Postdoc position in synthesis and advanced characterization of carbon materials for electrochemical applications

The Department of Chemistry - Ångström conducts research and education in the chemistry field. The department has more than 270 employees and has a turnover of 300 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. (https://kemi.uu.se/angstrom/?languageId=1).

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at Uppsala University

About the position:
Applications are sought from highly competent and motivated candidates for a postdoctoral research position to develop and characterize carbon-based electrodes (graphite, hard carbon and porous carbon) intended for application in next-generation batteries. The prospective researcher will participate in a collaborative project involving Uppsala University (UU), industrial partners and research institutes.

The project primarily aims to (1) understand the complex structure of disordered carbon based on experimental data, (2) identify the properties impacting the electrochemical behaviour, and (3) establish the correlation between the structure and electrochemical performance for various types of carbons. With that in mind, the researcher should be familiar with electrochemical concepts and possess expertise in a wide range of materials characterization tools. Most of the research will be conducted in the battery research laboratories which are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment required for materials synthesis, characterization (XPS, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis and so on), electrode fabrication and cell assembly, and electrochemical testing. A full suite of electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) and surface analysis tools are also available in the cleanroom facility located in the Ångström Laboratory. In addition to the resources at UU, the researcher can have access to national and international research facilities such as the MAXIV  (https://www.maxiv.lu.se/).

Work duties
The main duties of the post-doctoral employee are to conduct research. Teaching and other departmental responsibilities may also be included, up to no more than 20% of working hours. The successful candidate will work in a large research group consisting of students and researchers. The candidate is expected to

• conduct high-quality research within the project, ultimately resulting in patents and publications in peer-reviewed journals or conference proceedings
• work in close collaboration with the principal investigator and project partners
• maintain up-to-date knowledge, and gather data relevant to the project
• take initiative in identifying research gaps and future research directions related to the project
• participate in the supervision and teaching of undergraduate and doctoral students
• contribute to writing research proposals to attract external funding
• prepare periodic reports to be submitted to the granting agency
• present and disseminate research results at international conferences, group seminars, and regular project meetings
• design proper experimental procedures taking laboratory safety into account
• ensure compliance with laboratory, environmental and health safety regulations
• maintain a strong commitment to the implementation of research ethics 

Requirements
For employment at the postdoctoral level, applicants must have a PhD degree in chemistry, materials science or a related subject when assuming a research post. Priority will be given to applicants who have obtained their PhD within the last three years. Circumstances such as parental leave or career breaks due to illness or trade union duties will not, however, be included in the time calculation. Excellent command of verbal and written English is required. The candidate must have a strong background in electrochemistry and documented experience in the synthesis, functionalization, characterization and electrochemical testing of carbon materials used in sodium-ion batteries, lithium-ion batteries or supercapacitors.

We attach great importance to personal qualities such as creative mentality, team spirit and strong motivation to work independently as well as in collaboration with project partners. As a member of the research group, you will get the opportunity to collaborate with a large research group within the Ångström Advanced Battery Centre, other research groups within the university, industrial partners and research institutes. The project requires organized documentation of laboratory procedures and curating data suitable for publication and patenting.

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.

Essential qualifications
Strong expertise in two or more of the following research areas is necessary:

• synthesis, functionalization and characterization of carbon materials used in batteries
• in-depth understanding of the different components of sodium-, or lithium-ion batteries or other similar devices
• electrochemical methods (voltammetry, galvanostatic techniques, electrochemical impedance analysis and so on)
• Raman spectroscopy (highly desired skill, especially in the characterization of carbon-based materials)
• small-angle X-ray/neutron scattering (SAXS/SANS), total X-ray scattering and pair distribution function (PDF) analysis on carbon materials
• electron microscopy (SEM and/or TEM)
• data analysis, and structure modelling of disordered materials, preferably carbon

We particularly encourage applications from candidates who can bring novel technical skills (synchrotron or other large-scale facilities) that can be applied in the study of the structure and electrochemistry of disordered materials (such as hard carbons).

Desirable/Additional qualifications
Experience in both industrial and academic research in battery manufacturing is desirable. Prior experience in laboratory and project management is also advantageous. Programming skills or acquaintance with applying Python packages, statistical data analysis packages, etc are a strong advantage. At a postdoctoral research position, the candidate is primarily tasked with research but teaching duties may be included in the job description at the discretion of the department, but not more than 20 % of working hours. Thus, previous teaching experience at the undergraduate or graduate level is also highly valued

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position of 2 years according to central collective agreement. Scope of employment 100%. Starting date 03 February or shortly after upon agreement. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact: Habtom D. Asfaw, habtom.desta.asfaw@kemi.uu.se

Application procedure
Applications must be submitted online using the link below. Assessment of applications will be based on academic background, research expertise, relevant publications, ability to conduct reliable and independent research, and collaborative skills. Your application must include

• a cover letter (maximum 1 page) with a short description of yourself, the reasons why you are interested in the position, and your previous research experience.
• a short CV (maximum 2 pages). Please provide in your CV a link to download a copy of your PhD thesis if it is available online.
• a list of papers and conference contributions. At least one first-author publication is required to demonstrate the writing skills and scientific rigour of the candidate. Greater emphasis is laid on the quality rather than the number of publications.
• the names and contact details of 2-3 persons who are available to act as references for you upon request.
• authorized copies of your degrees, transcripts and other relevant documents (merits) can be included as well. All original documents to be submitted must be issued in English or Swedish, or else notarized translations must be provided. Please do not attach any manuscripts, papers, or irrelevant certificates as these will not be considered as part of your application.

Please submit your application by 2 January 2025, UFV-PA 2024/4206.

 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.