PhD position for Advanced Characterization of Performance-Limiting Mechanisms in Commercial 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.

Description of research project: The aim of the PhD project is the fundamental understanding of performance-limiting mechanisms in commercial state-of-the-art Li-ion batteries. Particular focus is on the explanation and prediction of adverse side-reactions in operating Li-ion cells. For that purpose, the project aims for development and application of a novel experimental methodology combining cutting edge analytical equipment to probe material phase evolution inside the Li-ion cell. Examples thereof are techniques available both in-house, such as Online Electrochemical Mass Spectrometry (OEMS) and at large-scale X-ray and Neutron facilities. The results will enable powerful new means for academia and industry to understand, assess and possibly even predict the nature, extent and onset of performance-limiting processes in commercial Li-ion batteries. The work will be carried out at Ångström Advanced Battery Centre (ÅABC) at Uppsala University in close collaboration with worldwide leading industrial partners in the transportation sector.

The ÅABC research environment: Ångström Advanced Battery Centre (ÅABC) is housed within the Ångström Laboratory – one of Europe’s best equipped Materials Research Laboratories. ÅABC involves the full-time activities of >70 researchers, of whom 8 are Senior Staff; the remainders are PhD students, postdocs, researchers and assistant professors. The group produces ca. 5 PhD theses annually. It is the leading research environments for the development of electrochemical storage materials and advanced battery technology in the Nordic countries. The focus of research is on modern commercial and next-generation Li-ion batteries, and future battery chemistries such as Na-ion, Li-S, organic electrodes, solid-state, etc. The expertise lies in synthesis of electrode and electrolyte materials and electrochemical testing, but equally important are the development and application of operando characterization, such as vibrational spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, diffraction, etc. and combinations of these.

Work duties: We are looking for a motivated and ambitious student for this highly challenging project.The student must design, plan and execute the experimental work, often in collaboration with other academic and/or industrial partners, critically analyse and discuss the results, and present their work orally at scientific conferences and written in the form of papers in peer-reviewed journals. Finally the student is expected to participate in all mandantory group activities, including becoming the responsible person for specific lab equipment.

Eligibility 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:

• MSc degree in chemistry, physics, material science or equivalent
• Good skills in spoken and written English are prerequisite

Additional requirements: Experience in electrochemistry or material characterization is beneficial.

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 in the University's policies 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.

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

Starting date: 01-09-2020 or as otherwise agreed.

Type of employment: Temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7.

Scope of employment: 100 %

For further information about the position please contact: Erik Berg, erik.berg@kemi.uu.se and William Brant, william.brant@kemi.uu.se

Please submit your application by 1 June 2020, UFV-PA 2020/1746.

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.se.