The Sustainable Energy Systems research group in the The Department of Energy and Process Engineering at the Gløshaugen campus of NTNU is searching for excellent applicants for a PhD position. For a position as a PhD Candidate, the goal is a completed doctoral education up to an obtained doctoral degree. The position duration is 36 months, although extension to 48 months may be possible depending on external factors.

The topic for the PhD work will be in the area of operando/real-time sensing of lithium-ion batteries which can enable self-healing in lithium-ion batteries. Fiber optic-based sensors are an important new platform for enabling a wide range of detection capabilities in electrochemical energy storage devices. Preliminary reports of using fiber-based sensors for thermal and mechanical measurements are demonstrating the ability to identify thermodynamic signatures associated with both essential and deleterious electrochemical reactions during battery formation cycling and charging/discharging (e.g. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41893-022-00859-y).

The PhD candidate in this position will build on these past demonstrations by extending them to the probing of localized chemical environments inside batteries with the goal of understanding degradation modes and targeting in situ repair strategies. This will require extensive experimental development of cells and sensors, as well as some knowledge of data acquisition and sensor hardware implementation. Candidates with backgrounds in Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering will all be considered as the work is cross-disciplinary. The candidate is expected to be able to work independently in a chemical lab, but the work will be part of a larger team-based effort. Opportunities for extended international exchange and travel are expected (EU).

You will report to Professor Steven Boles to whom further inquiries may be directed.
 

NB: The application should include a brief description (~300 words) of possible implementation and sensing strategies that pertain to the topic mentioned above (i.e. Project Proposal/Research Plan).

• The candidate will plan and execute a comprehensive, independent research project under supervision. This will involve laboratory experiments, chemical handling and systems integration.
• The candidate will learn to master academic writing and be lead author of several journal publications.
• The candidate is expected to present her/his work at international conferences and workshops.
• The candidate is expected to collaborate internationally, which will involve extended periods outside of Norway.
• Depending on funding, the position may be extended to 4 years, in which case the candidate will do 25% teaching.
• The candidate is expected to contribute to the supervision of MSc students and other student projects.

• You must have a relevant background in Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optics, or Mechanical Engineering. Although candidates holding a prior degree with an experimental (i.e. laboratory-based) battery-related thesis topic will be considered, regardless of degree title.
• Relevant experience with independent laboratory work and chemical handling is necessary.
• Proficiency with data analysis and collection software is required (i.e. Matlab, LabVIEW, etc.). Other programming competencies may be considered.
• Excellent written and oral English language and communication skills
• You must have a strong academic background from your previous studies and an average grade from the master's degree program, or equivalent education, which is equal to B or better compared with NTNU's grading scale. If you do not have letter grades from previous studies, you must have an equally good academic basis. If you have a weaker grade background, you may be assessed if you can document that you are particularly suitable for a PhD education.
• Master's students can apply, but the master's degree must be obtained and documented by 01/01/2024.
• You must meet the requirements for admission to the faculty's doctoral program

The appointment is to be made in accordance with Regulations on terms of employment for positions such as postdoctoral fellow, Phd candidate, research assistant and specialist candidate (in Norwegian) and Regulations concerning the degrees of Philosophiae Doctor (PhD) and Philosodophiae Doctor (PhD) in artistic research national guidelines for appointment as PhD, post doctor and research assistant (in Norwegian).

• This work involves a wide-range of technical competencies and skills. A strong academic background and a demonstrated capacity to learn new topics will be considered more relevant than industrial experience.
• Previous specialization and research within the area of lithium-ion batteries and/or fiber optic sensors.
• Demonstrated capacity for multi-tasking and collaborative research.
• Excellent written and oral English language skills are preferred to facilitate collaborative efforts with international research partners.
• Candidates holding a degree from a QS or THE top 100 ranked university may be prioritized. Applicants with backgrounds from top ranked Engineering programs where the language of instruction is English may also be preferred.
• Applicants whose backgrounds may be subject them to critical Export Control restrictions and regulations may be automatically disqualified.

• Enthusiastic and highly motivated
• Able to work effectively on their own and in a team
• Diligent, thorough, and hard-working
• Able to work structured and goal oriented with a drive to get projects finished
• Creative, good at finding solutions
• The applicant is expected to contribute to the social and environment and activities of the Sustainable Energy Systems group above and beyond the position itself.

Emphasis will be placed on personal and interpersonal qualities.

• exciting and stimulating tasks in a strong international academic environment
• an open and inclusive work environment with dedicated colleagues
• favourable terms in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• employee benefits