Postdoc position in electrolytes development for sodium-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 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. More information is available on our website.

Project description: The primary focus of the project will be on the development of liquid non-aqueous electrolytes for sodium-ion batteries. This mainly include design, development, and characterization of electrolyte salt and solvents. A particular focus will be on non-flammable liquid organic electrolytes which can be used for sodium-ion batteries. Non-flammable electrolyte can increase safety of batteries in a large extent. The goal is to improve life-time of sodium-ion batteries using optimized and well-functioning electrolytes. Different aspects of such electrolytes will be studied including material properties, electrolyte conductivity, flammability, electrochemical reactions as well as how they can be used in full devices. The ultimate aim of this project is to increase knowledge and understanding in this field and take the next steps in the development of safe and sustainable rechargeable batteries.

Work duties: The main duties involved in a post-doctoral posistion is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours.

The project will be carried out in Uppsala University in close collaboration with colleagues working in the Ångström Advanced Battery Centre. This project will be conducted in close contact with industrial partners. The main duties of the position will be to conduct research into liquid electrolytes including non-flammable electrolytes for sodium-ion battery technology. Specifically, this will involve design and preparation of safe electrolytes, cell assembly, and electrochemical and materials characterization. A variety of electrochemical measurement techniques (e.g. cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic cycling) and characterization methods (e.g. thermal analysis, conductivity measurement, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, etc.) will be used to investigate promising electrolytes. The researcher is expected to perform high quality research, with the aim of disseminating resulting works through high impact peer-reviewed journals or conference proceedings.

Requirements: For employment as postdoc, the applicant should have a PhD exam or an international equivalent within the field of Chemistry or in Materials 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, parental 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.

Applicants must have experience within the battery research field, experience in working in a laboratory environment, experience in using gloveboxes and competences in using electrochemical methods. The applicant must knowledge in English, both written and spoken.

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

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: Individual pay.

Starting date: 2022-02-01.

Type of employment: Temporary position for two years.

Scope of employment: 100 %

For further information about the position please contact: Reza Younesi, reza.younesi@kemi.uu.se, +46 18 471 3738

Please submit your application by December 30, 2021, UFV-PA 2021/4839.

Are you considering moving to Sweden to work at Uppsala University? Find out more about what it´s like to work and live in Sweden.