Vacant job

Responsibilities

The next leap in battery development is expected to be lithium solid-state batteries (SSB). This concept enables the flammable organic electrolyte in lithium-ion batteries to be replaced by a safer and more compact solid electrolyte. As part of the Swedish state battery initiative COMPEL, which aims to support competence and excellence in battery research and education for the transport sector, KTH is rallying around a coordinated initiative on composite SSBs with seven postdoctoral positions from several disciplines focusing on different aspects along the battery value chain, from synthesis and cell manufacturing to characterization, modeling, and scaled production. The two-year postdoctoral project: "Atomistic modeling and synthesis of ceramic electrolytes for solid-state batteries" will be shared between the Department of Materials Science (Unit for Properties) ITM and Chemistry (Div. of Applied Physical Chemistry) CBH. The project aims to investigate and develop new ceramic electrolytes for the next generation of composite solid-state batteries. Halides and sulfides are of particular interest. By integrating atomistic simulations with experimental validation, the research will identify the structural and chemical properties that govern their performance. Based on these insights, computational methods will be used to explore and design new composite architectures with improved properties. Promising materials will be identified through simulations, synthesized, and characterized experimentally. Ionic transport properties, interface stability, and overall suitability for solid-state battery applications will be evaluated, and these results will in turn guide simulations of new materials.

Qualifications

Requirements

• A completed PhD degree or a foreign degree assessed as equivalent to a PhD in materials science, physics, inorganic chemistry, chemical engineering, or a related field with experience in electrochemistry. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than at the time the employment decision is made.
• Good knowledge of written and spoken English, as this is required in daily work.
• Strong laboratory and computational skills.
• Awareness of diversity and equal opportunity issues, with a particular focus on gender equality.

Merits

• At the last day of application, no more than three years have passed since the PhD degree or a foreign degree assessed as equivalent to a PhD was awarded.
• Experience with solid-state batteries and familiarity with electrochemical characterization techniques.
• Direct practical experience in both inorganic synthesis and DFT modeling (VASP, QE), including wet chemical synthesis, use of glove boxes/Schlenk lines, solid-state chemistry, and experience modeling inorganic materials with DFT (e.g., VASP or Quantum ESPRESSO).
• Demonstrate innovative thinking, creativity, and the ability to work independently.
• Good teamwork skills and the ability and interest to work in a team.

We will place great emphasis on personal qualities.

Join KTH

KTH shapes the future through education, research, and innovation. As a leading international technical university, we play an active role in driving and contributing to the transition to a sustainable society. Here, you are offered the opportunity to grow and develop in a creative and dynamic workplace with good working conditions and benefits. Gender equality, diversity, and equal opportunities are quality issues and a clear part of KTH's values as a university and public authority.

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work and develop at KTH.

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Application

You apply via KTH's recruitment system. As an applicant, you are primarily responsible for ensuring your application is complete when submitted.

The application should include:

• CV including relevant professional experience and knowledge.
• Copies of degree certificates and transcripts from previous university studies. Translations into English or Swedish if the original documents are not issued in a Western European language.
• A concise statement on why you want to conduct research, your academic interests, and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals. Max 1 page long.
• Contact details for reference persons or recommendation letters.

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

About the Position

The position is permanent, but for a maximum of two years.

A postdoctoral position is a time-limited merit-based appointment with a primary focus on research, intended as a first career step after doctoral studies.

Other

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