Postdoc position in non-flammable electrolytes for lithium-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 250 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. More information is available on our website.

The Structural Chemistry section at 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 main focus of the project will be to investigate non-flammable liquid electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries. Such electrolytes can be based on a variety of different chemistries and lead to an inherent improvement in battery safety. Several aspects of such electrolytes will be studied including performance in cells, electrochemical stability, and flammability. In addition, particular attention will be paid to the electrode-electrolyte interfacial reactions using advanced electrochemical and spectroscopic methods. The overall objective of the project is to advance the knowledge and understanding of non-flammable electrolytes and to make progress in their development.

Work duties: The main duties involved in a post-doctoral position are in conducting research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The project will be carried out at Uppsala University in close collaboration with colleagues at the Ångström Advanced Battery Centre. The work will mostly be to conduct experimental research into non-flammable electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries. This will generally include the use of various electrochemical techniques (e.g. galvanostatic cycling, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) and spectroscopic methods (e.g. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy) to study the electrolytes and interfacial regions of electrodes. The postdoc is expected to perform high quality research, with the aim of disseminating resulting works through high impact peer-reviewed journals or at national and international conferences.

Requirements: For employment as postdoc, the applicant should have a PhD exam within the field of chemistry, physics, or material science 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. 

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.

Experience of performing experiments in a laboratory environment, the use of electrochemical methods and knowledge of batteries is essential. The candidate must have excellent capabilities in written and oral 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: A PhD topic involving the study of battery technologies, and in particular electrolytes as a focus, is desirable. Familiarity with typical materials characterisation techniques such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy is also advantageous.

Application Procedure: The application must contain a cover letter in which the applicant briefly describes themselves and their research interests. The application must also contain a CV, copies of degree certificates, up to three relevant published articles and other documents that the applicant wishes to submit. Contact details for at least two references should also be included.

Salary: Individual pay.

Starting date: 2021-08-01 or by agreement.

Type of employment: Temporary position for two years.

Scope of employment: 100 %

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

Please submit your application by 14 06 2021, UFV-PA 2021/2063.

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