Postdoctoral position in Condensed Matter Physics of Energy Materials

The Department of Physics and Astronomy is one of Uppsala University's largest departments housing multiple divisions with almost 400 employees. The department conducts world-class research and education in both theoretical and experimental physics. Every year, around 2,500 students study courses at first and second cycle level at the department. Read more on www.physics.uu.se.

The division of X-ray Photon Science is world-leading in the development and use of advanced x-ray methods for studying materials through light-matter interaction. This puts us in the forefront in atomic-level studies of atoms, molecules and condensed matter. This division includes the research programme Condensed Matter Physics of Energy Materials, with a special focus on studies and development of materials, surfaces and interfaces of interest for different energy applications, with an outlook towards development of a sustainable society.

This recruitment is linked to COMPEL (COMPetitiveness for the ELectrification of the Transport System), a strategic initiative from the Swedish government to ensure Sweden's long-term competitiveness in battery development and electrification of the transport sector. The platform integrates research and education over the entire battery value chain, providing interdisciplinary network for collaboration. Within this framework, COMPEL is recruiting early-career researchers with diverse expertise at different sectors of the battery value chain, with a vision to create a unique interdisciplinary research and education environment. This effort is built on a strong alliance between academic institutions and industrial partners to advance research, development, and innovation.

The hired candidate will be a part of nationwide COMPEL activities including seminars, courses, research visits, strategic meetings other activities to promote a strong multi-disciplinary and international network between PhD students, postdocs, researchers, and industry as well as for future career-development opportunities.

The postdoctoral position is placed in Dr. Soham Mukherjee’s group at the division of X-ray Photon Science in the Condensed Matter Physics of Energy Materials research programme. This project concerns batteries, and will develop new operando photon-in/photon-out x-ray spectroscopy capabilities that offer atomic-scale insights for material design for improved durability, reusability, and recyclability. Of particular interest will be operando investigation of a range of battery cathodes to obtain real-time mechanistic insights of battery operation. Experimental findings will be complemented by multiscale modeling on how such mechanism affects battery performance and stability.

We are looking for a candidate who will design operando battery cells for x-ray photon-in/photon-out techniques, and address topical questions relating to different battery components through understanding of electronic effects and material geometry at the atomic-scale. The work will be carried out in active collaboration with Assoc. Prof. Maria Hahlin at the Department of Chemistry, Ångström, supported by theoretical calculations from collaborators within the research constellation.

The candidate will be part of a diverse research environment in the division of X-ray Photon Science within the Condensed Matter Physics of Energy Materials research programme that actively engages within the COMPEL network, united by a common goal of strengthening the battery value chain in Sweden.

Duties

The main task is research, with a possibility of upto 20% teaching. Specific tasks:

• Battery design and cell development
• Operando x-ray tools for both in-house and light sources, mostly MAX IV.
• Spectroscopy data analysis on battery samples
• Writing scientific articles
• Engage in COMPEL activities across Sweden

Requirements

PhD degree in Physics, Chemistry or Material Science or equivalent foreign PhD degree in Physics, Chemistry or Material Science. The degree needs to be obtained by the time of the decision of employment. Priority will be given to applicants who have completed their degree no more than three years before the deadline for applications.  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.

Good communication skills in oral and written English are required. Advanced user skills in electronic structure analysis are required.

Additional qualifications

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, as well as the applicant's experience and potential within the area of the future duties. Exposure to energy materials, instrumentation-handling, experience with programming (e.g. in Matlab or Python) and is an added advantage.

Application

The application must contain:

• A curriculum vitae (CV),
• A copy of relevant grade documents (translated into Swedish or English),
• A list of publications,
• Up to five selected publications in electronic format,
• A research description describing your previous and current research (max. 1 page) and a proposal for future activities (max. 1 page),
• Contact information for two references,
• All applicants should indicate the earliest possible start date for employment.

About the employment

The employment is a temporary position of 2 years according to central collective agreement. Full time position. Starting date 01/04/2026 or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact: Soham Mukherjee, +46 7623 50595, soham.mukherjee@physics.uu.se

In this recruitment we have replaced the cover letter with questions that you are asked to answer when making your application. The answers will be used as a part of the selection process. Please include a copy of your doctoral degree certificate as part of your application.

Please submit your application by 20 February 2026, UFV-PA 2026/74.

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