Postdoctoral Fellow in Solid-State Halide Electrolytes: Ion Transport and Interface Stability

Uppsala Universitet · plný úvazek

box 256, Uppsala, Švédsko

Description The Department of Chemistry - Ångström conducts research and education in chemistry. The department has 270 employees and annual revenues of 300 million kronor. Six programs at the department conduct highly successful research of international caliber. We have a large number of externally funded research projects, often with international collaboration, and we see continued strong growth within our field. The department offers educational programs within engineering and civil engineering programs as well as master's programs. More information is available on our website. The Department of Chemistry at Ångström Laboratory has long been home to a leading research and development environment in materials for energy storage and their applications: the Ångström Advanced Battery Centre. We develop new electrode and electrolyte materials, characterize and evaluate their properties, and improve their performance in battery applications. Furthermore, we study fundamental chemical processes and material properties using both experimental and computational methods. The research spans from basic research to applied research. Responsibilities The project focuses on the discovery and development of new halide-based solid electrolytes for use in all-solid-state batteries. Halide-based solid electrolytes are a promising materials class due to their high lithium-ion conductivity and potential compatibility with high-voltage cathode materials. However, their practical application is often limited by insufficient chemical and electrochemical stability at the interface between the negative electrode and the electrolyte. The overall goal of the project is to develop a fundamental understanding of the origin of these stability limitations and to use this knowledge to guide the design of new halide-based compositions that combine high lithium-ion conductivity with improved chemical and electrochemical stability. A central objective is to establish relationships between composition, structure, ion transport properties, and stability. The work will include synthesis of new solid electrolytes and investigation of the mechanisms governing their degradation and boundary reactions with battery electrode materials. Based on this understanding, new compositions and material design strategies will be explored to overcome the existing trade-off between high ion conductivity and stability. The research will thus combine material synthesis, structural and electrochemical characterization, and electrochemical testing in battery cells. The primary responsibilities are to conduct research. The position may also include teaching up to 20% of working time, as well as supervision of and collaboration with doctoral and master's students. Qualifications A doctoral degree in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, or a related field, or a foreign degree assessed as equivalent to a doctoral degree. The degree must be completed by the time of the employment decision. Normally, the doctoral degree should have been completed within the last three years, calculated from the final application deadline. Under special circumstances, the degree may have been completed earlier. In assessing applications, particular weight will be given to the applicant's ability to conduct independent research and scientific competence. The applicant must have documented experience in synthesis and characterization of inorganic solid-state materials, including structural characterization using, for example, X-ray and neutron diffraction, and characterization of ion transport using impedance spectroscopy. Experience in handling air- and moisture-sensitive materials and working under inert atmosphere, as well as experience in assembly and electrochemical testing of battery cells, is required. The applicant must also have: very good ability to express oneself orally and in writing in English good organizational and time management skills good familiarity with basic IT tools for data analysis, documentation, and scientific writing In the assessment, good collaboration skills, drive, and independence will also be considered, as well as how the applicant's experience and competencies complement and strengthen the ongoing research at the department and how the applicant can be expected to contribute to its future development. Meritorious Experience with physical-chemical characterization methods, such as NMR and XPS, is meritorious. Experience with, for example, Origin or similar software is meritorious. Terms The employment is temporary for two years according to central agreement. Full-time position. Start date by agreement. Location: Uppsala Information about the position is provided by: Xabier Martinez de Irujo-Labalde, [email protected] Welcome to submit your application by September 30, 2026, UFV-PA 2026/2527. 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. Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at Uppsala University https://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/ The position may be subject to security vetting. A requirement for employment in connection with security vetting is that the applicant is approved. We decline offers of recruitment and advertising assistance. Applications are received in Uppsala University's recruitment system. 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