Postdoc Position in Precursor Synthesis for Battery Materials from Recycled Metal Streams

Postdoc Position in Precursor Synthesis for Battery Materials from Recycled Metal Streams

Uppsala University

Uppsala, Sweden

Work duties:

The project focuses on understanding how trace impurities present in recycled metal sulfate streams influence the synthesis and quality of precursor cathode active materials (pCAM) used in lithium-ion batteries. The research addresses challenges arising in circular battery value chains, where metals recovered through recycling processes may contain residual impurities that can affect precursor synthesis, particle morphology, and final material performance. The postdoctoral researcher will investigate ammonia-controlled co-precipitation of precursor materials and study how impurities such as Li⁺, Na⁺, F⁻, Mg²⁺, Cu²⁺ and Al³⁺ influence precipitation chemistry, metal partitioning, and precursor quality. The work will combine systematic experimental studies with advanced materials characterization to establish mechanistic understanding and define acceptable impurity ranges for precursor synthesis from recycled metal streams. The project will involve experimental design, synthesis and characterization of precursor materials, and analysis of impurity effects on precipitation behavior and particle properties. Selected precursor materials may also be evaluated through calcination and electrochemical testing to assess the potential impact of impurities on battery performance.

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 duties may also include (e.g.):

• Research within the subject area of hydrometallurgy, battery recycling, precursor synthesis and battery materials
• Planning and conducting precipitation experiments in multi-component aqueous metal systems
• Characterization of precursor materials, including chemical, morphological, and electrochemical analyses, calcination, and performance testing in lithium-ion battery cells
• Data analysis and dissemination of research results through scientific publications and conference presentations
• Teaching in the first, second and third cycles of studies
• Possible supervision of degree projects
• Collaboration with industry and wider society
• Administration related to the work duties listed above

Requirements:

PhD degree in in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering or equivalent/another relevant field or a foreign degree equivalent to a PhD degree in in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering . 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.

The ability to work both independently and collaboratively is of great importance. The working group is small but highly productive with high demands on collaboration skills.

The candidate must have very good oral and written proficiency in English.

Desirable qualifications:

Advanced knowledge and/or practical experience in one or more of the following areas will be beneficial.

• Co-precipitation synthesis of transition metal hydroxides or cathode precursor materials
• Characterization of battery materials using techniques such as ICP-OES/ICP-MS, SEM, XRD, or particle size analysis
• Particle characterization techniques such as particle size distribution analysis or tap density measurements
• Hydrometallurgical processing or recycling of battery materials
• Fabrication and electrochemical testing of lithium-ion battery cells
• Chemical system simulation or thermodynamic/speciation modeling (e.g., HSC Chemistry, FactSage, or similar)
• Experience with data analysis software (e.g., Python, MATLAB, Origin)
• Ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary research teams