Postdoctoral scholars in bio-based batteries have a rare chance to join a cutting‑edge project on lignin‑rich separators for aqueous zinc‑ion batteries at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden, under a funded scholarship scheme. This long‑form guide explains the opportunity, research focus, eligibility, application steps, and why this role is especially attractive for young electrochemistry and materials scientists.
Overview of the postdoctoral scholarship
KTH Royal Institute of Technology is offering a postdoctoral scholarship (not standard employment) in Biobased Battery Separators within the Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology in Stockholm. The position focuses on designing and evaluating lignin‑rich, bio‑based separators for aqueous zinc‑ion batteries, combining advanced materials development with electrochemical testing in a multidisciplinary research environment.
The scholarship supports a full‑time postdoctoral research stay in Sweden and targets candidates with a strong background in materials science, electrochemistry, polymer science, or related fields who are passionate about sustainable energy storage. The host group works at the intersection of lignocellulosic biomass valorisation and next‑generation batteries, making this position ideal for researchers interested in green alternatives to conventional fossil‑derived battery components.
Why bio‑based battery separators?
In rechargeable batteries, the separator is a thin porous membrane that electrically insulates the electrodes while allowing ionic transport through the electrolyte. Conventional separators are often made from polyolefins (such as polyethylene or polypropylene), which are fossil‑derived, hydrophobic, and can suffer from poor wettability and limited thermal stability, especially in aqueous chemistries.
Bio‑based separators derived from lignocellulosic materials offer several advantages: they come from renewable biomass, contain abundant functional groups that improve electrolyte wettability, and can be engineered to suppress dendrite formation in metal anodes. Recent work at KTH has demonstrated that lignin‑containing microfibrillated cellulose films can replace traditional polyolefin separators in aqueous zinc batteries, providing superior electrolyte uptake, better wet mechanical integrity, and improved dimensional stability at elevated temperatures.
These enhancements translate into more stable cycling, safer operation, and the possibility of greener, lower‑cost energy storage systems. The postdoctoral project builds directly on this emerging evidence by tailoring lignin‑rich, bio‑based separator architectures specifically for aqueous zinc‑ion batteries.
Research focus: lignin‑rich separators for aqueous zinc‑ion batteries
The central theme of the scholarship is the development of lignin‑rich, bio‑based separators that can meet or exceed the performance of commercial membranes in aqueous zinc‑ion batteries. Aqueous zinc‑ion batteries (ZIBs) are attractive for grid storage and stationary applications due to their intrinsic safety, low cost, and reliance on earth‑abundant zinc rather than critical lithium resources.
Key scientific directions likely to be explored in this project include:
- Designing separators based on lignocellulosic building blocks such as lignin‑containing microfibrillated cellulose, exploiting their hydrophilicity and tunable porosity for high electrolyte uptake and efficient ion transport.
- Engineering the microstructure and chemical functionality of the separator to achieve uniform zinc deposition at the anode, mitigate dendrite growth, and suppress parasitic reactions like hydrogen evolution.
- Optimising hot‑pressing, cross‑linking, or coating strategies to increase wet mechanical strength and dimensional stability, ensuring the separator maintains integrity during long‑term cycling and thermal fluctuations.
- Integrating the new separators in full aqueous ZIB cells and conducting systematic electrochemical testing, including galvanostatic cycling, rate capability analysis, and impedance spectroscopy.
Because the project sits within a fibre and polymer technology division, you can expect strong collaboration between polymer chemists, battery scientists, and experts in lignocellulosic materials. This multidisciplinary context is ideal for a researcher who wants to connect molecular‑scale design of bio‑polymers with device‑level electrochemical performance.
Host institution and supervisor
KTH Royal Institute of Technology is Sweden’s largest technical university and a major European hub for engineering, materials science, and sustainable technologies. The postdoc is based in the Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology in Stockholm, an internationally recognised unit focusing on advanced materials from renewable resources, functional polymers, and bio‑based composites.
The scholarship is associated with the research of Associate Professor Olena Sevastyanova, whose work centres on developing novel lignin‑based materials for energy and environmental applications. Her group has contributed to lignocellulose‑derived membranes for batteries, proton exchange membranes, and dye‑removal systems, providing a strong platform for further advances in bio‑based separators.
Stockholm offers a vibrant research ecosystem with multiple universities, research institutes, and industry partners active in batteries, forest‑based materials, and green technologies, which can greatly enhance networking and career development during the scholarship period.
Scholarship details
Public information indicates that this role is funded as a scholarship rather than as a standard employment contract at KTH. Scholarship positions at KTH typically provide a fixed monthly tax‑free stipend intended to cover living expenses for the duration of the research stay, rather than a salary with pension and standard employment benefits.
For this specific opportunity in biobased battery separators, the scholarship is reported to provide 29,000 SEK per month for 18 months. EU citizens and some other categories may be allowed to hold scholarships on either a scholar or private basis, but exact arrangements depend on KTH’s internal regulations and Swedish tax and migration rules.
Because scholarship posts differ from regular employment, prospective applicants should carefully confirm details such as eligibility of dependents, access to social security, and health insurance with KTH before accepting an offer. The scholarship framework, however, can be advantageous for early‑career researchers seeking focused research time and international experience without teaching obligations.
Eligibility and requirements
While a full, official advertisement should always be consulted for final criteria, available information and standard KTH postdoctoral practices suggest the following main requirements for this scholarship.
Academic qualifications
- A completed PhD (or equivalent foreign degree) in a relevant discipline such as materials science, polymer science, chemistry, chemical engineering, electrochemistry, energy storage, or closely related fields, typically obtained within the last few years before the start date.
- A strong publication record in peer‑reviewed journals, ideally including work on lignocellulosic materials, bio‑based polymers, membranes, or electrochemical energy storage.
- Demonstrated experience with one or more of the following: fabrication of porous films or membranes, lignin or cellulose chemistry, aqueous zinc‑ion batteries or related aqueous battery systems, and electrochemical characterisation methods.
Technical skills
- Hands‑on expertise in laboratory synthesis and processing of polymeric or biopolymeric materials, including casting, hot‑pressing, or coating techniques for films and membranes.
- Experience with structural and morphological characterisation tools such as SEM, TEM, AFM, XRD, FTIR, or mechanical testing for films and composites.
- Proficiency in electrochemical methods relevant to batteries, for example, cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge–discharge, impedance spectroscopy, and cycling tests in coin or pouch cells.
- Ability to design experiments, analyse data quantitatively, and interpret results in the context of battery performance and separator structure‑property relationships.
Soft skills and personal qualities
- Excellent written and spoken English, as required for international collaboration, publication writing, and dissemination activities.
- Capacity to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team, collaborating with chemists, materials scientists, and electrochemists.
- Strong motivation for sustainability, bio‑based materials, and greener battery technologies, aligning with the broader research strategies at KTH and partner organisations.
Because the position is a scholarship, applicants may also need to meet conditions related to visa or residence permits, so international candidates should review Swedish migration guidelines for scholarship‑funded researchers.
How this position aligns with global battery trends
Around the world, aqueous zinc‑ion batteries are gaining momentum as alternatives to lithium‑ion systems for stationary energy storage thanks to their safety, low cost, and environmental compatibility. Key challenges remain around zinc dendrite formation, parasitic reactions at the metal anode, and long‑term stability of separators and electrolytes in aqueous environments.
Simultaneously, there is a strong push to replace fossil‑derived battery components with bio‑based or recyclable materials to reduce environmental impacts and decouple supply chains from finite petrochemical feedstocks. Biomass‑based separators made from cellulose, chitin, chitosan, or lignin not only lower the carbon footprint but can also improve electrolyte wettability, mechanical strength, and dendrite suppression compared to traditional polyolefins.
This KTH scholarship sits at the intersection of these two trends by using lignin‑rich, cellulose‑based separators to unlock higher‑performance and more sustainable aqueous ZIB systems. A successful project could yield separators that combine renewable feedstocks, enhanced safety, and competitive electrochemical performance, which is highly attractive for grid‑level storage, microgrids, and other large‑scale applications.
Potential tasks and responsibilities
Although specific duties will follow the official call, a postdoctoral scholar in this project can expect responsibilities broadly along the following lines.
- Developing and optimising protocols for preparing lignin‑rich, bio‑based separator films from wood‑derived or other biomass‑derived polymers, including slurry formulation, casting, drying, and post‑treatment.
- Characterising structural, mechanical, and transport properties of the separators, such as porosity, electrolyte uptake, tensile strength, and ionic conductivity, using appropriate experimental techniques.
- Assembling and testing aqueous zinc‑ion half‑cells and full cells incorporating the new separators, evaluating cycling stability, rate capability, Coulombic efficiency, and failure modes.
- Collaborating with colleagues working on lignin electrodes, gel electrolytes, and related components to integrate optimised separators into full zinc‑lignin battery prototypes.
- Publishing research outcomes in high‑impact journals, presenting at international conferences, and potentially contributing to the supervision of MSc or PhD students within the group.
Such responsibilities provide a solid platform for candidates aiming for future academic positions or R&D roles in industry focused on energy storage and sustainable materials.
Benefits of joining KTH and living in Stockholm
Stockholm consistently ranks among Europe’s most liveable cities, offering a combination of high‑quality public services, green spaces, and a thriving technology and innovation scene. KTH’s campus is centrally located and well connected, with extensive research collaborations across Sweden’s strong forest‑based and energy sectors.
The scholarship of 29,000 SEK per month for 18 months is structured to cover living expenses for a single researcher, though cost‑of‑living considerations such as housing and health insurance should be evaluated individually. KTH generally offers structured support for international researchers, including guidance on accommodation search, residence permits, and integration into Swedish academic life.
For researchers passionate about sustainability, Sweden’s national focus on green technologies, circular bioeconomy, and renewable energy provides many opportunities for collaboration beyond the immediate project.
Application materials for KTH Postdoctoral
To maximise your chances of success, you should prepare a strong and comprehensive application package that aligns with typical KTH postdoctoral scholarship calls. While the official call will list exact items, applicants will usually need the following.
- Curriculum vitae (CV) detailing education, employment history, research experience, publications, conference presentations, and relevant skills.
- Copies of PhD diploma and degree certificates, including transcripts or grade reports, preferably in English or Swedish.
- A well‑structured motivation letter outlining why you are interested in bio‑based separators and aqueous zinc‑ion batteries, how your previous work fits the project, and what you hope to contribute scientifically.
- Contact information for referees (usually two or three) who can provide recommendation letters describing your research capabilities, independence, and collaboration skills.
- Representative publications or manuscripts (for example, 2–3 of your best papers) that highlight your expertise related to biomass‑derived materials, membranes, or batteries.
Aligning your documents with the themes of lignin‑rich materials, sustainable energy storage, and electrochemical evaluation will help demonstrate a strong fit with the project’s goals.
Apply for KTH Postdoctoral Here
The application for the Postdoctoral Scholarship in Biobased Battery Separators at KTH is handled online via a dedicated external platform. Prospective candidates should submit their complete application, including CV, degree certificates, motivation letter, and relevant publications, through the following link:
Before applying, carefully review all instructions, eligibility criteria, and required documents on the application page to ensure that your submission is complete and conforms to the specified format and deadlines. If you have specific questions about the project, supervisor, or scholarship conditions, you may contact the responsible KTH department using the contact details provided in the official call.
Final tips for a strong KTH application
To stand out in a competitive selection process, align your profile and documents with the scientific and sustainability objectives of the project. Highlight any experience with lignin, cellulose, biopolymers, membranes, or aqueous batteries, and emphasise how your skills could accelerate the development of high‑performance bio‑based separators for zinc‑ion batteries.
Use your motivation letter to show a clear research vision that connects your previous work with future advances in green energy storage, including potential ideas for separator design, functionalisation, or characterisation that you could explore at KTH. Demonstrating strong communication skills, an international mindset, and enthusiasm for working in a multidisciplinary environment will further strengthen your candidacy for this postdoctoral scholarship.
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