Postdoc position in molecular modelling of self-healing battery materials - 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 Master's programmes.

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.

Project description and work duties: The main duties involved in a post-doctoral position is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The present research project concerns the molecular modelling of functional and self-healing polymeric materials for application in lithium-based battery systems. This includes autonomous self-healing electrodes, solid polymer electrolytes, and stretchable and flexible electrodes. The work will be done as part of a larger effort directed towards developing energy storage systems based on more “intelligent” materials.

This postdoc position will initiate our efforts within the greater project and the emphasis will be on developing and applying physics-based and data-driven materials modelling approaches for functional polymeric materials and associated battery interfaces. An important part of the work will therefore be to provide the synergy to the ongoing synthesis and characterization works of relevant materials systems in the same direction. The position will involve a high level of scientific independence and you will be given the opportunity to shape the development of this project.

Requirements: For employment as postdoc, the applicant should have obtained a PhD or an international equivalent degree within the field of polymer chemistry or other for the position relevant field, within a maximum of three (3) years before the final application date. During certain circumstances, an earlier PhD can be acceptable, including leave due to illness, maternity leave etc.

Applicants should have a good knowledge and practical experience of molecular modelling methods such as density functional theory (DFT) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of condensed phase systems. Applicants should have very good oral and written proficiency in English.

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: Experience in developing/applying machine learning (ML) techniques for modelling energy storage materials will be a big plus.

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.

Salary: Individual pay.

Starting date: 2020-10-01.

Type of employment: Temporary position for two years.

Scope of employment: 100 %

For further information about the position please contact:
Chao Zhang, +46 18 471 37 21, chao.zhang@kemi.uu.se
Kristina Edström, +46 18 471 37 13, kristina.edstrom@kemi.uu.se

Please submit your application by August 31 2020, UFV-PA 2020/2642.

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