PhD student in next-generation batteries, with a particular focus on sodium batteries

Role: PhD student in next-generation batteries, with a particular focus on sodium batteries
Organization: Uppsala Universitet, Department of Chemistry - Ångström Laboratory
Location: Uppsala, Sweden
Contract Type: Temporary, Full-time (100%)
Start Date: 2026-09-01 or as agreed
Application Deadline: 18 Jun 2026

Role Overview:
The Department of Chemistry - Ångström conducts research and education in the chemistry field. The department has more than 270 employees and has a turnover of 300 million SEK. At the department's six programs, we conduct very successful research of a high international standard. We have a large number of externally funded research projects, often with international cooperation and we see continued good growth in our subject area. The department has education assignments in engineering programs and master's programs.

We are seeking a motivated, ambitious, and creative doctoral student for studies of next-generation batteries, with a particular focus on sodium batteries. The doctoral student will be part of Professor Patrik Johansson’s research group at Uppsala University, which in turn is part of the Ångström Advanced Battery Centre (ÅABC) research environment. This fundamental, yet application-inspired research project is linked to national and international collaborations and is funded by the Swedish Research Council within the Distinguished Professorship grant for “Next Generation Batteries.”

Responsibilities:
The aim is to experimentally study and develop new electrolytes using commercial materials, and to evaluate their mechanisms at the molecular level as well as their performance with both sodium metal and high-entropy anodes, as well as various suitable cathode materials. Unconventional electrolyte concepts such as “molten salt electrolytes” (MSEs) and “deep eutectic electrolytes” (DEEs) are of particular interest.

The main duties of doctoral students are to engage in their research studies, including active participation in research projects as well as doctoral courses. The work may also include teaching and other duties (up to a maximum of 20%). Both short and longer work-related travel may be required.

Requirements and Qualifications:
To meet the entry requirements for doctoral studies, you must have a Master’s degree in chemistry (or related disciplines) and a solid understanding of physical chemistry and materials chemistry, or have completed at least 240 credits in higher education, with at least 60 credits at Master’s level including an independent project worth at least 15 credits, or acquired essentially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

The candidate must have:
- Very good oral and written proficiency in English
- Knowledge of and experience in battery and electrolyte chemistry and technology

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

Additional qualifications:
- Previous experience with electrochemical methods for battery characterization/evaluation

What They Offer:
- A temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7.
- Scope of employment 100%.
- Placement in Uppsala.
- Participation in a research environment linked to national and international collaborations.
- Funding from the Swedish Research Council within the Distinguished Professorship grant for “Next Generation Batteries.”

Contact:
Torbjörn Fängström, torbjorn.fangstrom@kemi.uu.se

Application Instructions:
Please submit your application by 18 June 2026, UFV-PA UFV-PA 2026/1871.
Website: https://uu.varbi.com/en/what:job/jobID:941470/type:job/where:39/apply:1