Summary
The Department of Chemistry – Ångström at Uppsala University is seeking a highly motivated Postdoc in organic synthesis to design and synthesize bio-based solvents for sustainable lithium- and sodium-ion battery electrolytes. This role is part of a project aimed at reducing climate impact, improving safety, and decreasing strategic dependence on fossil raw materials in the battery value chain. The successful candidate will join the Ångström Advanced Battery Centre, a leading research environment in energy storage materials.
Designation
Postdoctoral Researcher
Research Area
- Organic Synthesis
- Bio-based Solvents
- Battery Electrolytes (Lithium-ion and Sodium-ion batteries)
- Sustainable Chemistry
- Materials Science for Energy Storage
Location
Uppsala University, Department of Chemistry – Ångström, Uppsala, Sweden
Eligibility/Qualification
Requirements
- PhD degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, or a closely related subject, or a foreign degree equivalent to a PhD degree. The degree must be obtained by the time of employment decision.
- PhD degree obtained within the three years prior to the application deadline (extensions possible for special circumstances like sick leave, parental leave, etc.).
- Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research based on scientific skill, with emphasis on the quality of individual scientific work.
- Essential experience in synthesizing and characterizing organic solvents relevant to battery electrolytes.
- Proficiency in characterization techniques including NMR and GC-MS, and interpretation of data from such techniques.
- Ability to work collaboratively, publish high-quality scientific publications, and present work at internationally relevant conferences.
- Excellent capabilities in written and oral English.
Desirable Qualifications
- Previous experience in organic synthesis with consideration for sustainability and fossil-free precursors.
- PhD topic or other previous experiences involving battery electrolytes.
- Familiarity with other aspects of battery research or industry.
- Experience in building dedicated laboratory apparatus for a project.
- Good knowledge of data curation and plotting, electronic laboratory notebooks, Python or similar.
Job Description
The main duties involve conducting research focused on the design and synthesis of bio-based solvents for use in sustainable electrolytes for lithium- and sodium-ion batteries. This project aims to establish scientifically grounded design principles for sustainable electrolytes that meet industrial performance requirements by developing tailored bio-based solvents from renewable carbon feedstocks.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design and synthesize bio-based solvent molecules.
- Characterize products using techniques such as NMR, FTIR, UV-Vis, and GC-MS.
- Determine physicochemical properties relevant to electrolyte solvents (e.g., boiling point, viscosity).
- Collaborate with colleagues testing the applicability and electrochemical performance of bio-based electrolytes.
- Participate in dialogues and workshops with industry partners and international collaborators.
- Perform high-quality research as part of a team, aiming for dissemination through high-impact peer-reviewed journals and national/international conferences.
- Opportunities may arise for building further collaborations, supervising students, and seeking external research or travel grants.
Teaching may be included, but will not exceed 20% of working hours.
How to Apply
Applicants are encouraged to submit their application by the specified deadline. The assessment will primarily focus on the applicant’s ability to conduct independent research based on scientific skill, with greater importance placed on the quality of individual scientific work over the quantity of publications.
Last Date for Apply
16 October 2026
Apply Link
Please refer to the original job posting for the application portal: https://www.uu.se/en/about-uu/join-us/jobs-and-vacancies/job-details?query=970288 (UFV-PA 2026/2760)
