Postdoc in Structural Analysis and Electrochemistry of Carbon Materials for Batteries, Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University
Job Description
Uppsala University is hiring a postdoc in carbon materials for batteries. You will link the structure of hard carbon and natural graphite to how they perform in cells. The main tools are X-ray and neutron scattering. Apply by 26 October 2026.
At a glance
- Position: Postdoctoral researcher, 100%, 2 years (ref. UFV-PA 2026/2862)
- Where: Department of Chemistry – Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala, Sweden
- Contact: Dr Habtom D. Asfaw
- Start: 1 January 2027, or as agreed
- Pay: Individual salary setting; no figure in the ad
- Apply: 26 October 2026
What the Uppsala carbon materials postdoc will do
- Make and characterise carbon materials for energy storage: natural graphite, porous carbon and hard carbon
- Design and run total X-ray and neutron scattering experiments, with pair distribution function (PDF) analysis
- Use small-angle X-ray and neutron scattering to study pores and particle shape
- Link structure to electrochemical behaviour, with partners from industry and research institutes
- Aim for patents and peer-reviewed papers; write grant reports and help write proposals
- Teach and supervise for up to 20% of your time
Why this role matters
Hard carbon is the main anode for sodium-ion batteries, and its messy structure is still poorly understood. This project tackles that with large-facility scattering and access to MAX IV. It is a strong step for a battery chemist who wants advanced structural skills.
What Uppsala University is looking for
- A PhD in chemistry, materials science or a related subject by the time you apply. Priority to PhDs from the last 3 years, with allowance for parental leave and similar breaks
- Excellent spoken and written English
- Strong experimental and theoretical electrochemistry
- Documented structural analysis of disordered materials such as hard carbon, and battery testing
- Strong expertise in two or more of: carbon synthesis for batteries; sodium- or lithium-ion cell components; electrochemical methods; Raman spectroscopy; SAXS/SANS and PDF analysis; SEM/TEM; machine learning or molecular dynamics of disordered materials
Nice to have
- Battery manufacturing research in industry or academia
- Lab or project management
- Python, statistics or machine learning
- Teaching experience
Pay and location
The ad uses individual salary setting and gives no figure. The post is a 2-year temporary contract at 100%, starting 1 January 2027 or as agreed. The ad says the post may need security vetting. Interviews will be held on Zoom soon after the closing date.
How to apply
Apply through the official Uppsala University page. The closing date is 26 October 2026. Use the Varbi application form. Send a one-page cover letter, a CV of up to two pages with a link to your thesis, a list of papers (at least one as first author), and 2 to 3 referees. Do not attach papers.
See all our postdoc jobs, or browse more research jobs on ResearchJobs.in.
Hiring institution: Uppsala University
Official advertisement: uu.varbi.com
How to prepare for this application
- Show PDF or SAXS work. Name the beamline or instrument and what you learned from the data.
- Bring cell data. First-cycle efficiency and capacity for hard carbon are key numbers.
- Keep the CV to two pages. The ad sets that limit; trim older items.
- Say which two skills you bring. Map yourself to the ad's list in your cover letter.
- Prepare for Zoom. Interviews follow soon after 26 October.
About Uppsala University
Uppsala University was founded in 1477 and is the oldest university in the Nordic countries. Its Ångström Laboratory hosts one of Europe's largest battery research groups.
