Postdoctoral position in sustainable electrolyte research for next-generation batteries

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).

Work duties
The project aims to investigate new non-fluorinated and sustainable electrolytes for Na-ion batteries. The research focus will be on synthesis of new salts and exploring of green solvents. The project will be conducted at the Ångström Advanced Battery Centre (ÅABC), the largest battery research group in the Nordic countries.

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

The postdoc will investigate new electrolytes for next-generation batteries. The duties include synthesizing new compounds, exploring different salt-solvent-additive combinations and studying the electrochemical and physicochemical properties of the researched systems. 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. Strong collaboration with colleagues in the Department of Chemistry Ångström will be expected.

Requirements
PhD degree or a foreign degree equivalent to a PhD degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics or related subject is required. The degree needs to be obtained by the time of the decision of employment. Those who have obtained a PhD degree three years prior to the application deadline are primarily considered for the employment. The starting point of the three-year frame period is the application deadline. Due to special circumstances, the degree may have been obtained earlier. The three-year period can be extended due to circumstances such as sick leave, parental leave, duties in labor unions, etc.

Experience with organic synthesis, liquid electrolytes, structural characterization techniques and electrochemistry is essential.

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.

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
Experience with battery materials, battery cell assembly and working in gloveboxes are considered an advantage. Advanced knowledge and/or practical experience in electrolyte additives, interphases and physicochemical characterization techniques will be beneficial. In addition, experience performing environmental assessments or life cycle analyses are considered an asset.

 About the employment
The employment is a temporary position of 2 years according to central collective agreement. Scope of employment 100%. Starting date 1st of April 2025 or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala.

 For further information about the position, please contact: Katja Lahtinen (katja.lahtinen@kemi.uu.se) or Guiomar Hernández (guiomar.hernandez@kemi.uu.se)

Please submit your application by 24 of February 2025, UFV-PA 2025/215.

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