Postdoctoral position in failure mechanism study of the silicon anode in solid-state batteries

Lunds universitet

  • Lund, Skåne
  • Tillfälligt
  • Heltid
  • 14 timmar sedan
Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world’s top universities. The University has around 47 000 students and more than 8 800 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition. Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We regard gender equality and diversity as a strength and an asset.Description of the workplaceLund University has since 2022 a close collaboration with a number of other top Swedish universities in battery research within the platform COMPEL (COMPetitiveness for the ELectrification of the transport system). Within the platform, the universities collaborate on research, research infrastructure and education to offer competence and world-leading research in battery technology and power electronics.At the Faculty of Engineering (LTH) of Lund University, COMPEL is a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing research environments in battery technology and electrification to complement relevant research at other institutions, building on our strengths. COMPEL at Lund University initially includes researchers from ten departments, and three areas of research have been identified for strategic development: materials research, integration of batteries with power electronics, and safe energy storage.This position is associated with the COMPEL platform located at the Centre for Analysis and Synthesis, Department of Chemistry. The Department of Chemistry conducts research in all core areas of chemistry with a broad theme of research for a sustainable society. Potential synergies between the current position and key research areas within the department include synthesis and characterisation of organic, inorganic and polymer molecules and materials for catalysis, photovoltaics, energy storage and conversion applications, among other areas. In addition, close collaboration with other LU facilities—such as the 4D Imaging Lab, NanoLund, and MAX IV—will also be possible.Subject descriptionThis project will investigate the failure mechanisms of silicon-based anodes in solid-state batteries (SSBs), a promising next-generation energy storage technology. Silicon is an attractive negative electrode material for SSBs due to its high specific capacity and potential to suppress lithium dendrite formation. However, Si-based SSBs still suffer from poor capacity retention and limited cycling stability, primarily caused by interfacial chemical degradation and mechanical cracking. These issues are further aggravated by the substantial volume changes of silicon during cycling, leading to stress accumulation, fracture, and loss of electrode integrity.To address these challenges, the project integrates advanced electrochemical characterization with state-of-the-art imaging techniques, including X-ray tomography and laboratory-based computed tomography (CT). By combining in situ and ex situ analyses, the study will reveal the structural evolution, crack formation, and interfacial dynamics of silicon anodes under various electrochemical conditions. The outcomes will provide fundamental insights into degradation pathways in solid-state batteries and guide the design of more durable electrode architectures for high-performance energy storage.Work dutiesThe 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 position includes the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning. The purpose of the position is to develop the independence as a researcher and to create the opportunity of further development.You will be responsible for designing, planning and carrying out experiments independently, including development of project ideas. Supervision of graduate or postgraduate students may also be part of the work duties.Detailed description of the work duties, such as:
  • Assemble solid-state battery cells and perform electrochemical characterization, including EIS, DRT, and charge/discharge testing
  • Conduct post-mortem analysis using SEM and XPS
  • Prepare synchrotron beamtime proposals and carry out operando studies with X-ray tomography
  • Analyze experimental data, prepare reports, and publish findings
  • Actively seeking external research funding
  • Administration related to the work duties listed above
Qualification requirementsAppointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position. The certificate proving the qualification requirement is met, must be received before the employment decision is made. Priority will be given to candidates who have graduated no more than three years ago before the last day for application. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.Additional requirements:
  • Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
  • Doctoral degree within engineering, chemistry, materials science, or a related subject.
  • Hands-on experience in electrochemistry and solid-state batteries.
  • Proven ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative research team.
  • Good problem-solving and analytical abilities.
Assessment criteriaThis is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers. Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject.For appointments to a post-doctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:
  • A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research.
  • Teaching skills.
Other qualifications:
  • Knowledge and experience of solid-state batteries.
  • Experience in materials characterization and associated techniques (SEM, XPS, X-ray tomography, etc.)
  • Experience in analysis coding (Python or MATLAB).
Consideration will also be given to 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.We offerLund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme.Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee Work at Lund University. https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/about-university/work-lund-universityFurther informationThis is a full-time, fixed-term employment of 2 years. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow”).How to applyApplications are to be submitted via the University’s recruitment system. The application should include a CV and a personal letter justifying your interest in the position and how it matches your qualifications. The application should also include a degree certificate or equivalent and any other document to which you would like to draw attention (copies of grade transcripts, details of referees, letters of recommendation, etc.)Welcome to apply!LTH is Lund University’s Faculty of Engineering. At LTH we educate people, build knowledge for the future and work hard for the development of society. We create space for brilliant research and inspire creative advancements in technology, architecture and design. We have nearly 10,000 students. Every year, our researchers – many of whom work in world-leading profile areas – publish around 100 theses and 2 000 scientific findings. In addition, many of our research and degree projects are transformed into innovations. Together we explore and create – to benefit the world.We kindly decline all sales and marketing contacts. Anställningsform: tidsbegränsad anställning | Anställningens omfattning: heltid | Antal lediga befattningar: 1 | Sysselsättningsgrad: 100 | Ort: Lund | Län: Skåne län | Land: Sweden | Referensnummer: PA2025/2517 | Kontakt: Xu Hou , Xu Hou , Erik Andersson Jardby , Erik Andersson Jardby , | Facklig företrädare: OFR/ST:Fackförbundet ST:s kansli 046-2229362, OFR/ST:Fackförbundet ST:s kansli 046-2229362, SACO:Saco-s-rådet vid Lunds universitet kansli@saco-s.lu.se, SACO:Saco-s-rådet vid Lunds universitet kansli@saco-s.lu.se, SEKO: Seko Civil 046-2229366, SEKO: Seko Civil 046-2229366, | Publicerat: 2025-09-03 | Sista ansökningsdag: 2025-09-17

Lunds universitet