Postdoc position in design of new binder system for electrode processing

Would you like to develop the most environmentally friendly and cheapest battery, make changes in the battery manufacturing and contribute to the battery industry? This postdoc position provides you the best opportunity to bridge the gap between the fundamental research and practical application of battery manufacturing.

Information about the division and the department As part of the Division of Materials and Manufacture at the Department of Industrial and Materials Science (IMS), you will contribute to a broad spectrum of cutting-edge research:

• Materials design, processing, and advanced characterization.
• Technologies including surface modification, powder metallurgy, and battery manufacturing.

Our division fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, sustainability-focused research, and close partnerships with academia and industry, providing a stimulating environment to develop solutions with real-world impact.

Project overview For the mass production of the commercial lithium-ion battery (LIB), developing sustainable and environmentally friendly electrode processing is very important, because it is a critical step which determines the energy consumption and cost of the battery manufacturing. In such development, the binder plays a critical role because it not only binds the active material powders to form uniform film, but also provide mechanical properties to ensure the good stability of the battery cell. Developing a favorable binder for a controllable electrode processing is even more important for solid state battery. The main goal of this position is to develop a binder system which is favorable for not only the electrode (e.g., Si, NMC, LFP) processing but also the formation of solid-state electrolyte. The developed promising approach will overcome challenges in powder processing, uniformity, thickness and mechanical stability of the formed electrode. You will work closely with researchers in both academia and industry, in a multidisciplinary research environment.

Main responsibilities Your major responsibility as a postdoc is to perform your own research in a research group by collaborating with others. The position may also includes supervising Master and/or PhD student to a certain extent (not teaching). Another important aspect involves collaboration within academia and with industrial partners. The position is meritorious for future research duties within academia as well as industry/the public sector. You are expected to develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing in English.

Qualifications To qualify for the position of postdoc, you must hold a doctoral degree in Chemistry, Materials Science or other relevant field, awarded no more than three years prior to the application deadline. You are expected to be somewhat accustomed to teaching, and to demonstrate good potential within research and education.You are also expected to stay motivated and efficient despite setbacks and disappointments while continuing to work until satisfied results have been achieved.

The successful candidate:

• Has good collaborative skills
• Has the ability to communicate and present your results verbally and in writing

The position requires sound verbal and written communication skills in English. Swedish is not a requirement but Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

• The date shown in your doctoral degree certificate is the date we use, as this is the date you have met all requirements for the doctoral degree. Exceptions from the 3-year limit can be made for longer periods resulting from parental leave, sick leave or military service.

Contract terms This postdoc position is a full-time temporary employment for two/three years. What we offer Chalmers provides 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 written in English 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) 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) 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.

Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered. Application deadline: March 15, 2025 For questions, please contact: Associate Prof. Jinhua Sun jinhua@chalmers.se

Prof. Uta Klement (Head of the Division) uta.klement@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 in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture. With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society. Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez - forward.