PhD student in Structure–Property Relationships in Halide Solid Ionic Conductors Full-time

PhD Student In Structure–Property Relationships In Halide Solid Ionic Conductors

Uppsala University, Disciplinary Domain of Science and Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Chemistry – Ångström Laboratory

The Department of Chemistry – Ångström conducts research and education in the chemistry field. The department has more than 270 employees and has a turnover of 300 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.

The Department of Chemistry – Ångström Laboratory has for many years hosted an environment focused on research and 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: The project aims to understand how crystal structure and crystallinity govern ionic transport in lithium- and sodium-containing halide-based solid electrolytes. The central goal is to establish fundamental structure–property relationships that can guide the rational design of improved solid ionic conductors for next-generation solid-state energy storage applications.

Key duties of this solid-state chemistry work involve planning and performing air- and moisture-sensitive syntheses, determining the average and local crystal structure of the materials, ionic transport characterization, and interpretation of experimental data. The candidate is also expected to contribute to the development of new research directions, including future exploration of mixed-anion compositions.

The duties may also include:

• Supervision of degree project
• Data analysis and dissemination of research results through scientific publications and conference presentations
• Teaching at first and second cycle level
• Administration linked to the tasks above

Requirements: To meet the entry requirements for doctoral studies, you must

• been awarded a second-cycle degree in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, or equivalent/another relevant field, 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.

The candidate must have:

• very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• good organizational and time-management skills.
• proficiency in basic IT tools for data analysis, documentation, and scientific writing (e.g., Origin, or similar software) is beneficial.
• prior laboratory skills in advanced synthesis methods, particularly involving air-and moisture-sensitive techniques.
• knowledge of structural characterization, particularly X-ray and neutron diffraction techniques.
• experience with ion transport characterization using impedance spectroscopy.

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: Experience in physico-chemical characterization methods (e.g., NMR, XPS) is desirable.

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

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

For further information about the position, please contact: Xabier Martinez de Irujo-Labalde, xabier.martinezdeirujolabalde@kemi.uu.se

Please submit your application by May 15 2026, UFV-PA 2026/1146.

Uppsala University is a broad research university with a strong international position. The ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a difference in society. Our most important asset is all of our 7,600 employees and 53,000 students who, with curiosity and commitment, make Uppsala University one of Sweden's most exciting workplaces.

The position may be subject to security vetting. If security vetting is conducted, the applicant must pass the vetting process to be eligible for employment.

Please do not send offers of recruitment or advertising services.

Submit your application through Uppsala University's recruitment system.

Type of employment – Temporary position

Contract type – Full time

First day of employment – 2026-09-01

Salary – Fast lön

Number of positions – 1

Full-time equivalent – 100%

City – Uppsala

County – Uppsala län

Country – Sweden

Reference number – UFV-PA 2026/1146

Contact – Xabier Martinez de Irujo Labalde, 018-4710000, xabier.martinezdeirujolabalde@kemi.uu.se

Published – 14.Apr.2026

Last application date – 15.May.2026