Postdoc in organic synthesis of solvents for battery electrolytes

The Department of Chemistry - Ångström conducts research and education in the subject of chemistry. The department has 270 employees. 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 with international collaboration, and we see continued good growth within our subject area. The department has educational assignments within engineering and civil engineering programs as well as master's programs. More information can be found on our website. (https://kemi.uu.se/angstrom)

Tasks The main research activities will be to design and synthesize bio-based solvents for use in sustainable electrolytes for lithium and sodium-ion batteries. The work is part of a project aimed at creating a more sustainable battery value chain by developing electrolyte solvents from renewable carbon feedstocks. Thereby, climate impact shall be reduced, safety improved, and the strategic dependence on fossil and externally supplied raw materials reduced. By combining the design and development of tailored bio-based solvents, you will establish scientifically grounded design principles.

The main tasks for a postdoc are to conduct research. They may also include teaching, up to 20% of the working time.

The project will be carried out at Uppsala universitet in close collaboration with colleagues at Ångström Advanced Battery Centre. The main tasks include the design and synthesis of bio-based solvent molecules, characterization of the products using, for example, NMR, FTIR, UV-Vis and GC-MS, as well as determination of physico-chemical properties relevant to electrolyte solvents, such as boiling point and viscosity. You are expected to collaborate with other researchers who test the usability and electrochemical performance of bio-based electrolytes in relevant battery systems. Within the project, you will also participate in dialogues and workshops with industrial partners and international collaborative partners.

As a postdoc, 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 research at national and international conferences. There may also be opportunities to build upon collaborations within the research area, supervise students conducting degree projects, and apply for external research or travel grants.

Qualification Requirements A doctoral degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, or a related subject area, or a foreign degree assessed to correspond to a doctoral degree. The degree must be completed no later than when the employment decision is made. Primarily, those who have obtained a degree at most three years ago should be considered. When calculating the three-year period, the starting point is the last application date. If there are special reasons, such a degree may have been obtained earlier. Special reasons refer to leave due to illness, parental leave, positions of trust within trade unions, etc.

The assessment of applications is primarily based on the applicant's ability to conduct independent research based on scientific skill. Greater weight is placed on the quality of each individual scientific work than the quantity of publications.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive, and independence, as well as how the applicant's experience and competence complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department and how they can contribute to its future development.

To be considered for the position, you must meet the following requirements:

• Experience in the synthesis and characterization of organic solvents relevant to battery electrolytes is a requirement.
• Competence in characterization techniques such as NMR and GC-MS as well as the ability to interpret data from these techniques is required.
• It is necessary to be able to demonstrate the ability to collaborate, publish high-quality scientific works, and present research at internationally relevant conferences.
• The applicant must have very good ability to express themselves in speech and writing in English.

Other Desirable/Meritorious Qualifications The following qualifications are also meritorious:

• Previous experience in organic synthesis with a focus on sustainability and fossil-free starting materials is meritorious.
• A doctoral project or other previous experience involving battery electrolytes is desirable, but not necessary.
• Knowledge of other aspects of battery research or the battery industry is also an advantage.
• Experience in setting up specialized laboratory equipment for research projects is meritorious.
• Good knowledge of data management and data visualization, electronic laboratory notebooks, as well as Python or similar tools is meritorious.

About the employment The employment is fixed-term for 2 years with a possible possibility for extension up to 1 year. The extent is 100%. Commencement 2026-10-26 or by agreement. Location: Uppsala

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

Welcome with your application no later than 16 October 2026, UFV-PA2026/2760.

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 engagement, 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 clearance. In the case of security clearance, 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