Postdoc position in development and characterization of future-generation aqueous 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 260 employees and has a turnover just over 250 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 master's programs. 

Project description: The general aim of the research is the development and fundamental understanding of aqueous electrolytes for future rechargeable Li-ion batteries. More specifically, the project aims to identify and characterize passivation layers capable of stabilizing the electrode/electrolyte interfaces in the Li-ion cell. Development of electrolytes is based on a high-throughput screening strategy with a fully-automated robotic line to prepare and test electrolytes online. The most promising electrolyte candidates are subsequently characterized in detail with a broad approach of analytical techniques, including operando gas analysis, electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance, vibrational spectroscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, etc. The work will be carried out at Ångström Advanced Battery Centre (ÅABC) at Uppsala University in collaboration with Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) in Stockholm and RI.se in Södertälje in Sweden.

ÅABC
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 >80 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, etc.

Work duties: The main duties involved in a post-doctoral posistion is to conduct research. The work comprises electrolyte formulation, battery cell assembly, electrochemical performance evaluation in coordination with the fully-automated robotic electrolyte formulation and cell assembly line. Significant efforts will be dedicated to advanced operando physicochemical characterization of electrode and electrolytes during operation of the battery cells. Project management duties as well as 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 the field of chemistry, material science or other for the position relevant fields, 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. 

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. 

The candidate should have good skills in spoken and written English. 

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.

Additional requirements: Experience of battery material formulation and characterization, cell assembly, and electrochemical performance evaluation is highly meritious.

Salary: Individual pay.

Starting date: Immediate, or as otherwise agreed.

Type of employment: Temporary position for two years.

Scope of employment: 100 %.

For further information about the position please contact: Kristina Edström (Kristina.Edstrom@kemi.uu.se) or Erik Berg (erik.berg@kemi.uu.se).

Please submit your application by 17 March 2021, UFV-PA 2021/847.

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.