PhD position for the development 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 of 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 programs and master's programs. 

The aim: The general aim of the PhD research project is the development and fundamental understanding of aqueous electrolytes for future rechargeable Li-ion batteries with high energy density and low cost. 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 the establishment and application of a high-throughput screening strategy with a fully-automated test station 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. Data-driven models (machine learning) will support experimental design and data analysis. The research is not only foreseen to deepen our understanding of electrochemical energy storage processes, but also to establish a methodology to develop and predict the performance of rechargeable batteries. The work will be carried out at Ångström Advanced Battery Centre (ÅABC) and in collaboration with data scientists from neighbouring departments at Uppsala University and Royal Institute of Technology (KTH).

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 >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, 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 colleagues, critically analyze 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 be a good team player, and also participate in all mandantory group activities, including becoming the responsible person for specific lab equipment.

The research education corresponds to four years of full-time studies, and it can be complemented with up to 20% teaching, whereby the total employment time becomes five years.

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: A suitable background is an MSc degree in chemistry, physics, material science or equivalent. Good skills in spoken and written English are prerequisite. 

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. 

Additional requirements: Experience in computer programming (Python or equiv.), electrochemistry and/or material characterization is beneficial.

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.

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

Starting date: 01-08-2021 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 eller Leiting Zhang, leiting.zhang@kemi.uu.se.

Please submit your application by 24 May 2021, UFV-PA 2021/1518.

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.