Postdoctoral position in recycling of lithium-ion batteries

Organisation/Company

Uppsala universitet

Department

Uppsala University, Department of Chemistry - Ångström Laboratory

Research Field

Chemistry

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Sweden

Application Deadline

31 May 2023 - 21:59 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

The Department of Chemistry - Ångström conducts research and education in the chemistry field. The department has more than 260 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 . 

Project description: The primary focus of this project will be on the development of methods for efficient recycling of electrode materials from lithium-ion batteries. Therefore, the main aim of the project is to understand the details of reaction in recycling of cathode materials such as LiNi0.6 Mn0.2 Co0.2 O2  (NMC) and LiCoO2 . The knowledge will be used to improve the efficiency of recycling process, e.g. to decrease the amount of impurity in recycled materials and the lower energy consumption for recycling. The project will investigate possibilities on using different solvents and acids for leaching cathode materials. Different aspects of such systems will be studied including material properties, leaching reactions as well as how they can be used in large scale in industry. The ultimate aim of this project is to increase knowledge and understanding in this field and take the next steps in the development green methods for recycling of materials from lithium-ion batteries.

Work duties: 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 in Uppsala University in close collaboration with colleagues at Ångström Advanced Battery Centre. This project will also be performed in a close collaboration with researchers at KTH University. The main duties of the position will be to conduct research in recycling of lithium-ion batteries. Specifically, this will involve developing methods based on different solvents in order to recycle cobalt, nickel and copper from cathode materials used in lithium-ion batteries. A variety of analytical techniques including infrared spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, etc. will be used for characterization of recycled materials. The postdoc is expected to perform high quality research, with the aim of disseminating resulting works through high impact peer-reviewed journals or conference proceedings.

Requirements: For employment as postdoc, the applicant should have a PhD exam or an international equivalent within the field of Chemistry or in Materials Science or other for the position relevant fields, 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, in trade unions, etc.

Experience within the recyling research field, working in a laboratory environment, and competences in using analytical methods are 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.

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: Familiarity with characterization of battery materials is highly recommended.

Application procedure: The application should include a statement of research interest, CV, certificates of exams, degrees and grades, published article or relevant materials, if available. Also, contact information of at least two reference persons should be included.

Salary: Individual pay.

Starting date: 2024-01-01.

Type of employment: Temporary position for two years.

Scope of employment: 100 %

For further information about the position please contact: Reza Younesi (reza.younesi@kemi.uu.se )

Please submit your application by 31 05 2023, UFV-PA 2023/2033.

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Research Field

Chemistry

Education Level

PhD or equivalent

Research Field

Chemistry

Years of Research Experience

1 - 4

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Uppsala universitet

Country

Sweden

City

Uppsala

Website

https://uu.varbi.com/en/what:job/jobID:630014/type:job/where:39/apply:1

City

Uppsala

Website

http://www.uu.se/en/about-uu/join-us/jobs/