Postdoctoral Researcher in Physics of Energy Materials

Uppsala Universitet · Full-time

Box 256, Uppsala, Sweden

The Department of Physics and Astronomy is one of Uppsala University's largest departments with nearly 400 employees, of which approximately 125 are doctoral students. The Department conducts world-class research and education in both theoretical and experimental physics and has extensive collaboration with the outside world. Research is carried out at ten research divisions and covers everything from the incomprehensibly small to the large, such as energy supply, climate development, new materials and the universe. This entire spectrum is also reflected in the Department's courses and educational programs. Around 2,500 students take courses at the undergraduate and advanced levels each year at uu.se/fysik The Division of X-ray Photon Science is world-leading in the development and use of advanced X-ray methods to study materials through the interaction between light and matter. This places us at the forefront of atomic-level studies of atoms, molecules and condensed matter. The Division encompasses the research program Physics of Energy Materials, with a particular focus on studies and development of materials, surfaces and interfaces of importance for various energy applications, with an overarching goal of contributing to the development of a sustainable society. This recruitment is linked to COMPEL (COMPetitiveness for the ELectrification of the Transport System), a strategic initiative from the Swedish government to ensure Sweden's long-term competitiveness in battery development and electrification of the transport sector. The platform integrates research and education along the entire battery value chain and offers an interdisciplinary network for collaboration. Within the framework of COMPEL, researchers are recruited early in their careers with various competencies across all parts of the battery value chain, with the vision of creating a unique interdisciplinary research and education environment. The initiative is built on strong collaboration between academic institutions and industrial partners to promote research, development and innovation. The employee is expected to actively participate in national COMPEL activities such as seminars, courses, research visits, strategic meetings and other activities aimed at promoting strong interdisciplinary and international networks between doctoral students, postdoctoral researchers, researchers and industry, as well as creating good conditions for future career development. The position is located at the Division of X-ray Photon Science within the Physics of Energy Materials research program. Research is conducted in close collaboration with BatMAX, a national research platform for battery research operating at the MAX IV laboratory, which brings together leading expertise in advanced synchrotron-based methods, battery materials and electrochemical characterization to accelerate the development of tomorrow's sustainable batteries. The research environment also includes LigHt at the Tandem Laboratory, where advanced X-ray and ion-based methods complement experiments at MAX IV. A significant part of the work will be conducted at the MAX IV laboratory in Lund, where the employee will work closely with researchers within BatMAX as well as those responsible for relevant beamlines and international users of the facility. We are seeking a candidate who will develop and use operando and in situ methods for battery research with a focus on photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray absorption spectroscopy to study chemical, electronic and interface-related processes in battery materials during operation. The studies will also include other synchrotron light-based methods, such as small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), to follow structural changes in the materials. The candidate will be part of a broad research environment in X-ray spectroscopy in the Physics of Energy Materials research program, which actively collaborates within the COMPEL network and is united by the common goal of strengthening the battery value chain in Sweden. Duties The main task is research, with the possibility of up to 20% teaching. Specific tasks: Battery design and cell development Operando X-ray-based measurement methods at both internal laboratories and synchrotron light sources, primarily MAX IV. Analysis of spectroscopic data on battery samples. Writing and publishing scientific articles. Participation in COMPEL activities throughout Sweden. Qualification Requirements A doctoral degree in physics, chemistry or materials science, or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a doctoral degree in physics, chemistry or materials science. The degree must be completed by the date the employment decision is made. Primarily, applicants should have completed their degree no more than three years ago. When calculating the three-year period, the reference point is the final application deadline. If there are special circumstances, the degree may have been completed earlier. Special circumstances include leave due to illness, parental leave, positions of trust within trade unions, etc. Excellent communication skills in spoken and written English are required. Desirable/Meriting Experience Great weight will be placed on good collaboration skills, initiative and independence, as well as the applicant's experience and potential in the relevant research field. Experience with synchrotron light-based experiments on energy materials is particularly meriting. Experience with energy materials, instrument development or advanced instrument handling is also meriting. About the Employment The employment is fixed-term for 2 years according to the central collective agreement. The position is full-time/100%. Start date by agreement. Work location: Uppsala and Lund For information about the employment, contact: Håkan Rensmo, +46 701679145, [email protected], Maria Hahlin, +46 730925100, [email protected] Welcome to submit your application by October 30, 2026, UFV-PA 2026/2804. Please note that this is a shortened version of the announcement. To see the full announcement, please click on "Apply" or visit Uppsala University's website for job listings.