Postdoc position in development of stable electrode-electrolyte interfaces for metal-ion batteries

Published: 2022-08-18

Uppsala University is a comprehensive research-intensive university with a strong international standing. Our ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a long-term difference in society. Our most important assets are all the individuals whose curiosity and dedication make Uppsala University one of Sweden’s most exciting workplaces. Uppsala University has over 54,000 students, more than 7,500 employees and a turnover of around SEK 8 billion.

The Department of Chemistry - Ångström conducts research and education in the chemistry field. The department has more than 250 employees and has a turnover of 250 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 . 

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.

Project description
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 batteries. This is aimed at enabling the use of safer battery materials, such as 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, allowing for the use of more sustainable electrolytes. 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 overall objective of the project is to advance the knowledge of electrode-electrolyte interfaces in metal-ion batteries and to develop methods to improve their stability when used with novel electrolytes.

Work duties
The main duties involved in a post-doctoral position are in conducting 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
For employment as postdoc, the applicant should have a PhD or an international equivalent within the field of chemistry, physics, or materials science, within a maximum of three (3) years before the final application date. During certain circumstances, an earlier PhD can be acceptable. Certain circumstances include leave due to illness, parental leave, commission of trust in trade 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.

Application procedure
The application must contain a cover letter in which the applicant briefly describes themselves and their research interests. The application must also contain a CV, copies of degree certificates, up to three relevant published articles and other documents that the applicant wishes to submit. Contact details for at least two references should also be included.

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position for two years.Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date 2022-09-19 or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala.

For further information about the position please contact: Andy Naylor ([email protected] ).

Please submit your application by 5 September 2022, UFV-PA 2022/2938.

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Submit your application through Uppsala University's recruitment system.

Placement: Department of Chemistry - Ångström Laboratory

Type of employment: Full time , Temporary position longer than 6 months

Pay: Individual pay

Number of positions: 1

Working hours: 100%

Town: Uppsala

County: Uppsala län

Country: Sweden

Union representative: Seko Universitetsklubben [email protected]
ST/TCO [email protected]
Saco-rådet [email protected]

Number of reference: UFV-PA 2022/2938

Last application date: 2022-09-05

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