Postdoc in solid-state batteries - Electrochemical and chemical characterization

Kungliga Tekniska högskolan; Stockholms kommun; On-site; SEK 420,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm invites applications for a two-year postdoctoral position in solid-state batteries, focusing on electrochemical and chemical characterization of electrolytes and interfaces.

The project combines Electrochemistry and Chemical Engineering and aims to understand structure–performance relationships, conduction mechanisms, and degradation pathways using impedance spectroscopy, NMR, Raman, SEM/TEM and in situ mass spectrometry.

Qualifications

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree in Electrochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related subject with experience in electrochemistry.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Strong laboratory and instrumental skills.
• Awareness of diversity and equal treatment issues with a particular focus on gender equality.

Skills

English proficiency

Lab skills

Instrumentation

Education

Doctoral degree in Electrochemistry / Chemistry / Chemical Engineering / Materials Science

Tools

NMR

Raman spectroscopy

EIS

SEM/TEM

Job description

Postdoc in solid-state batteries - Electrochemical and chemical characterization

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

Next leap in 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 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 joins 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 Electrochemical properties of solid-state batteries and analysis of interactions between its different components will be shared between Depts Chemical Engineering (Div Applied Electrochemistry) and Chemistry (Div. Applied Physical Chemistry). The project will focus on electrochemical and chemical evaluation of components and cells with materials produced in parallel postdoc projects in the initiative. The research aims to gain a deeper understanding of the structure / performance relationship of the developed electrolytes and interactions between the electrode materials and electrolyte, the conduction mechanism, degradation and the relationship between manufacturing process and materials properties. The analysis relies on combining electrochemical methods, such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, with for instance nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), electron microscopy (SEM/TEM), Raman and in situ mass spectrometry (OLMS).

Qualifications

Requirements

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree in Electrochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials 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 with material NMR and/or Raman spectroscopy.
• 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.

It may be the case that a position at KTH is classified as a security-sensitive role in accordance with the Protective Security Act (2018:585). If this applies to the specific position, a security clearance will be conducted for the applicant in accordance with the same law with the applicant's consent. In such cases, a prerequisite for employment is that the applicant is approved following the security clearance.

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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.