Researcher in energy material physics - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Researcher in energy material physics using X-ray absorption spectroscopy of battery material

The research conducted at the Department of Physics and Astronomy encompasses a wide range of physics topics, distributed over nine divisions. The department is located in the Ångström laboratory and employs nearly 400 people, 100 of whom are doctoral students. It offers a broad physics curriculum to undergraduate and graduate students, participation in nationally and internationally leading projects for researchers, and opportunities for partnership with industry and various outreach activities. Read more on www.physics.uu.se.

The Condensed Matter Physics of Energy Materials programme conducts research to develop an understanding of electronic properties at the atomic level in new functional materials for applications in energy and environmental sciences.

Duties
The research will be conducted within the program Condensed Matter Physics of Energy materials. A significant portion of the research will consist of studies on the functionality of Li and Na batteries, within the framework of a funded VR project focusing on the accessibility of infrastructure and the project " Rechargeable batteries, Method development, Accessibility of infrastructure, X-ray based Spectroscopies New Opportunities for Battery Research at MAX IV." Specifically, the work includes research on transition metal oxide cathodes and investigations into their stability during charging and discharging processes, as well as at higher temperatures. These aspects will be examined through structural information at complementary length scales and their correlation with underlying electrochemical mechanisms occurring in a commercial lithium-ion battery during operation. An important part is the use of the BALDER beamline, which offers ideal opportunities to address such issues through a combination of techniques that measure atomic structure, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), and X-ray emission spectroscopy (XES), and where the development of these methods for operando measurements on batteries is of particular importance for the project.

Requirements
PhD in physics, materials science, or equivalent background. Good communication skills in English are required.

Requirements
Favorable qualifications include experience in tasks described above, involving work with synchrotron light, both experimentally and in subsequent data analysis. Especially advantageous are combinations of EXAFS, XAS, XRD, and electron spectroscopy for studies on energy materials such as battery cathodes and perovskites. The ability to lead beamtime at synchrotron facilities, as well as experience in international research and teamworking skills, flexibility and availability according to the project's needs is also considered an advantage.

About the application
The application should include a letter describing the applicant and their qualifications and research interests. It should contain a CV, copies of relevant degree certificates, contact information for at least two referees, and a complete list of publications. Personal circumstances that may be relevant for assessment, such as periods of parental leave/sick leave, should be specified in the CV.

About the employment
The employment is a permanent position. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date as agreed. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact: Prof. Håkan Rensmo, 070-1679145, hakan.rensmo@physics.uu.se

Please submit your application by 25 March 2024, UFV-PA 2024/567.

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