KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden, invites applications for a fully funded two-year Postdoctoral Scholarship focused on developing sustainable, lignin-derived cathode materials for next-generation aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs). The position is based in the Hamedi Lab within the Department of Fiber and Polymer Technology, one of Europe’s premier polymer science environments.
Overview & Key Details
| Designation | Postdoctoral Researcher (Scholarship) |
| Research Area | Electrochemistry, Sustainable Energy Storage, Bio-based Materials, Porous Carbon, Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries |
| Location | KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden (Hamedi Lab) |
| Duration | 2 Years (Full-time) |
| Stipend | 30,000 SEK per month (Tax-free scholarship) |
| Reference Number | HS-2026-1970 |
| Last Date to Apply | February 1, 2027 |
Research Project & Job Description
This project aims to engineer an innovative class of aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) featuring cathodes sourced entirely from lignin, an abundant by-product of Sweden’s pulp and paper industry. The initiative explores a dual-use valorization strategy transforming lignin into:
- Hierarchical porous carbon that functions as a conductive scaffold and high-surface-area ion-storage host.
- Lignin-derived functional binders that structurally stabilize electrodes and promote extended cycling performance.
Aqueous zinc-ion batteries represent an intrinsically safe, low-cost alternative to conventional lithium-ion technologies, effectively leveraging domestic forestry and metal supply chains. As a postdoctoral fellow, you will drive three integrated research themes:
- Design and synthesis of hierarchical porous carbons from kraft lignin using thermochemical processing and activation techniques.
- Chemical modification and engineering of novel bio-based binders derived from kraft lignin and lignosulfonates.
- Electrochemical testing, cell fabrication, and detailed analysis of structure-property-performance relationships across half-cell and full-cell architectures.
Eligibility and Qualifications
To be eligible for this postdoctoral scholarship, candidates must fulfill the following criteria:
- Doctoral Degree: Must hold a Ph.D. (or an equivalent foreign degree) obtained within three years prior to the application deadline in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Electrochemistry, Energy Technology, Nanotechnology, Polymer Science, or a related discipline.
- Core Technical Expertise: Demonstrated experimental experience in at least one key domain:
- Electrochemical energy storage devices and battery testing.
- Synthesis of porous carbon or biochar materials.
- Biomass or lignin valorization and chemistry.
- Electrode fabrication, slurry formulation, and coating.
- Advanced physical, chemical, and structural materials characterization.
- Communication & Track Record: Excellent written and oral English communication skills, with a solid record of scientific publications relative to career stage.
- Desirable Assets: Prior hands-on experience with aqueous zinc-ion batteries, supercapacitors, hybrid batteries, or thermochemical activation methods will be considered an advantage.
Additional Information
Please note: This appointment is awarded as a scholarship, not as an employment contract. Candidates must meet Swedish residency and immigration conditions. Non-Swedish/EU citizens must ensure appropriate health and medical coverage (such as the European Health Insurance Card – EHIC for EU residents) prior to arrival. Role clearance procedures may apply in accordance with the Swedish Protective Security Act.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must assemble their materials into a single complete dossier containing:
- Comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV) including publication list.
- Cover Letter detailing your scientific background, research achievements, and motivation for joining this specific project.
- Research Statement (maximum 2 pages) outlining your perspective on the research themes.
- Contact details (names, affiliations, and email addresses) for three professional references.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted via email directly to the CBH school administration at KTH.
- Submission Email: scholarshipapplication-cbh@kth.se
- Subject Line: Ensure you clearly state the reference number HS-2026-1970 in the subject heading of your email.
Application Deadline & Links
Last Date for Application: February 1, 2027
Direct Apply Link: Submit Application via Email
For scientific inquiries and laboratory insights, visit the research group at Hamedi Lab Official Website.
