Postdoc position in materials for rechargeable Li-ion and Zn-based aqueous 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

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The Department of Chemistry – Ångström Laboratory has for many years hosted an environment focused on research and development of materials and their applications within the energy storage area: the Ångström Advanced Battery Centre. We develop novel electrode and electrolyte materials, characterize them, evaluate and improve them with respect to battery performance, and study fundamental chemical processes and properties using both experimental and computational techniques. The research is, as such, both fundamental and applied.

Work duties
In this post-doctoral project, we are looking for a co-worker that can work with versatile tasks within the battery field, both for Li-ion batteries, but also for alternative rechargeable battery technologies. One of the primary focuses will be studying and developing procedures for effective reuse of cycled/aged LiFePO4 (LFP) in Li-ion cells as possible positive electrode in rechargeable aqueous batteries, e.g. Zn-ion batteries (ZIBs) with a Zn metal negative electrode. The work is interdisciplinary, encompassing research areas of materials chemistry, electrochemistry and interfacial chemistry.

The research will involve synthetic chemistry, investigation of structural properties of the materials during use, subsequent re-use (e.g. in ZIBs) and post-mortem analyses via various analytical methods. Investigation of electrolyte formulations and interface stability of the active materials will be conducted, as well as evaluation of cycling performances under different operation conditions via different methods.

Moreover, the candidate may perform tasks such as possible supervision of degree projects and will carry out administration related to the work duties described above.

Requirements
PhD degree in Chemistry or a foreign degree equivalent to a PhD degree in Chemistry. 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 labour unions, etc.

The assessment of applications is based primarily on the applicant's ability to conduct independent research based on scientific skills. 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.

The applicant must have excellent capabilities in both written and oral English and should be well acquainted with studies of battery materials, electrode preparation, battery construction and testing and related materials characterization techniques, e.g. X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The candidate should be able to develop the research activities in an autonomous, effective and well-organized way, as well as to communicate and collaborate efficiently within a dynamic working environment. The candidate will also have to provide regularly periodical updates on the project status in the form of written reports and/or oral presentations.

Desirable qualifications
A solid background in electrochemistry and good knowledge of Li-ion batteries and/or of rechargeable aqueous cells are highly recommended. Familiarity with structural studies of electrode materials, possibly via in situ/operando methods, investigations of electrode/electrolyte interfaces and surface analysis methods is also a clear advantage.

Knowledge of and practical experience in preparing/developing electrolyte formulations is beneficial.

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

For further information about the position, please contact: Mario Valvo, Mario.Valvo@kemi.uu.se.

Please submit your application by 2 June 2025, UFV-PA 2025/1488.

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