Postdoc position in Synthesis of oxide cathode materials from recycled 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.

The position will be within the Structural Chemistry group and be supervised by Associate Professor William Brant. A. Prof. Brant’s research team is focused on the synthesis and structural characterization of energy storage materials. In particular, understanding synthesis-structure-property relationships by characterizing how materials change during synthesis and operation in a device using neutron and synchrotron techniques, specifically diffraction.

The primary focus of the research project will be the synthesis of battery materials from metal mixtures obtained via green solvent extraction processes. Structural and morphological assessment of the synthesized cathode materials will be performed as well as electrochemical testing combined with operando diffraction analysis. Advanced characterization of the materials produced will be performed at major facilities such as synchrotron light sources and neutron sources in Sweden and abroad. Depending on the successful applicants background a stronger focus may be placed either on the synthesis or characterization of operando datasets. However, structural analysis using diffraction will always feature. The final aim of the project is to evaluate the performance of recycled electrodes and understand the chemical and structural origins of any performance flaws compared to non-recycled electrodes.

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.

Specific duties:

• Synthesis of metal oxide electrode materials from recycled metal mixtures
• Characterisation of the quality of synthesised materials including purity, structure and morphology.
• Electrochemical testing of recycled electrodes in pouch cells.
• Analysis of operando diffraction data collected in-house and at major facilities.
• Writing of beamtime proposals for experimental time at major facilities and partaking in experiments at these facilities
• Collaborating with others within the research group and with partners at Chalmers University of Technology including sharing of expertise and knowledge.
• Co-supervision and training of other group members.
• Analysis of diffraction data and supporting others in the group with analysis of diffraction data
• Summarising research results in presentations and academic articles

Requirements
For employment as postdoc, the applicant should have a PhD exam or an international equivalent within the field of inorganic chemistry or other 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 and creative research based on scientific skill. Greater importance is attached to the quality of individual scientific work, than to the amount of publications. 

Additional requirements are

• Demonstrated experience with various solution based inorganic synthesis methods
• Demonstrated experience in the quantitative analysis and fitting of diffraction data including larger datasets of data collected in situ.
• Excellent English communication skills, and the ability to write scientific papers at a high level

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.

Desirable qualifications
Advanced knowledge and/or practical experience in electrochemical systems and performing electrochemical tests will be beneficial. Experience with spectroscopic methods such as X-ray absorption spectroscopy is considered an advantage.

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position of 2years according to central collective agreement. Scope of employment 100%. Starting date 2022-08-01 or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala, Sweden

For further information about the position please contact William Brant (William.brant@kemi.uu.se)

Please submit your application by 12 April 2022, UFV-PA 2022/958.

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