Postdoctoral Position in Organic Synthesis of Battery Electrolyte Solvents at Uppsala University – Sweden

Summary

Uppsala University’s Department of Chemistry – Ångström Laboratory seeks a full‑time postdoctoral researcher to develop sustainable, bio‑based electrolyte solvents for lithium‑ion and sodium‑ion batteries. The two‑year position, potentially extendable by one year, involves designing and synthesizing solvent molecules, characterizing them with NMR, FTIR, UV‑Vis and GC‑MS, and measuring physicochemical properties. Collaboration with the Ångström Advanced Battery Centre, industry partners, and international teams is required, as is participation in conferences and possible limited teaching (max 20%). Applicants must hold a PhD in chemistry, chemical engineering or a related field, have relevant synthesis experience, and demonstrate excellent English. The start date is 26 October 2026, with applications due by 16 October 2026.

Key Facts

Department	Department of Chemistry – Ångström Laboratory
Position Type	Postdoctoral researcher
Discipline	Chemistry
Research Area	Organic synthesis of battery electrolyte solvents
Degree Required	PhD
Experience	Experience synthesizing and characterizing organic solvents relevant to battery electrolytes
Salary	Not specified
Funding	Not specified
Contract Duration	Two years, with possible extension up to one year
Language	English
Deadline	2026-10-16
Employer Contact	Andy Naylor, [email protected]

About the Project

The project aims to create sustainable, bio‑based electrolyte solvents for lithium‑ion and sodium‑ion batteries by designing and synthesizing novel organic molecules from renewable carbon feedstocks. By characterizing these solvents and evaluating their electrochemical performance, the work seeks to reduce climate impact, improve safety, and lessen dependence on fossil‑derived raw materials, establishing design principles for industrial‑scale sustainable battery electrolytes.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and synthesize bio‑based organic solvent molecules for battery electrolytes
• Characterize products using NMR, FTIR, UV‑Vis, and GC‑MS
• Measure physicochemical properties such as boiling point and viscosity
• Collaborate with researchers testing electrochemical performance
• Participate in workshops with industry partners and international collaborators
• Publish research in peer‑reviewed journals and present at conferences
• Work collaboratively within the Ångström Advanced Battery Centre team
• Contribute to student supervision and seek external research or travel grants
• Teaching may be included up to 20% of working hours

Required Skills

• Synthesis and characterization of organic solvents
• Proficiency with NMR and GC‑MS techniques
• Ability to collaborate, publish, and present at international conferences
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Experience in sustainable organic synthesis or fossil‑free precursors (desirable)
• Research experience with battery electrolytes (desirable)
• Familiarity with the battery industry (desirable)
• Laboratory apparatus setup
• Data curation, plotting, electronic lab notebooks, Python or similar tools

Who Should Apply

Applicants who have earned a PhD in chemistry, chemical engineering or a closely related discipline, preferably within the last three years, and who possess experience in synthesizing and characterizing organic solvents for battery electrolytes. Candidates must be proficient in English and able to collaborate with interdisciplinary and industry partners.

About the Employer

Uppsala University, Department of Chemistry – Ångström Laboratory, part of the Ångström Advanced Battery Centre, located in Uppsala, Sweden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application deadline?

The deadline is 16 October 2026.

When does the position start?

The start date is 26 October 2026, or as agreed.

What is the contract length?

Initial duration is two years, with a possible extension of up to one year.

What language proficiency is required?

Excellent written and spoken English is required.

Is teaching part of the role?

Teaching may be included but will not exceed 20% of working hours.