Postdoc in Operando imaging and spectroscopy of processes on metal anodes

Would you like scientific freedom, to work in a challenging project and in a creative environment? We are looking for a candidate to drive research on processes at metal anodes and methods to follow them in real time. Join us at Chalmers in our quest to develop materials and understand structures and process in next generation batteries on the molecular level using state-of-the-art experimental methods.

Project description
The target of this project is to advance research on metal anodes for application in next
generation batteries. This is a crucial component for realising energy storage technologies such as high-capacity chemistries (e.g. conversion chemistry as in LiS batteries), new active anode materials (such as Zn or Mg replacing Li), and new configurations (as in all-solid-state batteries). This post-doc project focuses on the stabilization of the interface between the metal anode and the electrolyte. We aim to i) build a fundamental understanding on the plating/stripping of metal anodes based on operando advanced characterization, ii) propose and evaluate stabilization strategies, such as functional interlayers or host structures promoting uniform deposition, iii) develop & apply x-ray imaging and spectroscopy operando characterization to follow processes in real time.

Information about the division and the department
Stimulated by major needs and challenges in science and a sustainable society, the ambition of the Department of Physics is to foster a creative environment for academic research, learning and outreach. We provide a competitive advantage by linking our top-level international and interdisciplinary academic performance in the areas of material science, nanotechnology and energy research with world-leading industrial R&D&I projects.

This recruitment is connected to the Wallenberg Initiative Materials Science for Sustainability (WISE, wise-materials.org). WISE, funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, is the largest-ever investment in materials science in Sweden and will encompass major efforts at Sweden's foremost universities over the course of 10 years. The vision is a sustainable future through materials science.  

Major responsibilities
You will be a part of the Division of Materials Physics at the Department of Physics at Chalmers University of Technology. The major part of your time will be devoted to your research project, where you will be expected to plan, perform and disseminate your work in small and large collaborative constellations. Supervision of BSc, MSc, and PhD students can be a part of the work. All early-stage researchers recruited into the WISE program will be a part of the WISE Graduate School, an ambitious nationwide program of seminars, courses, research visits, and other activities to promote a strong multi-disciplinary and international network between PhD students, postdocs, researchers, and industry.

Qualifications
To qualify for the position of postdoc, you must hold a doctoral degree awarded no more than three years prior to the application deadline (according to the current agreement with the Swedish Agency for Government Employers).

You must have a PhD degree in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science or equivalent.
You should have extensive experience of the techniques relevant for the position and very good communication and collaborative skills. In particular, experience of synchrotron scattering and/or imaging methods is important. Previous experience of battery materials research is a merit. Excellent oral and written reporting in English is required. If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

Contract terms
This postdoc position is a full-time temporary employment for two (eventually three) years.

We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20230085 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

CV: (Please name the document as: CV, Surname, Ref. number) including:
• CV, include complete list of publications
• Previous teaching and pedagogical experiences
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous research fields and main research results
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Attested copies of completed education, grades and other certificates.

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.

Application deadline: 15-03-2023



For questions, please contact:
Prof. Aleksandar Matic, Division of Materials Physics, Department of Physics
E-mail: matic@chalmers.se

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. *** 
   



Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our six Areas of Advance; Energy, Health Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Materials Science, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!