Postdoctoral Scholarship in Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries | KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden

KTH Royal Institute of Technology invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholarship focused on developing sustainable, lignin-derived cathodes for aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs). Based at the prestigious Hamedi Lab within the Department of Fiber and Polymer Technology in Stockholm, Sweden, this two-year research project offers an exceptional opportunity to advance bio-based energy storage systems using sustainable byproducts from Sweden’s forest industry.

Postdoctoral Scholarship in Sustainable Lignin-Derived Cathodes for Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries | KTH Royal Institute of Technology

Overview of the Position

Project Description

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) represent a safer, sustainable, and cost-effective alternative to conventional lithium-ion batteries for stationary energy storage. This two-year project focuses on creating a new generation of AZIBs featuring cathodes derived entirely from lignin, a major, renewable side stream of Sweden’s pulp and paper industry.

The postdoctoral fellow will explore a dual-use valorization strategy for lignin by transforming it into:

• Hierarchical porous carbons: Serving as conductive scaffolds and high-surface-area hosts for ion storage.
• Lignin-based binders: Stabilizing electrode architecture and enhancing long-term electrochemical cycling.

Key Responsibilities:

• Synthesizing and optimizing porous carbons from kraft lignin using thermochemical processing and activation techniques.
• Designing and modifying bio-based binders derived from kraft lignin and lignosulfonates.
• Formulating electrodes, assembling half-cells and full-cells, and running comprehensive electrochemical testing.
• Conducting structural, chemical, and physical characterization to establish structure-property-performance relationships.
• Publishing research findings in leading scientific journals and participating in international conferences.

Eligibility and Qualifications

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for the scholarship:

Required Qualifications:

• A doctoral degree (Ph.D.) or an equivalent foreign qualification in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Electrochemistry, Energy Technology, Nanotechnology, Polymer Science, or a closely related field.
• The doctoral degree must have been awarded within three years prior to the application deadline.
• Strong hands-on laboratory experience in at least one of the following domains:
  • Electrochemical energy storage and battery characterization.
  • Porous carbon or biochar synthesis and activation.
  • Lignin or biomass-derived materials processing.
  • Electrode formulation, coating, and testing.
  • Advanced physical, chemical, and structural materials characterization.
• Excellent command of spoken and written English.
• A strong scientific publication track record commensurate with career stage.

Desirable Attributes:

• Prior experience with aqueous zinc-ion batteries, supercapacitors, or hybrid energy systems.
• Expertise in lignin chemistry, thermochemical functionalization, or binder development.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in an interdisciplinary laboratory setting.

Additional Information

Please note: This appointment is awarded as a postdoctoral scholarship, not as standard salaried employment. EU/EEA citizens on scholarship funding must present a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or equivalent comprehensive medical and health insurance from their home country covering their full stay in Sweden.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their complete application dossier via e-mail directly to the CBH School’s scholarship office. Please ensure that the subject line clearly states the reference number: HS-2026-1970.

Required Application Documents:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV): Including full educational history and complete list of publications.
• Cover Letter: Describing your scientific background, research accomplishments, and motivation for joining this specific project.
• Research Statement: Outlining your research interests and ideas relevant to the position (maximum 2 pages).
• References: Contact details (names, affiliations, and e-mail addresses) of three professional referees.

Send your application package directly to: scholarshipapplication-cbh@kth.se

Application Deadline and Important Links

• Application Deadline: February 1, 2027 (23:59 CET)
• Official Group Website: Hamedi Lab (KTH)
• Official Scholarship Notice: View Original Call at KTH