PhD student in structural chemistry regarding halide-based solid ion conductors

The Structural Chemistry program at the Department of Chemistry – Ångström has for many years been engaged in activities focused on the development of materials and applications within the battery field: Ångström Advanced Battery Center. We develop new electrode and electrolyte materials, characterize them, improve the materials with respect to battery performance, and study fundamental chemical properties in batteries using both experimental and theoretical methods. The research is therefore both fundamental and applied.

Duties

The project aims to establish a scientific basis for the recycling of solid electrolytes used in all-solid-state batteries (ASSB). The project is a collaboration between Uppsala universitet, KTH, and Université de Lorraine in France and combines expertise in solid-state chemistry, battery materials, hydrometallurgy, purification, and crystallization.

The project focuses on lithium-based halide solid electrolytes, an emerging class of materials with high ionic conductivity and promising electrochemical stability. The overall goal is to understand how the recycling process and impurities introduced during battery use and recycling affect the structure, ion transport, and electrochemical performance of resynthesized solid electrolytes. The results will be used to establish quality requirements for precursors that enable a closed recycling loop for solid electrolytes in all-solid-state batteries.

The PhD student will be placed at Uppsala universitet and work with different parts of the recycling process. Central duties include the synthesis and structural characterization of lithium-containing halide solid electrolytes, fabrication and characterization of all-solid-state battery cells, measurement of ion transport using impedance spectroscopy, and investigation of how impurities affect the performance of materials and cells.

The PhD student will also participate in the development and evaluation of recycled precursors produced through hydrometallurgical processes. A research stay at Université de Lorraine in France, where the PhD student will work with leaching and purification processes, is an integrated part of the project. The PhD student will also collaborate with researchers at KTH regarding crystallization and synthesis of purified precursors.

The work will involve a combination of synthesis, structural and chemical characterization, electrochemical measurements, as well as analysis and interpretation of experimental data. Particular emphasis will be placed on establishing quantitative relationships between the composition of the precursors, impurity levels, crystal structure, ion transport, and battery performance.

The duties may also include:

Planning and conducting air- and moisture-sensitive synthesis of inorganic solid electrolytes Structural and chemical characterization using methods such as powder X-ray diffraction, SEM-EDS, and XPS Characterization of ion transport with temperature-dependent impedance spectroscopy Manufacturing and electrochemical testing of all-solid-state battery cells Analysis and interpretation of experimental data Research stays at collaborating institutions in Sweden and France Supervision of degree projects Analysis of data as well as dissemination of research results through scientific publications and conference presentations Teaching at undergraduate and advanced levels Administration related to the above duties

Qualification requirements

To meet the eligibility requirements for doctoral studies, you must:

have completed a degree at an advanced level in chemistry, physics, materials science, or an equivalent/other relevant field, or have completed at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 credits are at the master's level including an independent project of at least 15 credits, or otherwise have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in Sweden or abroad.

The candidate shall have:

very good knowledge of English, both oral and written. good organizational skills and the ability to plan and structure their work. good collaborative skills and the ability to work independently. a strong interest in materials chemistry, solid-state chemistry, energy storage, or related areas. experience of experimental laboratory work in chemistry, materials science, or a related field. experience of data analysis and scientific writing.

Experience in hydrometallurgy, leaching, solvent extraction, or crystallization is meritorious but not a requirement. The project provides opportunities to develop competence in these areas through collaboration with KTH and Université de Lorraine.

Great importance will also be placed on good collaborative skills, drive, and independence, as well as how the applicant's experiences and competencies complement and strengthen the ongoing research at the department and how they can contribute to the future development of research in all-solid-state batteries and circular battery materials.

Other desirable/meritorious qualifications

Experience in battery manufacturing and electrochemical characterization, inorganic synthesis, powder X-ray diffraction, or characterization of ion transport in solid materials is meritorious. Previous experience with air- and moisture-sensitive materials is particularly relevant to the project.

About the employment

The employment is fixed-term, according to HF 5 kap § 7. The scope is full-time. Commencement by agreement. Location: Uppsala

Provisions for doctoral students can be found in the Higher Education Ordinance 5 kap §§ 1-7 as well as in the university's rules and guidelines.

Information about the employment is provided by: Xabier Martinez de Irujo-Labalde, xabier.martinezdeirujolabalde@kemi.uu.se, Kerstin Forsberg, kerstino@kth.se, Alexandre Chagnes, alexandre.chagnes@univ-lorraine.fr.

Welcome with your application no later than November 9, 2026, UFV-PA 2026/3103.

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

We decline offers of recruitment and advertising assistance.

Applications are received in Uppsala universitet's recruitment system.

Union representatives: Saco-S - saco-s@uu.se, Seko - seko@uadm.uu.se, ST (OFR/S) - ofr@uu.se