Postdoc Position

Offer Description

About the position

Applications are invited from highly competent and motivated candidates for a postdoctoral research position to develop and characterize carbon materials, such as natural graphite, porous carbon and hard carbon, intended for energy storage applications. The successful candidate will join a collaborative project involving Uppsala University (UU), industrial partners and research institutes, contributing to a highly interdisciplinary effort to establish comprehensive structure–electrochemistry relationships in disordered carbon and natural graphite used in electrochemical applications. Both experimental and theoretical skills are considered essential. The researcher will primarily design and execute total X-ray and neutron scattering experiments, using pair distribution function (PDF) analysis to elucidate the short- and medium-range atomic order in disordered materials, and will employ small-angle X-ray and neutron scattering to probe the pore microstructure and morphological characteristics of the materials. Researchers with prior experience using molecular dynamics simulations and machine learning methods to study the structure and electrochemistry of disordered materials are also encouraged to apply.

The project primarily aims to understand the complex structure of disordered carbon based on experimental data, employ novel structural and electrochemical methods, identify the properties that influence electrochemical behaviour, and establish the correlation between structure and electrochemical characteristics of different types of carbon materials. The researcher should, thus, be well-versed in both theoretical and experimental electrochemistry and have expertise in a wide range of materials characterization techniques, including total X-ray and neutron scattering and pair distribution function (PDF) analysis, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and advanced data analysis. Most of the research will be carried out in the battery research laboratories, which are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for materials synthesis, characterization (XPS, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, etc.), electrode fabrication, cell assembly and electrochemical testing. A full suite of electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) and surface analysis tools is also available in the cleanroom facility at the Ångström Laboratory. In addition to the resources at UU, the researcher will have access to national and international research infrastructure such as MAX IV.

Where to apply

Website: https://uu.varbi.com/what:job/jobID:972884/

Requirements

• Research Field: Chemistry » Structural chemistry — Education Level: PhD or equivalent
• Research Field: Chemistry » Instrumental techniques — Education Level: PhD or equivalent
• Research Field: Engineering » Materials engineering — Education Level: PhD or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must have a PhD degree in chemistry, materials science or a related subject when submitting the application. Priority will be given to applicants who have obtained their PhD within the last three years. Circumstances such as parental leave or career breaks due to illness or trade union duties will not, however, be included in the time calculation. Excellent command of verbal and written English is required. The candidate must have a strong background in both experimental and theoretical electrochemistry and documented experience in the structure analysis of disordered materials such as hard carbon and battery testing. We attach great importance to personal qualities such as creative mentality, team spirit and strong motivation to work independently as well as in collaboration with project partners. In addition, the research post requires organized documentation of laboratory procedures and curating data suitable for publication and patenting.

Specific Requirements

Essential qualifications
Strong expertise in two or more of the following research areas is necessary:

• synthesis, functionalization and characterization of carbon materials used in batteries
• in-depth understanding of the different components of sodium-, or lithium-ion batteries or other similar devices
• understanding of theoretical electrochemistry and skills in electrochemical methods (voltammetry, galvanostatic techniques, electrochemical impedance analysis and so on)
• Raman spectroscopy (highly desired 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, machine learning and molecular dynamics simulations of the structure and electrochemistry of disordered materials, preferably carbon

We particularly encourage applications from candidates who can bring novel technical skills (synchrotron or other large-scale facilities) that can be applied in the study of the structure and electrochemistry of disordered materials (such as hard carbons).

Desirable/Additional qualifications
Experience in both industrial and academic research in battery manufacturing is desirable. Prior experience in laboratory and project management is also advantageous. Programming skills or acquaintance with applying Python packages, statistical data analysis packages, machine learning etc are a strong advantage. At a postdoctoral research position, the candidate is primarily tasked with research but teaching duties may be included in the job description at the discretion of the department, but not more than 20 % of working hours. Thus, previous teaching experience at the undergraduate or graduate level is also highly valued.

• Languages: ENGLISH — Level: Excellent
• Research Field: Chemistry » Structural chemistry; Chemistry » Physical chemistry; Chemistry » Instrumental techniques; Engineering » Chemical engineering
• Years of Research Experience: 4 - 10

Additional Information

Eligibility criteria

To be considered for this position, applicants must have a PhD degree in chemistry, materials science or a related subject when submitting the application. Priority will be given to applicants who have obtained their PhD within the last three years. Circumstances such as parental leave or career breaks due to illness or trade union duties will not, however, be included in the time calculation. Excellent command of verbal and written English is required. The candidate must have a strong background in both experimental and theoretical electrochemistry and documented experience in the structure analysis of disordered materials such as hard carbon and battery testing. We attach great importance to personal qualities such as creative mentality, team spirit and strong motivation to work independently as well as in collaboration with project partners. In addition, the research post requires organized documentation of laboratory procedures and curating data suitable for publication and patenting.

Selection process

Application procedure
Applications must be submitted online using the link below. Assessment of applications will be based on academic background, research expertise, relevant publications, ability to conduct reliable and independent research, and collaborative skills. Your application must include

• a cover letter (maximum 1 page) with a short description of yourself, the reasons why you are interested in the position, and your previous research experience.
• a short CV (maximum 2 pages). Please provide in your CV a link to download a copy of your PhD thesis if it is available online.
• a list of papers and conference contributions. At least one first-author publication is required to demonstrate the writing skills and scientific rigour of the candidate. Greater emphasis is laid on the quality rather than the number of publications.
• the names and contact details of 2-3 persons who are available to act as references for you upon request.
• authorized copies of your degrees, transcripts and other relevant documents (merits) can be included as well. All original documents to be submitted must be issued in English or Swedish, or else notarized translations must be provided. Please do not attach any manuscripts, papers, or irrelevant certificates as these will not be considered as part of your application.

Please submit your application by 26 October 2026, UFV-PA 2026/2862.

Interviews of shortlisted candidates will be scheduled shortly after, and you must be available to meet via Zoom.

Additional comments

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position for 2 years according to the central collective agreement.
Scope of employment 100 % (full-time, 40 hours per week)
Starting date 1 January 2027 or as agreed.
Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact:
Dr. Habtom D. Asfaw, habtom.desta.asfaw@kemi.uu.se

Work Location(s)

• Number of offers available: 1
• Company/Institute: Uppsala University
• Country: Sweden
• City: Uppsala
• Postal Code: 75121
• Street: Regementsvägen 10

Contact

• City: Uppsala
• Website: https://www.kemi.uu.se/research/structural-chemistry/aabc/
• Street: Regementsvägen 10
• Postal Code: 752 37
• E-Mail: habtom.desta.asfaw@kemi.uu.se