PFAS-Free Ionic Liquid Electrolytes Enabling Sustainable Organic Batteries

Department of Forest Bioeconomy and Technology

We are seeking a motivated postdoctoral researcher to develop PFAS-free ionic liquid-based electrolytes for next-generation organic batteries. In this project, you will have the opportunity to combine electrolyte design, electrochemical characterization, and organic material analysis to advance safe and sustainable energy storage technologies. If you have a strong research background in organic synthesis, NMR, electrochemistry, organic materials chemistry, or related fields – and a passion for translating fundamental science into practical battery solutions – this could be the next step in your academic career!

About the Postdoctoral fellowship

This postdoctoral project aims to develop new fluorine-free ionic liquid-based electrolytes for organic batteries, with a focus on improving electrochemical and thermal stability, ionic conductivity, and long-term cycling performance. The project is a collaboration between academic and industrial partners, offering a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of electrochemistry, organic chemistry, materials design, and applied energy innovation.

The goal is to establish structure–property relationships that guide the rational design of safe, sustainable, and high-performance PFAS-free electrolytes for next-generation organic batteries. The project will combine electrolyte and organic electrode synthesis, physicochemical characterization, and battery testing to identify formulations with strong practical and commercial potential. The project has strong applied relevance and may contribute to the development of scalable, environmentally benign energy storage technologies, with the ambition to advance the future commercialization of sustainable battery systems.

Your profile 

Since postdoctoral fellowships are career-development appointments for junior researchers, applicants should have completed a PhD degree or hold equivalent scientific competence in one of the following fields: electrochemistry, physical chemistry, organic chemistry, materials chemistry, chemical engineering, or a closely related discipline. Hands-on experience in organic synthesis, electrolyte formulation, and advanced physicochemical characterization is highly desirable. Proven expertise in electrochemical methods (e.g., cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic cycling, impedance spectroscopy), spectroscopic techniques (e.g., NMR, diffusion NMR, FTIR, Raman), and thermal/structural characterization, TGA and DSC, methods are also an advantage.

We are seeking a highly motivated and curious researcher who aspires to advance their academic career in sustainable battery research and electrolyte development. Emphasis will be placed on (1) the applicant’s scientific excellence in electrochemistry and organic synthesis, electrolyte design especially experience in fluorine-free electrolyte synthesis, and molecular-level characterization of functional organic materials, (2) proven ability to work independently and contribute to the development of new methods, and (3) demonstrated interest in interdisciplinary collaboration between academia and industry. Personal qualities such as initiative, creativity, and the ability to work constructively in a small research group are highly valued. Excellent command of English, both spoken and written, is required.

About us

The Department of Forest Bioeconomy and Technology at SLU brings together expertise in technology, natural and social sciences. The department provides world-class interdisciplinary environment for research and education in the circular bioeconomy, with activities at the campuses in Umeå and Uppsala, and nationally and internationally. Our work spans the entire value chain of the forest-based bioeconomy – from analysing how resources can be used and governed to developing technologies, materials, and industrial processes for sustainable bio-based products and systems. The Department is responsible for education at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels and collaborates closely with both industry and academia nationally and internationally. With us, you can help shape a more sustainable bio-based society.

The current postdoctoral fellowship is placed within the research area of technical biomaterials, with a strong connection to technology development, data collection, and field-based analysis. The project is conducted in close collaboration with industrial partners and other research organizations in the Umeå region.

Read more about the department: Department of Forest Bioeconomy and Technology | slu.se

Read more about our benefits and working at SLU by visiting: https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/

Location:

Umeå

Form of employment: 

Stipend, 2 years.

Scope:

100%

Start date:

September 2026 or by agreement

Application:

Welcome with your application via the application button below no later than 2026-06-09.

The application must be written in English and contain: 1) a personal letter describing yourself and your match to the above-mentioned project; 2) a CV describing your education, publications, and relevant work experience; 3) names and contact details of at least three references; and 4) a PhD degree certificate.

Union representatives:

https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role in the development for sustainable life, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interaction between humans, animals and ecosystems and the responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Our main campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, however, the university also operates at research stations, experimental forests and teaching sites throughout Sweden. SLU has around 4,000 employees, 6,000 students and doctoral students and a turnover of over SEK 4,5 billion. We are investing in attractive environments on all of our campuses. We strive to provide a work environment characterised by inclusivity and gender equality, where different experiences generate conversations between people and pave the way for science, creativity and development. Therefore, we welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.