PhD Position in Chemistry Targeting Modelling of the Li-Metal Surface Chemistry in Solid-State Batteries

Uppsala University is a comprehensive research-intensive university with a strong international standing. Our mission is to pursue top-quality research and education and to interact constructively with society. Our most important assets are all the individuals whose curiosity and dedication make Uppsala University one of Sweden’s most exciting workplaces. Uppsala University has 46.000 students, 7.300 employees and a turnover of SEK 7.3 billion.

The Department of Chemistry - Ångström conducts research and education in the chemistry field. The department has more than 200 employees and has a turnover of 200 million SEK. At the department's six programs, we conduct very successful research of a high international standard. We have a large number of externally funded research projects, often with international cooperation and we see continued good growth in our subject area. The department has education assignments in engineering and civil engineering programs and master's programs. More information is available on our website.

The Department of Chemistry – Ångström Laboratory has for many years hosted a research environment focused on the development of materials and their applications within the energy storage area: the Ångström Advanced Battery Centre. We develop novel electrode and electrolyte materials, characterise them, evaluate and improve them with respect to battery performance, and study fundamental chemical processes and properties using both experimental and computational techniques. The research is, as such, both fundamental and applied.

Subject description/research project: Solid-state batteries constitute a rapidly expanding application area where Li-metal can be utilized as the battery anode. Much of the fundamental surface chemistry between Li-metal and the solid electrolyte is, however, still unexplored. Within this PhD project, this field will be researched using computational modelling techniques, including electronic structure calculations (e.g., DFT), force field methods (such as MD) and tools connecting these.

Work duties: Performing computational chemistry studies to clarify and understand surface chemistry, reactivity, transport processes and electrochemistry at interfaces. The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties can also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

Admission requirements: A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if he or she:

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

Requirements:

• Degree or equivalent as above in Chemistry, Physics or Materials Science.
• Experience of using computational tools for materials modelling.
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.

Additional requirements: A background within material science is desired, with Physics and/or Chemistry specialization. Experience of electrochemistry and batterier is valuable. Also valuable is a vast experience of different modelling techniques. Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through his or her experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

Terms of employment: The rules about PhD students are found in the Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 5 §§1-7 and the university's rules and guidelines.

Application procedure: The application should include a statement of research interest, CV, certificates of exams, degrees and grades, a copy of Master thesis, published article or relevant materials, if available. Also, contact information of at least two reference persons should be included. 

Salary: According to local agreement (Local collective agreement for doctoral students and students).

Starting date: 2020-09-01 or as otherwise agreed.

Type of employment: Temporary position for four years.

Scope of employment: 100%

For further information about the position please contact: Professor Daniel Brandell, +46-18-4713709, Docent Moyses Araujo, +46-18-4713238, PhD Amber Mace, +46-18-4713666.

Please submit your application by June 1 2020, UFV-PA 2020/1495.

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