PhD student in Recycling of Solid Electrolytes, Uppsala University, Sweden

Summary

Uppsala University, Department of Chemistry – Ångström Laboratory, invites applications for a doctoral (PhD) position focused on the recycling of lithium halide solid electrolytes for all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs). This interdisciplinary project is carried out in collaboration with KTH Royal Institute of Technology and Université de Lorraine (France) and combines laboratory synthesis, electrochemical testing, structural characterization and hydrometallurgical processing to establish closed-loop recycling strategies for solid-state battery materials.

PhD student in Recycling of Solid Electrolytes for All-Solid-State Batteries

Designation

PhD Student / Doctoral Candidate — Recycling of Solid Electrolytes for All-Solid-State Batteries

Quick Facts

Research Area

The project focuses on the recycling and resynthesis of lithium-containing halide solid electrolytes for all-solid-state batteries. Key topics include synthesis and structural characterization of solid electrolytes, ionic transport measurements, the impact of impurities introduced during battery use and recycling, and hydrometallurgical purification and crystallization of precursor materials. The aim is to define precursor quality specifications to enable closed-loop recycling of solid-state battery components.

Location

Main workplace: Uppsala University, Department of Chemistry – Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala, Sweden. The position includes planned research visits to KTH (Stockholm) and a research stay at Université de Lorraine (France) for work on leaching and purification stages.

Eligibility / Qualification

To be eligible for doctoral studies you must meet one of the following:

• Hold a second-cycle (Master’s) degree in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, or a closely related discipline;
• Have completed at least 240 higher education credits, including a minimum of 60 credits at Master’s level with an independent project of at least 15 credits;
• Have acquired equivalent knowledge through other academic or professional experience in Sweden or abroad.

Required skills and attributes:

• Very good oral and written English;
• Strong interest in materials chemistry, solid-state chemistry or energy storage;
• Experience with experimental laboratory work in chemistry or materials science;
• Good organisational and time-management skills, ability to work independently and collaboratively;
• Experience with data analysis and scientific writing.

Desirable (but not mandatory) experience:

• Hydrometallurgy, leaching, solvent extraction or crystallization;
• Battery assembly and electrochemical testing, inorganic synthesis, powder diffraction, or expertise in solid-state ionic transport;
• Experience handling air- and moisture-sensitive materials.

Scholarship / Position Description

This doctoral position combines synthesis, characterization and electrochemical testing to build a scientific foundation for recycling solid electrolytes used in ASSBs. The successful candidate will work across the full recycling chain: synthesis and structural analysis of lithium halide solid electrolytes, assembly and testing of solid-state cells, impedance spectroscopy for ionic transport measurements, and studies of how impurities affect structure and performance. The project partners will provide complementary expertise in hydrometallurgical processing (Université de Lorraine) and precursor purification/crystallization (KTH), and a research stay in France is an integral component of the project.

Typical duties may include:

• Air- and moisture-sensitive synthesis of inorganic solid electrolytes;
• Structural and chemical characterization (e.g., powder X-ray diffraction, SEM-EDS, XPS);
• Ionic transport measurements using temperature-dependent impedance spectroscopy;
• Assembly and electrochemical testing of solid-state battery cells;
• Collaboration on hydrometallurgical leaching and purification work and evaluation of recycled precursors;
• Data analysis, interpretation, dissemination through publications and conferences;
• Supervision of degree projects and teaching at undergraduate and master’s levels where applicable;
• Administrative tasks related to the research project.

The appointment is made under the Higher Education Ordinance (chapter 5, § 7) and will follow Uppsala University rules and guidelines for doctoral students.

How to Apply

Submit your application through the Uppsala University job portal using the link below. Follow the application instructions on the official vacancy page and include the documents requested there. Typical application materials include a cover letter describing your motivation and suitability, a CV, copies of degree certificates and transcripts, and contact details for references. Use the reference number UFV-PA 2026/3103 in your application.

Apply here: https://www.uu.se/en/about-uu/join-us/jobs-and-vacancies/job-details?query=979451

Contact for Further Information

For more information about the position and the project, you may contact:

• Xabier Martinez de Irujo-Labalde — xabier.martinezdeirujolabalde@kemi.uu.se
• Kerstin Forsberg — kerstino@kth.se
• Alexandre Chagnes — alexandre.chagnes@univ-lorraine.fr

Last Date for Apply

9 November 2026

Notes

Applicants considering relocation to Sweden can find additional information about living and working in Sweden on the Uppsala University “Why choose Sweden” pages linked from the vacancy page. Rules governing doctoral employment are detailed in the Swedish Higher Education Ordinance and in Uppsala University regulations.