PhD student position – Processes and interfaces in solid state batteries

Would you like to look into materials for next generation energy technology and become an expert in solid state batteries and advanced characterization techniques? Join us at Chalmers in our quest to understand structure and process in next generation batteries on the molecular level using state-of-the-art experimental methods.

Information about the department and the division
Stimulated by major needs and challenges in science and a sustainable society, the ambition of the Department of Physics is to foster a creative environment for academic research, learning and outreach. We provide a competitive advantage by linking our top-level international and interdisciplinary academic performance in the areas of material science, nanotechnology and energy research with world-leading industrial R&D&I projects. We address a wide array of experimental, computational, methodological and theoretical challenges, from fundamental physics research, through the development of new materials to direct industrial projects generating new inventions. We have a strong learning commitment on all levels from undergraduate to PhD studies where physics meet engineering.

The research at the division of Materials Physics is directed towards fundamental molecular level understanding of structure and dynamics of materials in relation to macroscopic function. A particular focus is energy related materials for next generation batteries, including nano-structured materials for high capacity and high-rate electrodes, novel electrolyte systems and stabilisation of metal anodes. We work with both theory/modelling and experiments, both at in-house laboratories and at synchrotron and neutron facilities.

About the project
The goal of this PhD-project is to advance research and design of high-energy-density solid-state batteries, one of the most promising next generation technologies. In particular, the aim is to build an understanding on the processes taking place at the interfaces between the solid electrolyte and the electrodes. The main issue is to stabilize the interface between the Li-metal anode and the solid electrolyte, a bottleneck to advance from laboratory scale to real applications. In the project we combine design of materials and advanced characterization of interface evolution. The challenges is to follow processes in battery cells during operation and based on the knowledge design materials with a functionality on the nano-scale. In the project you will work on advanced characterization techniques in order to in real time follow processes in working battery cells. You will work with both spectroscopic methods in our own laboratories and with advanced x-ray scattering and imaging methods at large scale facilities, e.g. the Swedish national facility MAXIV. You will have resources and possibilities to access state-of-the-art experimental tools, to present your work to the national and international scientific communities. The work will be part of the national competence center BASE and internationally the Battery 2030+ project BIGMAP and part of an ongoing Swedish-Korean research collaboration.

This advertisement is part of a concerted Phd call where the Department of Physics is hiring five Phd students. The other available positions can be found here .

Major responsibilities
You will be a part of the division of Materials Physics at the Department of Physics at Chalmers University of Technology. The major part of your time will be devoted to your research project, where you will be expected to plan, perform and disseminate your work in large and small collaborative constellations . You will work in a cross-disciplinary environment and have large freedom to form your own research within the scope of the project.

You will also be required to complete a course program (60 higher education credits), and participate in teaching activities and other duties at the Department of Physics (up to 20% of your time). Supervision of BSc and MSc students can also be a part of the work.

Qualifications
To qualify as a PhD student, you must have a Master’s level degree corresponding to at least 240 higher education credits in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics or equivalent. You should have an interest in materials science and energy technology, and very good communication and collaborative skills. Experience of battery research, materials characterization at the molecular level, data analysis, electrochemical methods are all considered an advantage. Fluency in written and spoken English is required.

If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

Contract terms
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five years.

We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg .
Read more about working at Chalmers  and our benefits  for employees.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence . Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20220571 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

CV:(Please name the document: CV, Family name, Ref. number)
• CV
• Other, for example previous employments or leadership qualifications and positions of trust.
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter:(Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous experience of relevance for the position (e.g. education, thesis work and, if applicable, any other research activities)
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Copies of bachelor and/or master’s thesis.
• Attested copies and transcripts of completed education, grades and other certificates, e.g. TOEFL test results.

Please use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. 

Application deadline: 28th November, 2022

For questions, please contact:
Professor Aleksandar Matic, Materials Physics, e-mail: [email protected]

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. *** 

Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our six Areas of Advance; Energy, Health Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Materials Science, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!
 

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