PhD student in anode-free 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).

Duties
This PhD project focuses on the development of high-energy anode-free lithium batteries, aiming to overcome the critical limitations of current lithium-ion technology. The anode-free design, which eliminates excess lithium metal and relies on lithium plated from the cathode during operation, offer a pathway to significantly increase energy density and reduce cell weight and cost. The research addresses key challenges such as dendrite formation, low Coulombic efficiency, and poor cycle life by investigating advanced electrolyte formulations, interfacial engineering techniques, and protective coatings. The project combines experimental electrochemistry, advanced characterization methods, and modeling to optimize cell performance and safety.

We are looking for a highly motivated and ambitious student for this challenging project. The student will design, plan, and execute the experimental work, often in collaboration with colleagues, critically analyze and discuss the results, and disseminate the work orally at scientific conferences and written in the form of papers in peer-reviewed journals. Finally, the student is expected to be a good team player, and also participate in all mandatory group activities, including becoming the responsible person for specific lab equipment.

Requirements
The student should have a background in chemistry, physics, material science, chemical engineering or equivalent. In addition, the student is expected to

• have been awarded a Master’s degree in one of these subjects, or
• have completed at least 240 credits in higher education, with at least 60 credits at Master’s level including an independent project worth at least 15 credits, or acquired essentially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.
• have excellent oral and written proficiency in English.
• have experience in electrochemical energy storage systems and/or material characterization.

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.

Additional qualifications
Experience with a common programming language, such as Python, is an advantage.

 About the employment
The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date 2025-10-01 or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University's rules and guidelines.

For further information about the position, please contact:
Leiting Zhang, leiting.zhang@kemi.uu.se

Please submit your application by 21 July 2025, UFV-PA 2025/2226.

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