Postdoc in characterisation of Gr-Si electrodes for Li-ion batteries

Job description

Lithium-ion batteries (LiB) play a key role in the global transition from fossil-based energy to sustainable electrification. Sweden has a leading role in developing battery manufacturing and innovative materials. To achieve higher energy density, lower weight and longer driving range for electric vehicles, the development is moving towards silicon blends in the graphite negative electrode (anode). The project BioGrafit–Silicon: A sustainable next-generation anode for Swedish LiB innovation – ECO-SiGraf, supported by the Swedish Energy Agency, aims to create biographite–silicon anodes (bG-Si) within a fully integrated Swedish value chain and thereby replace fossil-based graphite with biobased graphite from purified lignin from forest industry residues. The project is a collaboration between leading Swedish players: RISE, Lixea, Talga, Granode Materials and Green14 and KTH. We are searching for a 2-year postdoc at Applied Electrochemistry KTH for advanced physical and electrochemical characterization of the developed materials. The research aims to gain a deeper understanding of the structure and surface properties of the materials in contact with electrolyte, the electrochemical mechanism, degradation and the relationship between manufacturing process and materials properties. The analysis is made possible by combining electrochemical methods, including electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, with nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), electron microscopy (SEM/TEM), in situ mass spectrometry (OLMS) and in situ Confocal Raman.

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, for 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
• Strong engagement to contribute to the enhancement of this promising technology.
• Expertise in batteries and well-acquainted with electrochemical characterization techniques of batteries
• Experience in NMR and/or Raman spectroscopy
• An innovative mindset and ability to work independently as well as good collaborative skills.

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.

Learn more about our benefits and what it's like to work and grow at KTH.

Trade union representatives

Contact information to trade union representatives.

To apply for the position

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 previous university studies. Translations into English or Swedish if the original documents have not been issued in any of these 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 pages 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.

A position as a postdoctoral fellow is a time-limited qualified appointment focusing mainly on research, intended as a first career step after a dissertation.

Other information

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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.