Postdoc position in polymer-based artificial SEI layers for lithium- and sodium-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).

The Structural Chemistry section at the Department of Chemistry – Ångström Laboratory has for many years hosted a research environment focused on the 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

The main focus of the project will be to investigate the development of stable electrode-electrolyte interfaces, primarily targeted towards, but not limited to, lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries. This is aimed at enabling the use of safer battery materials, such as next-generation electrode or non-flammable electrolytes. Employing materials considered to be safer, more environmentally-friendly or with otherwise improved sustainability factors often comes at a cost of deteriorated performance. Usually, this is attributed to poor interfacial properties; hence, various strategies will be employed to improve the interfacial stability, in particular the development of polymer-based artificial solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layers. Electrochemical methods will be used to assess performance of cells, while particular attention will be paid to studying the electrode-electrolyte interfacial reactions using advanced characterisation methods.

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.

The project will be carried out at Uppsala University in close collaboration with colleagues at the Ångström Advanced Battery Centre. The work will mostly be to conduct experimental research into developing stable electrode-electrolyte interfaces for metal-ion batteries. This will generally include the use of various electrochemical techniques (e.g. galvanostatic cycling, cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) and characterisation methods (e.g. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy). The postdoc is expected to perform high quality research as part of a team, with the aim of disseminating resulting works through high impact peer-reviewed journals, and at national and international conferences.

Requirements

PhD degree or a foreign degree equivalent to a PhD degree in chemistry, physics, or materials science. The degree needs to be obtained by the time of the decision of employment. Those who have obtained a PhD degree at most 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 skill. Greater importance is attached to the quality of individual scientific work, than to the amount of publications.

Experience of performing experiments in a laboratory environment, the use of electrochemical methods and knowledge of batteries is essential. The candidate must have excellent capabilities in written and oral English.

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

A PhD topic involving the study of battery technologies, and in particular the study of interface regions or use of advanced spectroscopic methods, is desirable. Familiarity with typical materials characterisation techniques used in battery research is advantageous. Previous work with polymer synthesis or the use of polymers in batteries is advantageous.

About the employment

The employment is a temporary position of 2 years according to central collective agreement. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date 2025-02-03 or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala

 For further information about the position, please contact: Andy Naylor (andy.naylor@kemi.uu.se).

Please submit your application by 10 January 2025, UFV-PA 2024/4258. 

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