Postdoctoral position in Energy Materials Physics with Specialization in Advanced Materials Characterization

The Department of Physics and Astronomy is one of Uppsala University's largest departments housing multiple divisions with almost 400 employees. The department conducts world-class research and education in both theoretical and experimental physics. Every year, around 2,500 students study courses at first and second cycle level at the department. Read more on uu.se/physics.

The division of X-ray Photon Science is world-leading in the development and use of advanced x-ray methods for studying materials through light-matter interaction. This puts us in the forefront in atomic-level studies of atoms, molecules and condensed matter. This division includes the research programme Condensed Matter Physics of Energy Materials , with a special focus on studies and development of materials, surfaces and interfaces of interest for different energy applications, with an outlook towards development of a sustainable society.

This recruitment is linked to COMPEL (COMPetitiveness for the ELectrification of the Transport System), a strategic initiative from the Swedish government to ensure Sweden's long-term competitiveness in battery development and electrification of the transport sector. The platform integrates research and education over the entire battery value chain, providing interdisciplinary network for collaboration. Within this framework, COMPEL is recruiting early-career researchers with diverse expertise at different sectors of the battery value chain, with a vision to create a unique interdisciplinary research and education environment. This effort is built on a strong alliance between academic institutions and industrial partners to advance research, development, and innovation.

The hired candidate will be a part of nationwide COMPEL activities including seminars, courses, research visits, strategic meetings other activities to promote a strong multi-disciplinary and international network between PhD students, postdocs, researchers, and industry as well as for future career-development opportunities.

The position is based at the Division of X-ray Photon Science within the Condensed Matter Physics of Energy Materials research programme. The research is carried out in close collaboration with BatMAX, a national platform for battery research with activities at the MAX IV Laboratory, bringing together leading expertise in advanced synchrotron-based methods, battery materials and electrochemical characterization to accelerate the development of sustainable batteries for the future. The research environment is further strengthened by LigHt at the Tandem Laboratory, where advanced X-ray and ion beam based characterization methods provide complementary capabilities to experiments performed at MAX IV.

A significant part of the work will be carried out at the MAX IV Laboratory in Lund, where the successful candidate will work closely with researchers within BatMAX, beamline scientists responsible for relevant beamlines, as well as international users of the facility.

We are looking for a candidate who will develop and apply operando and in situ approaches for battery research, with a focus on photoelectron spectroscopy and x-ray absorption spectroscopy to investigate chemical, electronic and interfacial processes in battery materials under operating conditions. The studies will also involve other synchrotron-based techniques, such as small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS), to follow structural changes in the materials.

The candidate will be part of a diverse research environment in the division of X-ray Photon Science within the  Condensed Matter Physics of Energy Materials  research programme that actively engages within the COMPEL network, united by a common goal of strengthening the battery value chain in Sweden.

Duties

The main task is research, with a possibility of upto 20% teaching. Specific tasks:

• Battery design and cell development
• Operando x-ray methods at both in-house laboratories and synchrotron facilities, primarily MAX IV.
• Analysis of spectroscopic and scattering data from battery materials.
• Writing scientific articles
• Engage in COMPEL activities across Sweden

Requirements

PhD degree in Physics, Chemistry or Material Science or equivalent foreign PhD degree in Physics, Chemistry or Material Science. The degree needs to be obtained by the time of the decision of employment. Priority will be given to applicants who have completed their degree no more than three years before the deadline for applications.  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.

Good communication skills in oral and written English are required.

Additional qualifications

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, as well as the applicant's experience and potential within the area of the future duties. Experience with synchrotron-based experiments on energy materials is considered an advantage. Exposure to energy materials, instrumentation-handling, is an added advantage.

About the employment

The employment is a temporary position of 2 years according to central collective agreement. Full-time position/100%. Starting date as agreed. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact

Håkan Rensmo, +46 701679145, hakan.rensmo@physics.uu.se, Maria Hahlin, +46 730925100, maria.hahlin@physics.uu.se

Please submit your application by 30 October 2026, UFV-PA 2026/2804.

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