Postdoctoral Researcher in Physics of Energy Materials

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 long-term difference in society. Our most important asset is all the individuals whose curiosity and commitment make Uppsala University one of the most exciting workplaces in the country. Uppsala University has over 45,000 students, more than 7,000 employees, and a turnover of approximately 7 billion SEK.

The Department of Physics and Astronomy is one of Uppsala University's largest departments with nearly 400 employees, of which about 125 are doctoral students. The department conducts world-class research and education in both theoretical and experimental physics and has extensive collaboration with the outside world. Research is conducted in 10 research divisions and covers everything from the incomprehensibly small to the large in areas such as energy supply, climate development, new materials, and the universe. This entire spectrum is also reflected in the department's courses and educational programs. Around 2,500 students take courses at the undergraduate and advanced levels at the department each year. Read more here (https://uu.varbi.com/center/tool/position/808573/edit/tab:2/uu.se/fysik).

The Division of X-ray Physics is world-leading in the use of advanced spectroscopic methods. This places us at the forefront of atomic-level studies of atoms, molecules, and condensed matter. This division includes the research program Physics of Energy Materials, with a particular focus on the study and development of materials, surfaces, and interfaces of interest for various energy applications, and thus also the development of a sustainable society. We are a versatile and collaborative research group that shares the same goal of revealing and controlling the mechanisms occurring in complex systems related to solar cells, batteries, fuel cells, and catalysis. The postdoctoral position is placed within the research program Physics of Energy Materials, and the project involves collaborations with specialists in batteries, energy materials, material synthesis, and spectroscopy.

This recruitment is linked to the Wallenberg Initiative Materials Science for Sustainability WISE (https://wise-materials.org/), funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, which is the largest investment in materials science in Sweden ever and will include significant investments at Sweden's leading universities over the course of 10 years. The vision is a sustainable future through materials science.

Young researchers recruited to the WISE program will be part of the WISE Research School, an ambitious nationwide program (https://wise-materials.org/research-school/) with seminars, courses, research visits, and other activities to promote a strong multidisciplinary and international network among doctoral students, postdocs, researchers, and industry.

Job Responsibilities

The candidate for this postdoctoral position will have the opportunity to study a variety of battery materials using X-ray-based methodologies and complementary techniques.

Within the position, you will also have the opportunity to learn how to design materials using various methods and to characterize the properties of batteries. The candidate will be part of a collaborative research group that shares the same general goal of revealing the functionality of such interesting and challenging energy materials and also developing their performance.

Specifically, the work includes:

• using experimental results to understand the physics that limits the efficiency of energy materials
• investigating the geometric structure and electronic structure of new battery materials, and their interfaces using laboratory-based and synchrotron light-based methods as well as further characterization techniques
• applying the new knowledge to provide design rules and develop systems for new efficient battery materials
• writing scientific reports and articles and leading the experimental activities

Qualifications

A PhD in physics, materials science, or physical chemistry or a foreign degree equivalent to a PhD in physics, materials science, or physical chemistry. The degree must be obtained at the time of the employment decision. Priority will be given to applicants who have completed their degree no more than three years before the application deadline. Due to special circumstances, the degree may have been obtained earlier. The three-year period can be extended due to circumstances such as illness, parental leave, union duties, etc. Experience in the subject area is meritorious.

Desirable/Meritorious

Good collaboration skills, drive, and independence, as well as the applicant's experience and potential in the area of future tasks will be considered.

About the Employment

The employment is temporary for 2 years according to the central collective agreement. The scope is full-time/100%. Start date August 15 or by agreement. Location: Uppsala

Inquiries about the position can be directed to: Håkan Rensmo, +46701679145, hakan.rensmo@physics.uu.se.

Welcome with your application no later than June 5, 2025, UFV-PA 2025/798.

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 7,600 employees and 53,000 students whose curiosity and commitment make Uppsala University one of the most exciting workplaces in the country.

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at Uppsala University here (https://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/).

The employment may be subject to security clearance. In case of security clearance, a prerequisite for employment is that the applicant is approved.

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Applications are received in Uppsala University's recruitment system.