Postdoc in electrocatalysis for sustainable energy and chemical conversion

Work assignments 

The project focuses on electrocatalysis and electrolyzer system optimization for sustainable energy and chemical conversion. The research will involve reactions such as CO₂ conversion, water splitting, biomass-derived molecule upgrading, and other small-molecule transformations, with the aim of developing efficient, selective, and stable catalytic systems.

You will take a leading role in developing research activities that connect catalyst design, operando spectroscopic characterization, reaction mechanism investigation, and device-level performance optimization. The work may include catalyst synthesis, electrochemical testing, product analysis, operando spectroscopy, mechanistic studies, and optimization of electrolyzer configurations.

You are expected to conduct independent and collaborative research, publish in peer-reviewed journals, present results at international conferences, contribute to collaborations, and participate in the supervision of junior researchers. You may also contribute to the development of new experimental platforms and research directions within the group.

As postdoc, you will principally carry out research. A certain amount of teaching may be part of your duties, up to a maximum of 20% of working hours.

Qualifications

To be qualified to take employment as postdoc, you must have been awarded a doctoral degree or have a foreign degree that is deemed to be equivalent to a doctoral degree. This degree must have been awarded at the latest by the point at which LiU makes its decision to employ you.

It is considered advantageous if your doctoral degree is no older than three years at application deadline for this job. If there are special reasons for having an older doctoral degree – such as taking statutory leave – then these may be taken into consideration.

We are looking for someone with a doctoral degree in chemistry, materials science, or another relevant field. You should have a strong research background in electrochemistry, electrocatalysis, materials chemistry, or a closely related area. The position requires good communication skills in English, both written and spoken, as well as the ability to conduct independent and collaborative research and publish scientific results.

We also think you have experience and knowledge in one or more of the following areas:

• CO₂ conversion, water splitting, biomass upgrading, nitrogen reduction, or related electrochemical reactions
• catalyst synthesis, materials characterization, interface science
• electrolyzer, reactor design, electrochemical system optimization
• operando spectroscopy, such as Raman, FTIR, XAS, or other related techniques

Documented experience in operando spectroscopy, advanced electrochemical measurements, electrolyzer or reaction-cell design, or mechanistic investigation of catalytic reactions is particularly meritorious. Experience in supervising students, developing independent research ideas, or working in international collaborations is also considered advantageous.

You are scientifically curious, creative, and self-motivated. You have good problem-solving skills, a careful and responsible approach to experimental work, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment. You are expected to take initiative, contribute to the development of new research directions, and actively participate in the scientific activities of the research group.

The workplace

Your workplace will be the Lizhou Fan group at the https://liu.se/en/organisation/liu/ifm/mdesign, https://liu.se/en/organisation/liu/ifm, Linköping University.

For more information about the vacancy:https://liu.se/en/work-at-liu/vacancies/29123

The employment

This employment is a temporary contract of two years with the possibility of extension up to a total maximum of three years.

The employment is full-time.

Starting date by agreement.

Salary and employment benefits

The university applies individual salaries. State your desired salary in the application.

More information about employee benefits is available https://liu.se/en/work-at-liu/employee-benefits.

Union representatives

Information about union representatives, see https://liu.se/en/work-at-liu/hjalp%20for%20sokande.

Application procedure

Apply for the position by clicking the “Apply” button. Your application must be received no later than 3 June 2026. 

 Applications and documents received after the date above will not be considered. 

Please attach your selected research publications electronically, in pdf or word format, in the application template. Research publications, e.g. monographs, which cannot be sent electronically should be sent in three sets by mail to the University Registrar at Linköping University, University Registrar, S-581 83 Linköping, Sweden. The publications must be received by Linköping University no later than the deadline for application. 

Please note that printed publications will not be returned. They will be archived at Linköping University. 

In the event of a discrepancy between the English translation of the job announcement and the Swedish original, the Swedish version shall take precedent. 

We welcome applicants with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives - diversity enriches our work and helps us grow. Preserving everybody's equal value, rights and opportunities is a natural part of who we are. Read more about our work with: https://liu.se/en/article/lika-villkor/.

We look forward to receiving your application!

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