Postdoctor in Halide Solid Electrolytes: Ionic Transport and Interfacial Stability Full-time

Postdoctor in Halide Solid Electrolytes: Ionic Transport and Interfacial Stability

Uppsala University, 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 330 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. More information is available on our website.

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.

Work Duties

The overall aim of the project is to develop a fundamental understanding of the origin of these stability limitations and to use this knowledge to guide the design of new halide-based compositions combining high lithium-ion conductivity with improved chemical and electrochemical stability.

A central objective will be to establish relationships between composition, structure, ionic transport properties and stability. The work will involve the synthesis of new solid electrolytes and the investigation of the mechanisms governing their degradation and interfacial reactions with battery electrode materials. Based on this understanding, new compositions and materials design strategies will be explored to overcome the existing trade-off between high ionic conductivity and stability. Thus, the research will combine materials synthesis, structural and electrochemical characterization, and electrochemical testing in battery cells.

The main duties are to conduct research. The position may also include teaching, up to 20% of working time, as well as supervision of and collaboration with doctoral students and master's thesis students.

Requirements

A doctoral degree in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, or a related field, or an international degree deemed equivalent. 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. 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.

Applications are primarily assessed based on the applicant's ability to conduct independent research and their scientific excellence.

The candidate must have documented experience in the synthesis and characterization of inorganic solid-state materials, including structural (i.e. X-ray and neutron diffraction techniques) and ion transport characterization using impedance spectroscopy. Experience in handling air- and moisture-sensitive materials and working under inert atmospheres as well as being familiar with assembly and electrochemical testing in battery cells are required.

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 candidate must also 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.

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 fixed term contract of two years according to central agreement. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date as agreed. Placement: Uppsala