Vacant job

Electrification and digitalization are among the most significant areas for the transition to sustainable societies. The Department of Electrical Engineering conducts successful research and education in these fields – including renewable energy sources, electric vehicles and industrial robotics, industrial IoT, 6G communication, and wireless sensor networks, as well as research and education within Life Science, health technology, smart electronic sensors, and medical systems. The Department of Electrical Engineering is an international environment with approximately 160 employees contributing to important technical energy and health solutions at the Ångström Laboratory.

Chemistry is a key driver in the development towards a more sustainable society. The Department of Chemistry conducts research within six research programs and offers both undergraduate and doctoral education in close collaboration with other departments. We research next-generation batteries, more efficient solar cells, more environmentally friendly hydrogen, and materials that can replace critical raw materials. In addition to energy-related research, we also develop chemistry for biomaterials and medicines for medical treatments.

Join us!

The position will be located at the Division of Electricity, within the Department of Electrical Engineering. Here you will find a pleasant work environment with engaged colleagues and a variety of experimental projects. The division collaborates with Swedish companies – both public and private – and stakeholders within the various research areas. We look forward to your application. Join us in building the future!

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at Uppsala University.

Research Project:

Rechargeable batteries are crucial for the transition to a carbon-neutral future. Given the enormous amounts of battery material required – for example, for the electrification of the automotive industry – sustainability in materials and processes is of utmost importance. Regardless of which battery chemistry is studied, a circular battery value chain depends on efficient recycling. Current industrial recycling is based primarily on pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical methods, or a combination of these, to recover critical elements as well as elements that must not be released into the environment. However, these methods are energy-, water-, and chemical-intensive.

In this project, we aim to investigate and demonstrate an AI-driven, fully automated, and flexible robotic solution for the potentially more sustainable process of direct remanufacturing. First, a circular process will be established in the form of an autonomous lab based on an industrial robot where Li-ion cells are manufactured, tested, analyzed, disassembled, components are washed, and remanufactured. The established process is then applied to optimize washing solutions for battery electrodes. Finally, the process will be evaluated regarding its potential for scaling up to larger battery formats relevant to the automotive industry. The research project is conducted in collaboration between the Departments of Electrical Engineering and Chemistry within the Compel battery initiative.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research within the described project through the development and programming of a flexible, automated solution based on industrial robotics, development of chemical process solutions for electrode reuse, and integration of AI-based vision and active machine learning to optimize process efficiency.
• Writing publications and presenting results from the research project at conferences.
• Collaboration with partners in the research project.
• The responsibilities may also include involvement in teaching, up to a maximum of 20% of working time.

Read the full advertisement here: https://uu.varbi.com/what:job/jobID:929134/ (https://uu.varbi.com/what:job/jobID:929134/)

Apply by June 1, 2026, ref. UFV-PA 2026/1351.