Postdoctoral position in Operando Investigation of Interfacial Degradation in Sulfide-Based Solid-State Lithium–Sulfur Batteries Full-time

Postdoctoral Position in Operando Investigation of Interfacial Degradation in Sulfide-Based Solid-State Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world's top universities. The University has around 46,000 students and 8,500 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition.

Lund University has since 2022 a close collaboration with a number of other top Swedish universities in battery research within the platform COMPEL (COMPetitiveness for the ELectrification of the transport system). Within the platform, the universities collaborate on research, research infrastructure and education to offer competence and world-leading research in battery technology and power electronics.

At the Faculty of Engineering (LTH) of Lund University, COMPEL is a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing research environments in battery technology and electrification to complement relevant research at other institutions, building on our strengths. COMPEL at Lund University initially includes researchers from ten departments, and three areas of research have been identified for strategic development: materials research, integration of batteries with power electronics, and safe energy storage.

This position is associated with the COMPEL platform located at the Centre for Analysis and Synthesis, Department of Chemistry. The Department of Chemistry conducts research in all core areas of chemistry with a broad theme of research for a sustainable society. Potential synergies between the current position and key research areas within the department include synthesis and characterisation of organic, inorganic and polymer molecules and materials for catalysis, photovoltaics, energy storage and conversion applications, among other areas. In addition, close collaboration with other LU facilities, such as the 4D Imaging Lab, NanoLund, and MAX IV, will also be possible.

Subject Description

All-solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries (ASSLSBs) are considered among the most promising next-generation battery technologies due to their potentially high energy density, intrinsic safety, and use of abundant sulfur-based cathodes. However, their practical implementation remains hindered by rapid capacity fading, increasing interfacial resistance, and poor long-term cycling stability.

A major challenge is the chemical and mechanical degradation occurring at the interfaces between sulfur cathodes, sulfide solid electrolytes, and lithium-containing anodes. The formation of electronically and ionically insulating decomposition products, together with contact loss induced by sulfur conversion reactions, significantly limits battery performance.

The objective of this project is to establish a fundamental understanding of interfacial degradation mechanisms in sulfide-based solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries through advanced operando and post-mortem characterization. Emphasis will be placed on investigating sulfur conversion chemistry, electrolyte decomposition, and interphase evolution during electrochemical cycling.

The project will exploit the unique characterization capabilities available at MAX IV, and complementary spectroscopy techniques. By combining electrochemical analysis with advanced synchrotron methods, the project aims to identify the key degradation pathways limiting the performance of solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries and develop design principles for next-generation sulfur-based energy storage systems.

Work Duties

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 position includes the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning. The purpose of the position is to develop the independence as a researcher and to create the opportunity of further development. You will be responsible for designing, planning and carrying out experiments independently, including development of project ideas. Supervision of graduate or postgraduate students may also be part of the work duties.

Detailed Description of the Work Duties, Such As:

• Fabrication and optimization of sulfide-based all-solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries.
• Electrochemical characterization, including galvanostatic cycling, rate capability testing, EIS, DRT, and GITT measurements.
• Development and implementation of operando characterization methodologies.
• Prepare synchrotron beamtime proposals and carry out operando studies.
• Post-mortem analysis using SEM, FIB-SEM, XPS, Raman spectroscopy, and other relevant techniques.
• Analyze experimental data, prepare reports, and publish findings.
• Actively seeking external research funding.
• Administration related to the work duties listed above.

Qualification Requirements

Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position. The certificate proving the qualification requirement is met, must be received before the employment decision is made. Priority will be given to candidates who have graduated no more than three years ago before the last day for application. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional Requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Doctoral degree within engineering, chemistry, materials science, or a related subject.
• Hands-on experience in electrochemistry and Li-S batteries.
• Proven ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative research team.
• Good problem-solving and analytical abilities.

Assessment Criteria

This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers. Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject.

For appointments to a post-doctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research.
• Teaching skills.

Other Qualifications:

• Experience with synchrotron-based characterization techniques and conducting experiments at large-scale research infrastructures.
• Experience with operando or in situ characterization of battery systems.

Consideration will also be given to 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.

We Offer

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee.

Further Information

This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of 2 years. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow”).

How to Apply

Applications are to be submitted via the University's recruitment system. The application should include a CV and a personal letter justifying your interest in the position and how it matches your qualifications. The application should also include a degree certificate or equivalent and any other document to which you would like to draw attention (copies of grade transcripts, details of referees, letters of recommendation, etc.)

We welcome your application!