Postdoctoral position in designing electrolyte additives for Zn-Mn redox-flow batteries

Description of the workplace

Lund 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.  

Subject description

This research focuses on developing electrolyte additives for Zn-Mn redox flow batteries (ZMFBs) and gaining a fundamental understanding of their degradation mechanisms. Zn-based redox flow batteries have recently emerged as a promising energy storage technology, with the MnO₂/Mn²⁺ redox couple enabling the development of ZMFBs. With high theoretical voltage and energy density, ZMFBs hold great potential for advancing the commercialization of Zn-based aqueous flow batteries. However, several challenges hinder their progress, including Zn dendrite formation, poor MnO₂ conductivity, and incomplete MnO₂ dissolution. To address these limitations, our study aims to design and optimize electrolyte additives that mitigate these performance bottlenecks, enhancing the efficiency and stability of ZMFBs.

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 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:

• Design and develop electrolyte additives to optimize electrochemical performance, enhance stability, and extend battery lifespan.
• Set up, operate, and maintain redox flow battery testing systems.
• Develop in-house operando techniques to assess cell performance and gain fundamental insights into battery behaviour.
• Analyze experimental data, prepare reports, and publish findings.
• Actively seeking external research funding
• Administration related to the work duties listed above

Qualification requirements

Appointment 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 redox flow batteries.
• Proven ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative research team.
• Good problem-solving and analytical abilities.

Assessment criteria

This 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 Zn based batteries.
• Experience in materials characterization and associated techniques (SEM, XRD, vibrational spectroscopy 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 offer

Lund 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-university

Further information

This 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 apply

Applications 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!