Postdoc advanced characterization of carbon materials for electrochemical application

Job Description We are seeking a postdoc to develop/characterize carbon materials; natural graphite, porous carbon, hard carbon, intended for energy storage applications. You will participate in collaborative projects between Uppsala University, industrial partners, and research institutes, contributing to interdisciplinary work to comprehensively map the relationships between structure and electrochemistry of disordered carbon/natural graphite used in electrochemical applications. You will primarily design and conduct experiments using total X-ray and neutron scattering. Researchers with previous experience in molecular dynamics simulations and machine learning methods to study the structure and electrochemistry of disordered materials are encouraged to apply.

Tasks You will work in a large group consisting of students/researchers. You are expected to:

• conduct high-quality research within the project, ultimately resulting in patents and publications in peer-reviewed journals or conference proceedings
• collaborate closely with the principal investigator and project partners
• maintain up-to-date literature reviews, collect relevant data on carbon materials for energy storage
• take initiative to identify research gaps and future research directions related to the project
• participate in the supervision and teaching of master's theses and doctoral students
• contribute to writing project grants to attract external research funding
• prepare periodic reports to be submitted to funders
• present and disseminate research results at international conferences, group seminars, and regular project meetings
• design experimental procedures in accordance with laboratory safety regulations
• ensure that laboratory, environmental, and health safety regulations are followed
• maintain a strong commitment to the implementation of research ethics

Qualification Requirements For employment at the postdoctoral level, the candidate must have a doctoral degree in chemistry, materials science, or a related field, with excellent proficiency in spoken and written English. The degree must be obtained no later than the time of the employment decision, but no more than three years before the last application date. If there are special reasons, the doctoral degree may have been obtained earlier. Special reasons refer to leave due to illness, parental leave, or positions of trust within trade union organizations. You must have a strong background in electrochemistry, with documented experience in the synthesis, characterization, and electrochemical testing of carbon materials. We place great emphasis on personal qualities - creativity, teamwork, motivation, as well as the ability to work independently and with project partners.

We are looking for a researcher with strong competence and experience in two or more of the following areas:

• synthesis, functionalization, and characterization of carbon and other materials used in batteries
• in-depth understanding of the various components in sodium- or lithium-ion batteries or other similar devices
• electrochemical methods (voltammetry, galvanostatic techniques, electrochemical impedance analysis, etc.)
• Raman spectroscopy (highly desirable skill, especially in the characterization of carbon-based materials)
• small-angle X-ray/neutron scattering (SAXS/SANS), total X-ray scattering, and pair distribution function (PDF) analysis on carbon materials
• electron microscopy (SEM and/or TEM)
• data analysis and structural modeling of disordered materials such as hard carbon and the application of machine learning to materials science data.

Other Desirable/Meritorious Qualifications Experience in both industrial and academic research within battery manufacturing is desirable. Previous experience in laboratory and project management is meritorious. Programming skills or familiarity with Python, statistical data analysis packages, MD simulation, and machine learning is a major advantage.

About the Employment The employment is fixed-term for 2 years. Extent 100%. Start date 1/1 2027 or as agreed. Location: Uppsala

Application Instructions Applications are sent online via the link below. Assessment of applications will be based on academic background, research expertise, relevant publications, the ability to conduct competent and independent research, and collaborative ability. The application should include:

• a personal letter (max 1 page); a short description of yourself, previous research experience, and why you are interested in the position.
• a short CV (max 2 pages). In the CV, provide a link to download a copy of your doctoral thesis if it is available online.
• a list of publications and conference contributions. At least one first-author publication is required to demonstrate the candidate's writing ability and scientific rigor.
• names and contact details for 2–3 people who are available as references upon request.
• authorized copies of your degrees, transcripts, and other relevant documents (merits) can also be included. All original documents must be issued in Swedish or English; otherwise, certified translations must be provided.

Information about the employment: Dr. Habtom D. Asfaw, habtom.desta.asfaw@kemi.uu.se

Welcome with application no later than 26/10 2026, UFV-PA2026/2862.

Uppsala University 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 University one of the country's most exciting workplaces.

More information on our website. (https://kemi.uu.se/angstrom)

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

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 University's recruitment system.

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