Vacant job

Job Description

The next major 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. Within the framework 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 consolidating efforts with a coordinated initiative on composite SSBs. There are seven postdoctoral positions available across several disciplines, focusing on different aspects along the battery value chain, ranging from synthesis, cell manufacturing, characterization, and modeling to scaled-up production.

The two-year postdoctoral project: Development and characterization of composite electrolytes, polymeric materials, and optimized processes for the manufacturing of composite solid-state batteries, will be shared between the Department of Fiber and Polymer Technology (Div. of Polymer Technology and Div. of Surface Treatment Technology) and the Department of Chemical Engineering (Div. of Applied Electrochemistry). The project will focus on creating a ductile electrolyte material with good conductivity by incorporating ion-conductive inorganic particles into a polymer matrix. The work includes the development of new polymer matrices, dispersion of inorganic particles, processes for manufacturing full and half-cells with the composite electrolyte, and electrochemical characterization of these cells. Studies on the relationship between structure and properties will also be conducted.

Qualifications

Requirements

• A completed PhD degree or a foreign degree assessed as equivalent to a PhD in polymer technology, polymer synthesis, materials science, or a related field with experience in electrochemistry. This qualification 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 instrumental skills.
• Awareness of diversity and equal treatment issues, with a particular focus on gender equality.

Merits

• At the last day of application, no more than three years 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.
• Practical experience in polymer synthesis, polymer chemistry, and relevant analytical methods.
• Demonstrate innovative thinking, creativity, and the ability to work independently.
• Good teamwork skills and interest in working 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 a public authority.

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

Trade Union Representatives

Contact details for trade union representatives.

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 must 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 wish to conduct research, your academic interests, and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals. Max 1 page long.
• Contact details for references or recommendation letters.

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

About the Position

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

A postdoctoral position is a time-limited qualifying appointment with a main focus on research, intended as a first career step after the doctoral degree.

Other

For information on the processing of personal data in connection with recruitment, please see KTH's website.

It may occur that a position at KTH is classified for security. If this applies to this specific position, a security clearance of the applicant will be conducted in accordance with the Security Protection Act (2018:585) with consent. In these cases, a prerequisite for employment is that the applicant is approved after the security clearance.

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