PhD student in bio-based battery electrolytes Full-time

PhD Student In Bio-Based Battery Electrolytes

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.

Duties: This project will target a more sustainable battery value chain through implementation of bio-based electrolytes, from renewable carbon feedstocks, in lithium- and sodium-ion batteries. The ultimate purpose is to reduce climate impact, improve safety, and decrease strategic dependence on fossil and externally sourced raw materials. Through the combined development of tailored bio-based electrolytes, the study of their performance with state-of-the-art electrode chemistries, and investigation of electrode-electrolyte interfaces, you will establish scientifically grounded design principles for sustainable electrolytes that meet industrial performance requirements.

The main activities involved in the doctoral studies are in conducting experimental research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. You will also take third-cycle courses related to the research topics. The project will be carried out at Uppsala University in close collaboration with the project team and other colleagues at the Ångström Advanced Battery Centre. The work will mostly be to conduct experimental research into developing bio-based electrolytes for lithium- and sodium-ion batteries. This will generally include liquid electrolyte development, battery assembly, the use of various electrochemical techniques (e.g. galvanostatic cycling, cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) and advanced characterisation methods (e.g. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy), both locally and at international large-scale facilities. You are 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: To meet the entry requirements for doctoral studies, you must

• been awarded a second-cycle degree in chemistry, physics, materials science, or a closely related subject, or
• have completed at least 240 credits in higher education, with at least 60 credits at Master's level including an independent project worth at least 15 credits, or
• acquired essentially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

To be considered for this position, you must have:

• a good working knowledge of battery energy storage systems,
• experience of working in an experimental laboratory environment,
• skills in high-quality academic writing (for example research project reports, thesis, or published articles),
• the capability to express themself clearly, document experimental work efficiently, and work together 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: The following qualifications may also be considered:

• previous experience in the research field of electrochemical energy storage, particularly batteries, is desirable, e.g. through a master thesis project.
• previous experience working with materials characterisation, particularly for battery interfaces, is an advantage.
• knowledge of organic chemistry, particularly related to organic synthesis and properties of organic molecules, is an advantage.
• good knowledge of data curation and plotting, electronic laboratory notebooks, Python or similar, are merits.
• excellent grades from second-cycle education are a merit.

Application Procedure: The application must contain the following:

• CV
• Copies of degree certificates and grade transcripts
• Master's thesis or equivalent (final/draft)
• Contact details of two references
• Other documentation in support of the requirements or qualifications

About the employment: The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Scope of employment 100%. Starting date 2026-11-01 or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact: Andy Naylor, andy.naylor@kemi.uu.se

Please submit your application by 16 October 2026, UFV-PA 2026/2757.