Postdoc position in developing zero-cobalt layered cathodes for sustainable lithium ion batteries in future electric automotive - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

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 290 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.  

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Work duties
Development of more sustainable lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles has been a common theme of several generations of collaborative projects between the Swedish automotive industry and academia. This particular postdoc-project will focus on fundamental and applied experimental studies to evaluate the battery performance when using the zero-cobalt layered cathode materials. The material stability and ageing mechanisms of zero-Co lithium-ion batteries will be investigated. Both prototype batteries and commercial cells will be used, and the work will take place within the framework of a larger project financed by the Swedish Energy Agency and together with the large industrial company.

More specific, the focus of the investigations will be on the assessment of electrochemical performance, sustainability and cost effectiveness of zero-Co cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles. In practice, this means for example to cycle the batteries under specified conditions, and thereafter analyze the cell components with experimental methods. These will rely on electrochemistry, diffraction, and spectroscopy, but also other methods and experiments at synchrotron facilities may be applicable. We will also focus on the development of Co substitutes in the layered cathodes to obtain an understanding of the best usage strategy of the zero-Co layered oxides from the batteries while they are being charged and discharged in electric vehicles.

The project will entail characterizing materials, electrode preparation, cell assembly, conducting electrochemical testing and measurements of structures, morphology and interfaces as well as thermal stability. 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 academia and industry as well as other national and international project partners will be expected.

The main duties 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.

Requirements

PhD degree or a foreign degree equivalent to a PhD degree in Chemistry, Material Science, Physics or related subjects. 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.

Experience with material structural characterization, electrode preparation, assembling battery cells, working in gloveboxes, electrochemical testing and in/ex situ measurements of materials/electrodes during/after electrochemical cycling 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. The candidate must have excellent capabilities in written and oral English. The desirable candidate for this role will be responsible for regular interactions with key industry partner. Thus, experience in working with or collaborating with industry partners including writing reports is preferred. 

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. Additionally, the department values and emphasizes gender equity, and seeks to ensure a diverse and inclusive environment for all researchers. 

Desirable qualifications
It is desirable to have experience with material synthesis and structural characterization, interfacial analysis, inorganic chemistry and various physical/electrochemical characterization techniques (e.g. XPS, XAS, XRD, SEM, DSC, galvanostatic cycling, EIS, GITT, etc). Advanced knowledge and practical experience in conducting synchrotron-based experimental and data processing will be beneficial.

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

The application should include:

• CV (max 2 pages, A4)
• Cover letter (max 1 page, A4)
• List of publications
• Contact information for at least two academic reference persons

For further information about the position please contact: Haidong Liu, Haidong.liu@kemi.uu.se.

Please submit your application by 13th of November 2023, UFV-PA 2023/3755.

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