Vacant job

Job Description

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. 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 pooling resources with a coordinated initiative on composite-SSB with seven postdoctoral positions from several disciplines focusing on different aspects along the battery value chain, from synthesis, cell manufacturing, characterization, modeling to scaled production. The two-year postdoctoral project: Electrochemical properties of solid-state batteries and analysis of interactions between their components will be shared between the Department of Chemical Engineering (Div. Applied Electrochemistry) and the Department of Chemical Science and Engineering (Div. Applied Physical Chemistry). The project will focus on the electrochemical and chemical evaluation of components and cells of materials produced by parallel postdoctoral projects within the initiative. The research aims to gain a deeper understanding of the structure/performance relationship of the developed electrolytes and to study interactions and interfaces between electrode materials and electrolyte, the conduction mechanism, degradation, and the relationship between manufacturing process and material properties. The analysis is enabled by combining electrochemical methods, such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, with examples such as nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), electron microscopy (SEM/TEM), Raman, and in situ mass spectrometry (OLMS).

Qualifications

Requirements

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

Merits

• At the final application deadline, 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.
• Practical experience with NMR spectroscopy and Raman.
• Demonstrate innovative thinking, creativity, and the ability to work independently.
• Good teamwork skills and the ability and interest in working in a team.

We will place great emphasis on personal qualities.

Become part of 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 a quality issue and a clear part of KTH's value base as a university and a 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 any Western European language.
• A brief statement of why you want to conduct research, your academic interests, and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals. Max 1 page long.
• Contacts for reference persons or recommendation letters.

The application must be received by KTH no later than the final application deadline at midnight, CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).

About the Employment

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

A postdoctoral position is a time-limited merit-based employment with a main focus on research intended as a first career step after the doctorate.

Other

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