, characterise 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.

This research project will be carried out within the framework of the MSCA ITN project ”Polystorage”: http://www.polystorage-etn.eu/ (ESR 5).

Work duties: This PhD project concerns the development of polymer-based electrolytes and composites with ceramic electrolytes. These electrolytes will be implemented in Li-batteries or similar applications with high energy density. The research project focuses on obtaining a fundamental understanding of the electrochemical functionalities in the materials, together with a development of the materials for better battery cells. The project comprises extended visits to other research partners: University of Pau, France, Aaltoo University, Finland and Scania CV AB, Södertälje, Sweden.

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses.

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:

• Degree or equivalent as above in Chemistry or Chemical engineering, specifically including polymer chemistry, inorganic chemistry and electrochemistry.
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.

The eligibility criteria for this specific project are as follows:

• The applicant must, at the date of recruitment, be in the first four years (full-time equivalent research experience) of their research careers and have not been awarded a doctoral degree. This is measured from the date when they obtained the undergraduate degree.
• The applicant must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the recruiting beneficiary for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the recruitment date. Compulsory national service, short stays such as holidays, and time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention are not taken into account.

Additional requirements:

• Experiences in materials characterisation techniques such as diffraction, photoelectron spectroscopy, vibrational spectroscopy, NMR, are meritorious.
• Previous experience with lithium or other battery systems is an advantage.

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 guidelines.

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: 2020-03-01 or as otherwise agreed.

Type of employment: Temporary position for four years.

Contract type: Full-time employment (100 %).

For further information about the position, please Contact: Professor Kristina Edström, +46184713713, or Professor Daniel Brandell, +46184713709.

You are welcome to submit your application no later than 2020-01-15, UFV-PA 2019/4513.