PhD Student in Mixed Ionic-Electronic Materials

Linköpings Universitet · Vollzeit

Norrköping, Schweden

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 into electricity. Low-grade heat is abundant in our surroundings, from the human body and electronic components to industrial processes, but is difficult to harvest 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 focus on mixed ionic-electronic conducting materials (MIEC materials) and their integration into soft electrochemical components for next-generation thermal energy harvesting technology. We are announcing two PhD positions within the HEAT-BRIDGE project, but you can only be appointed to one of the two positions. Your Responsibilities As a PhD student, you will conduct your doctoral research and participate in research projects. Your work may also include teaching or other institutional duties, up to 20 percent of full-time. Responsibilities include, among others: Development and characterization of soft MIEC materials. Development and characterization of functional separation materials. Studies of electronic and ionic transport and relationships between structure and properties in functional materials. Integration of developed materials into soft and deformable components for thermal energy harvesting. Characterization and optimization of the electrical, electrochemical, mechanical, and energy conversion performance of materials and components. Fabrication and validation of multi-cell components under representative low-grade heat sources and realistic operating conditions. Analysis and interpretation of experimental data, publication of results in scientific journals, presentations at international conferences, and collaboration with national and international research partners. Your Qualifications You hold an advanced degree in physics, materials science, engineering physics, chemical engineering, or another field deemed relevant to the project, or you have completed courses of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits are at advanced level within a field relevant to the position. You may also have acquired equivalent knowledge in other ways. Requirements for employment: Strong academic background in physics, materials science, engineering physics, chemical engineering, or related fields. Knowledge of electronic and/or ionic transport in functional materials. Practical experience in materials synthesis, component fabrication, and/or physical characterization. Ability to communicate well in English in speech and writing (all research at LOE is conducted in English). Meritorious experience for employment: Mixed ionic-electronic conductors, conducting polymers, carbon-based materials, or other functional electronic materials. Polymer composites, functional soft materials, membranes, separators, or other materials for electrochemical components. Characterization of electrical and ionic transport in functional materials. Structure and morphology characterization using, for example, electron microscopy, X-ray-based techniques, or related methods. Thermoelectric materials and components or thermal energy harvesting. Fabrication and characterization of flexible, soft, or deformable electronic or electrochemical components. We are seeking a highly motivated and curious researcher with great interest in functional materials, charge transport, and energy conversion. The project explores a new and challenging component concept and therefore requires creativity, perseverance, and good problem-solving ability. You should be able to work independently, take initiative, and collaborate effectively with researchers from different scientific disciplines. Good communication skills and a willingness to work across traditional subject boundaries are important qualities. Great weight will be placed on personal qualities and suitability. Your Workplace You will work under the supervision of Assistant University Lecturer Nara Kim at the Laboratory for Organic Electronics (LOE), Linköping University. Nara Kim's research focuses on mixed ionic-electronic conductors, thermoelectric materials, electrochemical energy units, and wearable electronics. The research spans from fundamental materials science and charge transport to component and system development and integration. She has received substantial competitively awarded 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 commencing the position, you will be enrolled in doctoral studies. Read more about each faculty's doctoral education https://liu.se/forskning/forskarutbildning The position is time-limited to normally four years full-time. Extension of employment up to five years is based on the degree of teaching and institutional duties. For special reasons, further extension may be possible. You will initially be employed for one year, after which the employment is renewed for a maximum of two years at a time, based on the achieved study plan. Start date February/March 2027 or by agreement. Salary and Benefits The doctoral student salary is regulated according to a locally agreed salary scale. The starting salary for our doctoral students is currently 35,300 kronor per month. This level will be increased in connection with the annual salary review in October. As a doctoral student, your salary will also increase after 30 percent and 60 percent of your doctoral studies have been completed. Read 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 final application deadline will not be considered.