Doctoral Researcher in Battery chemistry, Sustainable Chemistry

The University of Oulu is a multidisciplinary, international research university, with about 3,600 employees who produce new knowledge based on high-standards research and provide research based education to build a more sustainable, smarter, and more humane world. The University of Oulu community has about 17,000 people in total. Our northern scientific community operates globally and creates conditions for the emergence of innovations.  

We are now recruiting 

Doctoral researcher 

with the topic Halide-based solid-state electrolytes development and Interface Design for solid-state battery, to join us in Research unit of Sustainable Chemistry at the Faculty of Technology.

The Research Unit of Sustainable Chemistry located in the Faculty of Technology has 70 employees. The unit performs extensive chemistry research in the fields of 1) bioeconomy, and 2) inorganic circular economy. In the field of bioeconomy, the unit conducts research related to the utilization of lignocellulosic side streams as raw materials for high value-added products. The research topics include chemical modification of side streams to adsorbents and catalysts, conversion of side streams to platform chemicals as well as the preparation of biomass-based polymeric materials. Circular economy area conducts diverse research for the utilization of inorganic side and waste streams. Research topics are related to water treatment, fertilizers and recovery of precious metals. High-quality research related to Li-ion and Na-ion batteries is focused on cathode active materials, sustainable anode materials including biomass-based graphite, solid-state electrolytes and recycling of spent batteries. Collaboration with companies is intensive.

About the job

As a doctoral researcher, You will do research with halide-based solid-state electrolytes in the research project funded by the Research Council of Finland. This research project aims to use the best-performing solid-state ion conductors to develop next-generation solid-state batteries (SSBs). Halide-based solid electrolytes will be paired with cobalt-free cathodes, lithium metal, or silicon-based anodes to construct batteries that are more energy dense, safer, and aim to be lower cost than existing Li-ion batteries. The current roadblock for these SSBs lies in the poorly performing interfaces between the anode, electrolyte, and cathode. This research project aims to develop new strategies to overcome these barriers and perform the advanced techniques, and modelling tools to understand and optimize SSBs to provide a commercially viable energy storage solution. In addition, in the project modelling tools (such as DFT, MD) to understand the materials design will be used.

As a doctoral researcher, You will contribute to

• Conduct high-quality research in halide-based solid electrolytes materials synthesis, characterization and design the solid-state batteries
• Develop new strategies and solutions for halide-based SSB
• Participate in collaborative activities with partners and internal researchers

You will be part of multidisciplinary research unit and get experience in the scientific publication of the results and presentation skills. As a doctoral researcher you will apply study right from UniOGS (University of Oulu Graduate School).

Who are you?

• We expect from you Master’s Degree in the field of Chemistry or Materials science.
• Having expertise in electrochemistry, battery construction, testing, and custom design, ideally for solid-state batteries, is considered as an advantage for the applicant.
• Experience of electrochemical measurements like impedance analyzer, battery cycling, symmetric cells, as well as know-how related to the characterization techniques such as XRD, EIS, and SEM, is a benefit.
• In addition, we expect good written and spoken English and basic IT skills.

What we offer?

• The support of an experienced and enthusiastic team of 70 people where you can share your expertise and grow as an expert.
• The employment contracts are based on a total working time of 1 612 hours per year, which gives the doctoral researchers freedom to plan their working hours.
• A wide variety of support services allowing you to focus on your studies and research.
• A competitive salary paid monthly, which includes paid leave and an additional holiday bonus in the summer. 
• Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits. 
• Development and career options of the big organization.
• Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us.
• Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and close-ones in settling into Oulu.
• We have a HR Excellence in Research -quality label which is a recognition awarded by the European Commission for the development of researchers’ working conditions and careers. 
• Finland is one of the most livable countries in the world, with a high quality of life, safety, excellent education system, and competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu.

Salary

The position is fixed-term within period January 2025 to December 2027 (36 months).

The starting salary will be based on the levels 2-4 of the demand level chart for teaching and research staff of Finnish universities. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (maximum of 50% of the job specific component). Starting gross salary will be approx. 2500-2800 € per month (before taxes). A trial period of 6 months is applied in the position.

How to apply?

Applications should be submitted using the electronic application form by November 10th, 2024 (23:59 Finnish local time). The application should be written in English and include the following enclosures:

1. Cover letter (max. 1 page) summarizing applicant’s professional experience, expertise, and career plans describing why applicant is interested in this position.
2. CV (max 2 pages) following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity 
3. Certificates/Diplomas Scanned copy of the original relevant Master’s degree certificates and transcript of records and, when necessary, official translations to Finnish or English.

Only applications containing all relevant appendices and submitted through the online recruitment system will be considered. Applications received after the call deadline will not be considered.

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact Head of the Research Unit of Sustainable Chemistry, professor Ulla Lassi, ulla.lassi@oulu.fi, +358 400 294 090 

1. Ulla Marianne Lassi, 0400294090