Postdoctoral position in advanced structural analysis and electrochemical applications of carbon materials Full-time NEW

Postdoctoral Position in Advanced Structural Analysis and Electrochemical Applications of Carbon Materials

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.

About the position Applications are invited from highly competent and motivated candidates for a postdoctoral research position to develop and characterize carbon materials, such as natural graphite, porous carbon and hard carbon, intended for energy storage applications. The successful candidate will join a collaborative project involving Uppsala University (UU), industrial partners and research institutes, contributing to a highly interdisciplinary effort to establish comprehensive structure–electrochemistry relationships in disordered carbon and natural graphite used in electrochemical applications. Both experimental and theoretical skills are considered essential. The researcher will primarily design and execute total X-ray and neutron scattering experiments, using pair distribution function (PDF) analysis to elucidate the short- and medium-range atomic order in disordered materials, and will employ small-angle X-ray and neutron scattering to probe the pore microstructure and morphological characteristics of the materials. Researchers with prior experience using molecular dynamics simulations and machine learning methods to study the structure and electrochemistry of disordered materials are also encouraged to apply.

Work duties The main duties of the post-doctoral employee are to conduct research. Teaching and other departmental responsibilities may also be included, up to no more than 20% of working hours. The successful candidate will work in a large research group consisting of students and researchers. The candidate is expected to:

• conduct high-quality research within the project, ultimately resulting in patents and publications in peer-reviewed journals or conference proceedings
• work in close collaboration with the principal investigator and project partners
• maintain up-to-date knowledge, and gather data relevant to the project
• take initiative in identifying research gaps and future research directions related to the project
• participate in the supervision and teaching of undergraduate and doctoral students
• contribute to writing research proposals to attract external funding
• prepare periodic reports to be submitted to the granting agency
• present and disseminate research results at international conferences, group seminars, and regular project meetings
• design proper experimental procedures taking laboratory safety into account
• ensure compliance with laboratory, environmental and health safety regulations
• maintain a strong commitment to the implementation of research ethics

Requirements To be considered for this position, applicants must have a PhD degree in chemistry, materials science or a related subject when submitting the application. Priority will be given to applicants who have obtained their PhD within the last three years. Circumstances such as parental leave or career breaks due to illness or trade union duties will not, however, be included in the time calculation. Excellent command of verbal and written English is required. The candidate must have a strong background in both experimental and theoretical electrochemistry and documented experience in the structure analysis of disordered materials such as hard carbon and battery testing. We attach great importance to personal qualities such as creative mentality, team spirit and strong motivation to work independently as well as in collaboration with project partners. In addition, the research post requires organized documentation of laboratory procedures and curating data suitable for publication and patenting.

Essential qualifications Strong expertise in two or more of the following research areas is necessary:

• synthesis, functionalization and characterization of carbon materials used in batteries
• in-depth understanding of the different components of sodium-, or lithium-ion batteries or other similar devices
• understanding of theoretical electrochemistry and skills in electrochemical methods (voltammetry, galvanostatic techniques, electrochemical impedance analysis and so on)
• Raman spectroscopy (highly desired skill, especially in the characterization of carbon-based materials)
• small-angle X-ray/neutron scattering (SAXS/SANS), total X-ray scattering and pair distribution function (PDF) analysis on carbon materials
• electron microscopy (SEM and/or TEM)
• data analysis, machine learning and molecular dynamics simulations of the structure and electrochemistry of disordered materials, preferably carbon

We particularly encourage applications from candidates who can bring novel technical skills (synchrotron or other large-scale facilities) that can be applied in the study of the structure and electrochemistry of disordered materials (such as hard carbons).

Desirable/Additional qualifications Experience in both industrial and academic research in battery manufacturing is desirable. Prior experience in laboratory and project management is also advantageous. Programming skills or acquaintance with applying Python packages, statistical data analysis packages, machine learning etc are a strong advantage. At a postdoctoral research position, the candidate is primarily tasked with research but teaching duties may be included in the job description at the discretion of the department, but not more than 20 % of working hours. Thus, previous teaching experience at the undergraduate or graduate level is also highly valued.

About the employment The employment is a temporary position for 2 years according to the central collective agreement. Scope of employment 100 % (full-time, 40 hours per week) Starting date 1 January 2027 or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact: Dr. Habtom D. Asfaw, habtom.desta.asfaw@kemi.uu.se

Application procedure Applications must be submitted online using the link below. Assessment of applications will be based on academic background, research expertise, relevant publications, ability to conduct reliable and independent research, and collaborative skills. Your application must include:

• a cover letter (maximum 1 page) with a short description of yourself, the reasons why you are interested in the position, and your previous research experience.
• a short CV (maximum 2 pages). Please provide in your CV a link to download a copy of your PhD thesis if it is available online.
• a list of papers and conference contributions. At least one first-author publication is required to demonstrate the writing skills and scientific rigour of the candidate. Greater emphasis is laid on the quality rather than the number of publications.
• the names and contact details of 2-3 persons who are available to act as references for you upon request.
• authorized copies of your degrees, transcripts and other relevant documents (merits) can be included as well. All original documents to be submitted must be issued in English or Swedish, or else notarized translations must be provided. Please do not attach any manuscripts, papers, or irrelevant certificates as these will not be considered as part of your application.

Please submit your application by 26 October 2026, UFV-PA 2026/2862. Interviews of shortlisted candidates will be scheduled shortly after, and you must be available to meet via Zoom.