Postdoctoral Position in Condensed Matter Physics of Energy Materials

Postdoctoral Position in Condensed Matter Physics of Energy Materials

Uppsala University

Uppsala, Sweden

The postdoctoral position is placed in Dr. Soham Mukherjee’s group at the division of X-ray Photon Science in the Condensed Matter Physics of Energy Materials research programme. This project concerns batteries, and will develop new operando photon-in/photon-out x-ray spectroscopy capabilities that offer atomic-scale insights for material design for improved durability, reusability, and recyclability. Of particular interest will be operando investigation of a range of battery cathodes to obtain real-time mechanistic insights of battery operation. Experimental findings will be complemented by multiscale modeling on how such mechanism affects battery performance and stability.

We are looking for a candidate who will design operando battery cells for x-ray photon-in/photon-out techniques, and address topical questions relating to different battery components through understanding of electronic effects and material geometry at the atomic-scale. The work will be carried out in active collaboration with Assoc. Prof. Maria Hahlin at the Department of Chemistry, Ångström, supported by theoretical calculations from collaborators within the research constellation.

The candidate will be part of a diverse research environment in the division of X-ray Photon Science within the Condensed Matter Physics of Energy Materials research programme that actively engages within the COMPEL network, united by a common goal of strengthening the battery value chain in Sweden.

Duties

The main task is research, with a possibility of upto 20% teaching. Specific tasks:

• Battery design and cell development;
• Operando x-ray tools for both in-house and light sources, mostly MAX IV;
• Spectroscopy data analysis on battery samples;
• Writing scientific articles;
• Engage in COMPEL activities across Sweden.

Requirements

PhD degree in Physics, Chemistry or Material Science or equivalent foreign PhD degree in Physics, Chemistry or Material Science. The degree needs to be obtained by the time of the decision of employment. Priority will be given to applicants who have completed their degree no more than three years before the deadline for applications. 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.

Good communication skills in oral and written English are required. Advanced user skills in electronic structure analysis are required.

Additional qualifications

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, as well as the applicant's experience and potential within the area of the future duties. Exposure to energy materials, instrumentation-handling, experience with programming (e.g. in Matlab or Python) and is an added advantage.