Postdoc Position in Sustainable Aqueous Batteries

Postdoc Position in Sustainable Aqueous Batteries

Uppsala University

Uppsala, Sweden

Work duties:

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled postdoc researcher to join our team in a cutting-edge project focused on next-generation aqueous batteries. The overarching goal is to develop novel electrodes and electrolytes for high-performance aqueous iron- and/or zinc-ion batteries. The work involves studying electrochemical energy storage and degradation mechanisms of electrode materials, formulating and optimizing electrolyte systems (including hybrid solvents, functional additives, and water-in-salt electrolytes), and investigating the electrochemical performances of designed aqueous batteries.

The main duties involved in a postdoctoral position is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours.

The successful candidate is expected to:

• Design advanced electrode and electrolyte materials for aqueous battery applications, and employ various physical characterization techniques (OEMS, EQCMD, XRD, SEM/TEM, XPS) to investigate their structure and properties.
• Develop and optimize aqueous electrolyte systems, evaluating their electrochemical window, ionic transport properties, long-term stability, and interactions with electrode materials during cycling.
• Fabricate and test battery cells (coin, Swagelok, or pouch configurations), assess their cycling stability and rate capability, analyze reaction kinetics and energy storage mechanisms, and study phase transformations and degradation mechanisms of electrode materials.
• Establish and maintain research infrastructure, including in-group characterization instruments and electrochemical workstations.
• Write and publish high-quality original research papers in leading peer-reviewed journals.
• Supervise and mentor MSc and PhD students, co-supervising theses and guiding laboratory work and data analysis.

Requirements:

PhD degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering or a foreign degree equivalent to the same. The degree needs to be obtained by the time of the decision of employment. Those who have obtained a PhD degree three years prior to the application deadline are primarily considered for the employment. The starting point of the three-year frame period is the application deadline. 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.

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.

Further requirements:

• Strong knowledge and hands-on experience in aqueous battery technologies, particularly iron- and/or zinc- systems.
• Proven track record of peer-reviewed publications and effective scientific communication.
• Excellent communication skills in English (written and spoken).

Desirable qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, the following experiences and skills are considered strong merits for the position:

• Experience with in situ/operando characterization techniques (e.g., OEMS, EQCMD, XRD, FT-IR, Raman), including data analysis and interpretation.
• Experience in supervising students and managing research infrastructure.
• Hands-on experience in building scaled-up aqueous battery prototypes.
• Research experience with a wide range of electrode materials (e.g., metal oxides, metal sulfides, organic compounds, metal anodes).
• Proven ability to work in international, interdisciplinary, and collaborative environments.