Postdoc position in liquid metal anodes for lithium and sodium 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 230 employees and has a turnover just over 220 million SEK. At the department's seven 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 project will be on the development of liquid metal anodes for lithium, sodium and other batteries. This involves investigating alloy systems (e.g. Na-K, Ga-In) which are liquid at close to room temperature for use as anodes in rechargeable batteries. Liquid metals may offer inherent deformability or higher electronic conductivity than solid metallic anodes. Different aspects of such systems will be studied including material properties, electrochemical reactions as well as how they can be used in full devices. The ultimate aim of this project is to increase knowledge and understanding in this field and take the next steps in the development of liquid metal anodes for rechargeable batteries.

Work duties: The project will be carried out in Uppsala University in close collaboration with colleagues working in the Ångström Advanced Battery Centre. The main duties of the position will be to conduct research into liquid metal anodes for lithium, sodium or other battery technologies. Specifically, this will involve preparation of alloy materials to act as anodes, electrode preparation, cell assembly, and electrochemical and materials characterization. A variety of electrochemical measurement techniques (e.g. cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic cycling) and characterization methods (e.g. X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, etc.) will be used to investigate promising anodes.

The postdoc is expected to perform high quality research, with the aim of disseminating resulting works through high impact peer-reviewed journals or conference proceedings. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours.

Requirements: For employment as postdoc, the applicant should have a PhD exam or an international equivalent 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. 

Experience within the battery research field, working in a laboratory environment, using gloveboxes and competences in using electrochemical methods are essential.

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. 

Additional requirements: Familiarity with materials characterisation techniques are recommended.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

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: Individual pay.

Starting date: 01-03-2020.

Type of employment: Temporary position for two years.

Scope of employment: 100 %

For further information about the position please contact: Reza Younesi (reza.younesi@kemi.uu.se); Andy Naylor (andy.naylor@kemi.uu.se).

Please submit your application by 21 February 2020, UFV-PA 2019/4617.

Are you considering moving to Sweden to work at Uppsala University? If so, you will find a lot of information about working and living in Sweden at www.uu.se/joinus. You are also welcome to contact International Faculty and Staff Services at ifss@uadm.uu.