PhD student in chemistry of battery interfaces

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 270 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.

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Description of the project
The main focus of the project will be to advance the knowledge of electrode-electrolyte interfaces in rechargeable batteries and to develop novel methodologies for stabilising such interfaces. This is aimed at enabling the use of safer and more sustainable battery materials, such as non-flammable electrolytes. While lithium-ion batteries will be the primary target, next-generation technologies such as those based on sodium or potassium will also be investigated. Electrochemical methods will be used to assess cell performance and reaction mechanisms, while particular attention will be paid to studying interfacial chemistry using advanced characterisation methods. One such technique would be hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, which would require regular travel to synchrotron facilities.

Duties
The main duties involved in the doctoral studies are in conducting research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The student will also take third-cycle courses related to the research topics. 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 successful candidate 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

• has been awarded a second-cycle (Master’s degree) qualification in chemistry, physics or materials science, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle (chemistry, physics or materials science), or has acquired essentially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.
• knowledge of electrochemical energy storage systems
• skills in high-quality academic writing (for example research project reports, thesis, or published articles)
• the capability to express yourself clearly, document experimental work, and work with others in a research environment
• very good oral and written proficiency in 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.

Additional qualifications

• previous experience in the research field of electrochemical energy storage, particularly batteries
• previous experience working with materials characterisation
• excellent grades from second-cycle education are a merit

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University's rules and guidelines.

Application Procedure
The application must contain the following:

• Cover letter detailing why the candidate is interested and suitable for the position
• CV
• Copies of degree certificates and grade transcripts
• Master’s thesis (final/draft)
• Contact details of two references
• Other relevant documents

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Scope of employment 100 %.Starting date26 September 2022 or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala

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

Please submit your application by 19 September 2022, UFV-PA 2022/3085.

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