Postdoctoral position on structural electrolyes for structural batteries

This call is for a postdoctoral position who will have a key role in an exciting interdisciplinary project between three departments at Chalmers University of Technology. The aim of the project is to develop highly functional structural batteries for electric vehicles, ships and in particular aircrafts, where additional weight has to be minimized. The project encompasses applied and fundamental aspects of research, and the findings are expected to be utilized for the realization of novel structural batteries within a few years only

Information about the research project
The purpose of this research project is to develop novel structural electrolytes for structural batteries. The structural battery is a modern battery concept that integrates mechanical strength and conductive properties of carbon fibres, which hence constitute an intimate part of anode and cathode electrodes. Differently from conventional batteries, the structural battery is a fibre reinforced polymer composite, developed to provide multiple functions desirably with an orientational dependence. In particular, the structural electrolyte needs to both transfer load and transport ions. However, this requires composite materials able to provide both high ionic conductivities and good mechanical properties. Unfortunately, such materials do not exist yet and it is the aim of this project to fill this gap. The project should lead to a deeper understanding of the operational mechanisms of the structural electrolytes, so their properties can be optimized for structural batteries.

The project is collaborative between three departments at Chalmers; Physics, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, and Industrial and Materials Science, and the successful candidate of this position will be placed in the Division of Nano and Biophysics at the Department of Physics. 

Major responsibilities
The successful candidate will mainly perform dielectric conductivity and relaxation measurements, but also differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and neutron scattering experiments on structural electrolytes based on polymers and/or ionic liquids. The work will be in very close collaboration with another postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, who will synthesize samples as well as performing complementary experimental studies. The successful candidate should also take the main responsibility to write scientific papers about the experimentally obtained results.

Qualifications
To qualify for the position of postdoc, you must hold a doctoral degree awarded no more than three years prior to the application deadline (according to the current agreement with the Swedish Agency for Government Employers).

A PhD in physics, chemistry, materials science or related field is required, as well as excellent language skills in English.

Specific qualifications of particular importance for the project are:
(a) Experience of research work on electrolytes and/or batteries
(b) Experience of research work on polymers and/or ionic liquids
(c) Experience of using dielectric/imedance spectroscopy and/or calorimetric measurements
(d) Knowledge in neutron scattering

Swedish is not a requirement but Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

Contract terms
This postdoc position is a full-time temporary employment for two years.

We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg .
Read more about working at Chalmers  and our benefits  for employees.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence . Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20220441 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

CV:(Please name the document as: CV, Surname, Ref. number) including:
• CV, include complete list of publications
• Previous teaching and pedagogical experiences
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous research fields and main research results
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Attested copies of completed education, grades and other certificates.

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.

Application deadline: 30th November, 2022

For questions, please contact:
Jan Swenson, Nano and Biophysics, [email protected], +46-31-772 5680

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. *** 

Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our six Areas of Advance; Energy, Health Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Materials Science, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!

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