Postdoc position in metal hydrides and neutron-based techniques for hydrogen storage

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 290 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. More information is available on our website . (https://kemi.uu.se/angstrom/?languageId=1).

The research project focuses on the development of metal hydrides as materials for hydrogen storage. This will form part of a collaborative project aimed at developing instrumentation for in situ neutron diffraction and imaging during hydrogen absorption/desorption at the European Spallation Source (ESS). The project will involve the synthesis and structural characterisation of metal hydrides primarily using diffraction methods and investigation of their hydrogen storage properties. The materials will be investigated using the new state of the art instrument developed as part of the project, offering unique capabilities for in situ studies of hydrogen storage materials.

Work duties

The main duties involved in a post-doctoral position is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The project will be carried out under the supervision of Dr Rebecca Clulow within the program of inorganic chemistry at the department of chemistry- Ångström.

The research will involve synthesis, structural characterisation and property measurements of metal hydrides. The synthesis will include high temperature methods whilst diffraction methods such as X-ray diffraction, neutron diffraction and in-situ measurements will be used for structural characterisation. The project will also require a range of other structural characterisation techniques and hydrogen absorption experiments.

The duties include for example

• Research within the subject area
• Teaching at advanced and postgraduate level
• Applying for beamtimes and relevant funding opportunities
• Supervision of degree projects
• Administration linked to the tasks above

Requirements

The applicant should have a PhD degree in inorganic chemistry/materials chemistry or a related subject. The degree needs to be obtained by the time of the decision of employment. Those who have obtained a PhD degree within three years prior to the application deadline are primarily considered for the employment. The starting point of the three-year frame period is the application deadline. Due to special circumstances, the degree may have been obtained earlier. The three-year period can be extended due to circumstances such as sick leave, parental leave, duties in labour unions, etc.

Expertise in materials chemistry, synthesis and diffraction-based techniques is essential for the role and candidates should make their relevant experience clear in their application. The candidate should have prior knowledge of structure-property relationships and general experience of materials characterisation e.g. thermal analysis and electron microscopy. The applicant should be fluent in English and have excellent written and oral communication skills.

The applications will be assessed according to the following criteria: fulfilment of eligibility requirements, previous experience in related fields and personal suitability. Greater importance is attached to the quality of individual scientific work, rather than to the quantity of publications. Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence. How the applicant’s experience/skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department will also be considered.

The application should contain a covering letter, CV, copies of diplomas, and publications.

Desirable qualifications

In addition to the merits described above, the project will involve advanced structural characterisation and property measurements hence knowledge and/or experience in neutron diffraction, imaging and hydrogenation will be beneficial to the project. Prior experience in metal hydrogen systems will also be a strong merit.

About the employment

The employment is a temporary position of 2 years according to central collective agreement. Scope of employment: 100 %. Starting date 01/02/2027 or as soon as possible thereafter. Placement: Uppsala.

For further information about the position, please contact: Rebecca Clulow rebecca.clulow@kemi.uu.se.

Please submit your application by 18 November 2026, UFV-PA 2026/3142.