PhD Opportunity: Advancing Sustainable Li- and Na-ion Batteries

Publiceringsdatum: 2025-01-17

Letar du efter en chans att arbeta som doktorand på Chalmers Tekniska Högskola AB? Nu är det möjligt. Chalmers Tekniska Högskola AB söker en medarbetare på heltid som vill arbeta 6 månader eller längre. Kan det vara du? Göteborg är platsen där denna position är ledig.

Chalmers Tekniska Högskola AB behöver fler anställda som stödjer arbetet inom doktorand. Kolla in deras lediga tjänst för att se om du har vad som krävs. Bli en del av Chalmers Tekniska Högskola AB genom att ansöka till jobbet som doktorand senast måndag den tjugofjärde februari 2025.

Jobbannons

Help shape the future of sustainable energy storage! This PhD project focuses on reducing the environmental impact of batteries by developing fluorine-free electrolytes and optimizing hard carbon electrodes for Li-ion and Na-ion systems. As a PhD student, you will contribute to sustainable battery innovation while gaining expertise in energy storage and advanced characterization techniques—preparing for a successful career in academia, industry, or beyond.

About us

This position is based in the Department of Physics, within the Division of Materials Physics, where our research explores the molecular-level structure and dynamics of materials in relation to their macroscopic functions. We focus on energy-related materials for next-generation batteries, with particular interest in:

• Nano-structured materials
• Electrode/electrolyte interactions
• Metal anode stabilization

Our approach integrates theoretical modeling and experimental work conducted both in-house and at world-class facilities like synchrotrons and neutron sources. The Maibach Research Group specifically combines electrochemistry with surface analysis techniques to deepen our understanding of material interactions in working battery systems.

About the project

Join us in addressing a critical challenge in sustainable battery design: reducing initial capacity losses in hard carbon electrodes for Li- and Na-ion batteries. This project emphasizes the use of fluorine-free electrolytes and biobased or recycled materials to significantly lower environmental impact. Your work will involve:

• Electrochemical testing of battery materials
• (Operando) photoelectron spectroscopy to study solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation and stability

This project contributes directly to the UN Sustainable Development Goals by replacing hazardous compounds and promoting clean energy and sustainable cities.

This position is part of the Wallenberg Initiative Materials Science for Sustainability (WISE), Sweden’s largest-ever investment in materials science, funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation. Over 10 years, WISE will involve major efforts across Sweden’s leading universities to advance materials science for a sustainable future.

Who we are looking for

Mandatory

• A Master’s degree in Physics, Materials Science, or Chemistry.
• Knowledge of and/or experience in materials science and/or electrochemistry.
• Proven ability to report results concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.

Preferred

• Coursework in materials characterization and electrochemistry.
• Experience conducting independent experimental work.
• MSc thesis focused on battery materials and/or x-ray spectroscopy.
• Confidence and expertise in laboratory work.

Your role and responsibilities

• Research Project: You will plan, execute, and disseminate your research in both large and small collaborative settings.
• You will work in a cross-disciplinary environment, with the flexibility to shape your research within the project's scope.
• Your role involves evaluating hard carbon electrodes in Li- and Na-ion batteries using various electrolytes through electrochemical methods.
• You will perform and analyze surface and interface characterizations using photoelectron spectroscopy techniques, both in the lab and at synchrotron facilities.
• Completion of a structured course program (60 higher education credits) is required.
• You will contribute to teaching activities and other departmental duties, amounting to up to 20% of your working time.
• Supervising BSc and MSc students may also form part of your responsibilities.

Your major responsibilities are to pursue your own doctoral studies. You are expected to develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing.

Contract terms and what we offer

• The PhD-positions are fully funded from start
• As a PhD student at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.
• The position is limited to four years, with the possibility to teach up to 20%, which extends the position to five years.
• A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg. Gothenburg.
• A starting salary of 34,550 SEK per month (valid from May 25, 2025).

Chalmers is dedicated to improving gender balance and actively works with equality projects, such as the GENIE Initiative for gender equality and excellence. We celebrate diversity and consider equality and inclusion as fundamental aspects of all our activities.

If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses to help you settle in.

Discover more

Find more general information about doctoral studies at Chalmers here. 

Application procedure

Please read more about the application procedure and apply on this webpage: https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/work-with-us/vacancies/?rmpage=job&rmjob=13620&rmlang=UK 

Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered.

Application deadline:  2025-02-24

For questions, please contact:  

Julia Maibach, julia.maibach@chalmers.se

We look forward to your application!

Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture. With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society.

Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez – forward.