PhD Student in Bio-based Battery Electrolytes

Uppsala Universitet · Full-time

Box 523, Uppsala, Sweden

The Department of Chemistry – Ångström conducts research and education in chemistry. The Department has 270 employees and an annual turnover of 300 million kronor. The department's six programs conduct highly successful research of high international class. We have a large number of externally funded research projects, often with international collaboration. More information is available on our website: www.uu.se/institution/kemi-angstrom The Structural Chemistry program at the Department of Chemistry – Ångström has for many years conducted activities focused on developing materials and applications within the battery field: Ångström Advanced Battery Center. We develop new electrode and electrolyte materials, characterize them, improve materials with respect to battery performance, and study fundamental chemical properties in batteries using both experimental and theoretical methods. The research is thus both fundamental and applied. Job Responsibilities This project aims to create a more sustainable battery value chain by implementing bio-based electrolytes, produced from renewable carbon sources, in lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries. The overall goal is to reduce climate impact, improve safety, and reduce strategic dependence on fossil and externally sourced raw materials. By combining development of customized bio-based electrolytes, studies of their performance together with advanced electrode chemistries, and investigations of electrode-electrolyte interfaces, you will establish scientifically grounded design principles for sustainable electrolytes that meet industrial performance requirements. The main activities of the doctoral education consist of experimental research. Teaching may also be included, but shall not exceed 20% of work time. You will also take doctoral courses relevant to the project's research areas. The project will be conducted at Uppsala University in close collaboration with the project group and other colleagues at Ångström Advanced Battery Centre. The work will mainly consist of experimental research on developing bio-based electrolytes for lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries. This generally includes development of liquid electrolytes, assembly of battery cells, use of various electrochemical techniques (e.g., galvanostatic cycling, cyclic voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy), and advanced characterization methods (e.g., X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and infrared spectroscopy), both locally and at international large-scale research facilities. You are expected to conduct high-quality research as part of a team, with the goal of publishing results in highly ranked peer-reviewed scientific journals and presenting the work at national and international conferences. Qualification Requirements To be eligible for doctoral education, you must have: - Completed a degree at the advanced level in chemistry, physics, materials science, or a related subject area, or - Completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 credits are at the advanced level (of which 15 credits constitute independent work), with content relevant to doctoral education, or - In some other way, within or outside the country, acquired essentially equivalent knowledge To be considered for the position, you must have: - Good knowledge of battery-based energy storage systems. - Experience working in an experimental laboratory environment. - Ability to write high-quality academic texts (for example, research reports, thesis work, or published scientific articles). - Ability to express yourself clearly, document experimental work efficiently, and collaborate with others in a research environment. - Very good oral and written proficiency in English. Great weight will also be placed on personal qualities such as good collaboration skills, drive, and independence, as well as how the applicant through their experience and competence is assessed to have the ability needed to manage doctoral education. Desirable/Meritorious Qualifications The following qualifications are also meritorious: - Previous research experience in electrochemical energy storage, particularly batteries, is desirable, for example through a master's thesis. - Previous experience with materials characterization, particularly of battery interfaces, is an advantage. - Knowledge of organic chemistry, particularly related to organic synthesis and properties of organic molecules, is an advantage. - Good knowledge of data handling and visualization, electronic laboratory notebooks, and Python or similar tools is meritorious. - Very good academic results from advanced level education are meritorious. About the Position The employment is fixed-term, according to the Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 5, Section 7. Full-time. Start date November 1, 2026 or by agreement. Location: Uppsala Regulations for doctoral students are found in the Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 5, Sections 1-7, and in the university's rules and guidelines www.uu.se/medarbetare/organisation-styrning/regler/ Information about the position is provided by Andy Naylor, [email protected] Welcome to submit your application by October 16, 2026, UFV-PA 2026/2757. Uppsala University is a broad research university with a strong international standing. 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 7,500 employees and 53,000 students who with curiosity and commitment make Uppsala University one of the country's most exciting workplaces. Learn more about our benefits and what it's like to work at Uppsala University: https://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/ The employment may be subject to security clearance. Security clearance is a requirement for employment and the applicant must be approved. We decline offers of recruitment and advertising assistance. Applications are received in Uppsala University's recruitment system. Trade union representatives: Saco-S - [email protected], Seko - [email protected], ST (OFR/S) - [email protected]