Postdoc in solid-state batteries – Development of composite electrolytes

KTH Royal Institute of Technology; Stockholms kommun; On-site; SEK 469,000 - 580,000; Full time

Job summary

KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm invites a postdoctoral researcher to advance the development and characterization of composite electrolytes for solid-state batteries. The project, under the COMPEL initiative, includes synthesis, dispersion of inorganic particles in polymer matrices, and process optimization.

Two-year postdoc shared between Depts Fibre and Polymer Technology and Chemical Engineering aims to deliver new electrolytes with high conductivity and good processing

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in polymer technology, polymer synthesis, material science, or related subject.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Strong laboratory and instrumental skills.
• Awareness of diversity and equal treatment issues with focus on gender equality.
• Experience in solid-state batteries and electrochemical characterization techniques.
• Hands-on experience in polymer synthesis, polymer chemistry, and related experimental techniques.
• Innovative mindset, ability to work independently.
• Good collaborative skills and interest in team work.

Responsibilities

• Develop and characterize composite electrolytes for solid-state batteries.
• Synthesize polymer matrices and disperse inorganic particles in composites.
• Compare and optimize processing routes for high conductivity and processability.
• Collaborate across the Fibre and Polymer Technology and Chemical Engineering divisions.

Skills

English proficiency

Laboratory skills

Independent work

Team collaboration

Education

Doctoral degree in polymer technology/polymer synthesis/material science

Tools

Electrochemical instrumentation

Job description

Postdoc in solid-state batteries – Development of composite electrolytes

KTH Royal Institute of Technology, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health

Next leap in the battery development is expected to be the lithium solid-state batteries (SSB), allowing the replacement of the flammable organic electrolyte in Li-ion batteries with a safer and a more compact solid electrolyte. Within the framework of the Swedish governmental battery initiative COMPEL, aimed to support competence and excellence in battery research and education for the transport sector, KTH join forces with a coordinated initiative on composite SSB with seven postdoctoral positions in several disciplines, focusing on various aspects along the battery value chain, ranging from synthesis, cell assembly, characterization, modeling to scaled-up manufacturing. The 2-year postdoc project Development and characterization of composite electrolytes, polymer materials and optimized processes for production of composite solid state batteries will be shared between Depts Fibre and Polymer Technology (Divs Polymer Technology and Coatings Technology) and Chemical Engineering (Div. Applied Electrochemistry). The aim of the project is to develop new composite electrolytes for solid state batteries. The concept is based on incorporation of highly ion conductive inorganic particles such as halides or sulfides into a polymeric matrix typically composed of PEO/PEG that is mixed with a Li salt or ionic liquid with reasonably high ion conductivity that together will allow for a good ion conductivity on a macroscale while in the solid state. The project will include development of new polymeric matrices, dispersion of inorganic particles, production processes and property assessment. The composition and procedure will be optimised for high conductivity and processability.

Qualifications

Requirements

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree in polymer technology, polymer synthesis, material science, or a related subject with experience in electrochemistry. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English, as this will be required in day-to-day work.
• Strong laboratory and instrumental skills
• Awareness of diversity and equal treatment issues with a particular focus on gender equality.

Preferred qualifications

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree, obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline.
• Experience in solid-state batteries and well-acquainted with electrochemical characterization techniques of batteries.
• Hands-on experience in polymer synthesis, polymer chemistry, and relevant experimental techniques within the field.
• An innovative mindset and ability to work independently.
• Good collaborative skills and abilities and interest in working in a team.

Great emphasis will be placed on personal skills.

Join us at KTH

KTH shapes the future through education, research and innovation. As a leading international technical university, we play an active role in advancing the transition towards a sustainable society. At KTH, you have the opportunity to grow and develop in a creative and dynamic environment, with good working conditions and attractive benefits. Equality, diversity and equal opportunities are essential to quality and form an integral part of KTH’s core values as a university and public authority.

Log into KTH's recruitment system to apply for this position. You are responsible for ensuring that your application is complete according to the instructions in the ad.

The application must include:

• CV including relevant professional experience and knowledge.
• Copy of diplomas and grades from your university studies. Translations into English or Swedish if the original documents have not been issued in any West-European languages.
• Brief account of why you want to conduct research, your academic interests and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals. Maximally one page long.
• Contact to reference persons or recommendation letters.

Your complete application must be received at KTH no later than the last day of application, midnight CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).

About the employment

The position offered is for, at the most, two years.

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Disclaimer: In case of discrepancy between the Swedish original and the English translation of the job announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.