PhD student in bio-based battery electrolytes

The Department of Chemistry–Ångström conducts research and education in the subject of chemistry. The department has 270 employees and a turnover of 300 million SEK. At the department's six programs, very successful research of high international class is conducted. We have a large number of externally funded research projects, often involving international collaboration. More information can be found on our website. www.uu.se/institution/kemi-angstrom

The Structural Chemistry program at the Department of Chemistry – Ångström has for many years had an activity 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 This project aims to create a more sustainable battery value chain by implementing bio-based electrolytes, produced from renewable carbon raw materials, in lithium- and sodium-ion batteries. The overall goal is to reduce climate impact, improve safety, and reduce strategic dependence on fossil and externally supplied raw materials. By combining the development of tailored bio-based electrolytes, studies of their performance together with advanced electrochemistries, as well as investigations of electrode-electrolyte interfaces, you will establish scientifically grounded design principles for sustainable electrolytes that meet industrial performance requirements.

The main activities within the doctoral education consist of experimental research. Teaching may also be included, but may comprise at most 20% of the working time. You will also take doctoral courses that are relevant to the project's research areas. The project will be carried out at Uppsala universitet in close collaboration with the project group and other colleagues at Ångström Advanced Battery Centre. The work will mainly consist of experimental research regarding the development of bio-based electrolytes for lithium- and sodium-ion batteries. This generally includes the development of liquid electrolytes, assembly of battery cells, use of various electrochemical techniques (e.g., galvanostatic cycling, cyclic voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) as well as advanced characterization methods (e.g., X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and infrared spectroscopy), both locally and at international large-scale research facilities. You are expected to conduct high-quality research as part of a team, with the goal of publishing the results in highly ranked peer-reviewed scientific journals and presenting the work at national and international conferences.

Qualification requirements Eligible for education at the doctoral level is the person who has:

• completed a degree at an advanced level in chemistry, physics, materials science, or a related subject area, or
• completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits are at an advanced level (of which 15 higher education credits constitute independent work), with content relevant to the doctoral education or
• in some other way acquired substantially equivalent knowledge within or outside the country

To be considered for the position, you must have:

• Good knowledge of battery-based energy storage systems.
• Experience of working in an experimental laboratory environment.
• Ability to write academic texts of high quality (for example, research reports, theses, or published scientific articles).
• Ability to express yourself clearly, document experimental work in an efficient manner, and collaborate with others in a research environment.
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.

Great importance will also be placed on personal qualities such as good teamwork skills, drive, and independence, as well as how the applicant, through their experience and competence, is assessed to have the ability needed to complete the doctoral education.

Other desirable/merit qualifications The following qualifications are also meritorious:

• Previous experience in research within electrochemical energy storage, especially batteries, is desirable, for example through a master's thesis.
• Previous experience in material characterization, especially of battery interfaces, is an advantage.
• Knowledge in organic chemistry, especially related to organic synthesis and the properties of organic molecules, is an advantage.
• Good knowledge in data management and visualization, electronic laboratory notebooks, as well as Python or similar tools is meritorious.
• Very good study results from education at an advanced level are meritorious.

About the employment The employment is fixed-term, according to HF 5 kap § 7. The scope is full-time. Commencement 2026-11-01 or as agreed. 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 www.uu.se/medarbetare/organisation-styrning/regler/

Information about the employment is provided by Andy Naylor, andy.naylor@kemi.uu.se

Welcome with your application no later than October 16, 2026, UFV-PA 2026/2757.

Uppsala universitet is a broad research university with a strong international position. The ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a difference in society. Our most important asset is all 7,500 employees and 53,000 students who, with curiosity and commitment, make Uppsala universitet one of the country's most exciting workplaces.

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at Uppsala universitet https://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/

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

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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