PhD Student in Ionic Thermoelectric Materials and Electrochemistry

Linköpings Universitet · Full-time

Norrköping, Sweden

Research Area This position is part of the HEAT-BRIDGE project (High-Efficiency Thermal Energy Harvesting via Ionic Thermoelectric–Electronic Bridging), funded through an ERC Starting Grant from the European Research Council (ERC). The project aims to develop new methods for efficient conversion of low-grade heat to electricity. Low-grade heat exists in large quantities in our surroundings, from the human body and electronic components to industrial processes, but is difficult to harness with current technology. HEAT-BRIDGE addresses this challenge by combining ionic thermoelectric materials, electrochemistry, mixed ionic-electronic materials, and soft electronics to explore new pathways for energy conversion. The project encompasses fundamental studies of materials and transport phenomena, advanced functional materials, and development of soft and deformable energy harvesting components. You will work with ionic thermoelectric materials and electrochemistry, focusing on developing and studying advanced electrolytes and redox-active material systems for next-generation thermal energy harvesting technology. We are announcing two doctoral positions within the HEAT-BRIDGE project, and you can only be appointed to one of the positions. Your Responsibilities As a doctoral student, you will primarily focus on your research training. Your responsibilities include: Development and characterization of quasi-solid-state-based ionic thermoelectric materials, including polymer-based gel electrolytes. Studies of ion-polymer interactions, ion transport, and thermoelectric properties. Selection and electrochemical characterization of redox-active materials for thermal energy conversion. Integration of developed materials into soft and deformable energy harvesting components. Characterization and optimization of thermoelectric, electrochemical, and energy conversion performance of materials and components. Contribution to scalable manufacturing of multi-cell components and validation with representative low-grade heat sources. Analysis and interpretation of experimental data, publication of results in scientific journals, presentation at international conferences, and collaboration with national and international research partners. As a doctoral student, you will pursue your research training and research projects. Your work may also include teaching or participation in other institutional duties, up to 20 percent of full-time. Your Qualifications You have completed a degree at the advanced level in chemistry, electrochemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, or another area deemed relevant to the project, or completed courses totaling at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits are at the advanced level in an area relevant to the position. You may also have acquired equivalent knowledge in other ways. Requirements for employment are: Strong academic background in chemistry, electrochemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, or a related field. Knowledge of electrochemistry and electrochemical materials or components. Practical experience with materials synthesis and/or electrochemical characterization. Ability to communicate well in English, both spoken and written (all research at LOE is conducted in English). Meritorious experience for employment: Electrolytes, hydrogels, ionogels, eutectic gels, or other polymer electrolyte systems. Redox chemistry, batteries, redox flow batteries, or other electrochemical energy storage and energy conversion systems. Ion transport, ion-polymer interactions, or related transport phenomena in soft materials. Electrochemical characterization techniques such as cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Ionic thermoelectric materials, thermoelectric materials and components, or thermal energy harvesting. Manufacturing and characterization of flexible, soft, or deformable electrochemical components. We seek a highly motivated and curious researcher with strong interest in electrochemistry, ion transport, and energy conversion. The project explores a novel and challenging component concept and therefore requires creativity, persistence, and strong problem-solving skills. You should be able to work independently, take initiative, and collaborate effectively with researchers from different scientific fields. Good communication skills and willingness to work across traditional disciplinary boundaries are important qualities. Great emphasis will be placed on personal qualities and suitability. Your Workplace You will work under the supervision of Assistant Professor Nara Kim at the Laboratory of Organic Electronics (LOE), Linköping University. Nara Kim's research focuses on mixed ionic-electronic conductors, thermoelectric materials, electrochemical energy devices, and wearable electronics. The research spans from fundamental materials science and charge transport to component and system development and integration. She has received substantial competitive research funding, including an ERC Starting Grant, grants from the Swedish Research Council (VR), and from the Wallenberg Initiative Materials Science for Sustainability (WISE). About the Employment Upon taking up the position, you will be enrolled in doctoral studies. Learn more about doctoral education at the respective faculty: https://liu.se/forskning/forskarutbildning The employment is time-limited, normally four years full-time. Extension of employment up to five years is based on the degree of teaching and institutional duties. Under special circumstances, further extension may be granted. You will initially be employed for one year, and employment will subsequently be renewed for a maximum of two years at a time, based on your progress according to your study plan. Start date February/March 2027 or by agreement. Salary and Benefits Doctoral student salary is regulated according to a locally agreed salary scale. The starting salary for our doctoral students is 35,300 kr/month (2025 salary level). Salary is adjusted annually in connection with salary reviews and when the doctoral student has completed 30% and 60% of their doctoral studies. Learn more about benefits for employees: https://liu.se/jobba-pa-liu/formaner. Application You apply for this position by clicking the "Apply" button below. Your application must be received by Linköping University no later than October 30, 2026. Applications received after the application deadline will not be considered.