BatMAX PostDoc at MAX IV (NanoCT) (PA2026/1951)

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world’s top universities. The University has around 46,000 students and 8,500 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition.

About the role

This postdoctoral researcher position is part of a collaboration between MAX IV and the DanMAX beamline, the BatMAX hub, and Chalmers University of Technology. The role offers an exciting opportunity to work in a highly collaborative environment across multiple teams.

The DanMAX beamline, part of the Hard X-ray Group at MAX IV, specializes in X-ray diffraction and full-field imaging techniques, serving a broad user community in physics, chemistry, and medical science, with a significant focus on batteries and battery materials.

The position is hosted by the Division of Materials Physics (Prof. A. Matic) at Chalmers University of Technology, which focuses on next-generation battery chemistries and operando characterization using X-ray imaging and spectroscopy. Batteries@Chalmers brings together over 99 researchers across six departments to advance battery technology.

The project is embedded within the BatMAX hub at MAX IV, a consortium of four universities (Chalmers, Lund, Uppsala, and Aarhus) collaborating to address challenges in Na-ion solid-state batteries through 6 weeks of beamtime per year across 6 beamlines. The BatMAX hub connects to the Battery Matrix, an internal group at MAX IV fostering lab-wide collaboration on battery research.

This role is one of three postdoctoral positions linked to the BatMAX consortium, funded through the COMPEL national strategic initiative to strengthen battery research and education in Sweden. The goal is to develop nano computed tomography (nanoCT) at the DanMAX beamline, including software for experimental control, phase retrieval, and reconstruction, as well as establishing best practices for nanoCT on batteries, with a focus on minimizing radiation damage and enabling in operando nanoCT.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of nano computed tomography (nanoCT) at the DanMAX beamline in close collaboration with the Matic group at Chalmers.
• Participate scientifically and technically in the BatMAX project in collaboration with the consortium.
• Participate in the Battery Matrix, specifically working on cross-beamline projects.
• Work at the DanMAX beamline, focusing on developing nanoCT as a practically usable technique.
• Participate in the operation of the beamline, including user support and maintenance of hardware and software.
• Develop experimental research exploiting nanoCT for battery research.
• Participate in the BatMAX consortium, including planning beamtimes, conducting experiments, analyzing results, and writing scientific articles.

Requirements

• PhD in chemistry, physics, or a closely related subject.
• Proven experience with X-ray imaging techniques, e.g., µCT, nanoCT, TXM, or similar.
• Experience in computer programming for data analysis, e.g., Python.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent command of the English language, with strong communication and teamwork skills.

Qualifications

The following are seen as merits:

• Experience with X-ray optics for imaging.
• Experience with experiments at synchrotron and/or neutron sources.
• Experience and a good understanding of electrochemistry, including batteries.
• Knowledge of solid-state and/or Na-ion battery chemistries.
• Experience in user support at user facilities.

Eligibility

Appointment to the position of postdoc requires a PhD or an international equivalent within the subject of the position, completed no more than three years before the application deadline. Exceptions may apply under special circumstances.

Schedule

This is a full-time, fixed-term employment for a period of at least two years and at most three years, in accordance with the agreement "Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow, 2022-02-01."