Lund University, Faculty of Engineering, LTH, Department of Physics

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world’s top universities. The University has around 47 000 students and more than 8 800 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition.

Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We regard gender equality and diversity as a strength and an asset.

Subject description

Upon abuse or malfunction, thermal runaway in Lithium-ion batteries can result in fire, explosions and release of toxic gases. Even though the occurrence of incidents is small, the consequences of a single incident can be severe. Unfortunately, the fires resulting from thermal runaway in Lithium-ion batteries are difficult to extinguish and commonly lead to complete destruction of the vehicle and severe risk for people and structures nearby.

The project builds on the hypothesis that chemical substances in the battery pack or applied externally can chemically modify the processes to a less harmful state. Chemical intervention will inhibit production of flammable and toxic gases, and the overall process will be completely mitigated or significantly quenched. The goal of the project is thus to identify chemical substances that can be used as quenchers, in battery pack or externally. However, the fundamental understanding of the processes leading up to battery fires, and the combustion process itself, is not sufficient. Therefore, the core of the project will be to understand the battery fires and to develop suitable experimental and computational tools.

The project will advance understanding of battery fires related to vehicles and the identified chemical quenchers can be used by battery manufacturers to develop safer batteries. In addition, the modeling and experimental tools developed and used in the project have a potential to be used to further advance battery research. The project is a collaboration between Lund University, Uppsala University and Volvo Cars, funded by the Swedish Electromobility Centre.

Work duties

The main duties is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position shall include the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning.

Detailed description of the work duties, such as:

  • Planning and construction of an experimental setup for investigations of battery processes using optical diagnostic techniques.
  • Experimental studies using laser-diagnostic methods, for example Raman Spectroscopy, for in situ measurement of chemical species in the process.
  • Collaboration with the industrial partner, including an internship at Volvo Cars in Gothenburg.
  • Administration related to the work duties listed above.

Qualification requirements

Applicants must have:

  • A PhD or equivalent research qualification.
  • Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
  • A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research.
  • The candidate must have extensive experience in experimental research, including construction and testing of setup(s).

Additional assessment criteria:

  • Experience in optical, preferably laser-based, and spectroscopic methods for chemical analysis and imaging is meriting.
  • Experience and analysis of spectra and images from optical measurement techniques is meriting.  
  • Experience in chemical kinetic modeling is meriting.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthens ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

Terms of employment

This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of a maximum of 1 year and 4 months.

Instructions on how to apply

Applications shall be written in English. Please draw up the application in accordance with LTH’s Academic qualifications portfolio – see link below. Upload the application as PDF-files in the recruitment system. Read more:http://www.lth.se/english/working-at-lth/to-apply-for-academic-positions-at-lth/

 

 Fråga 1 / Konfigurerbar fråga

Do you have a PhD degree in a relevant research area?
Yes
No

 

Fråga 2 / Fråga med textsvar

If you have answered yes to question 1, please give the subject, focus, and name of the university?

 

Fråga 3 / Konfigurerbar fråga

Do you have relevant experience in constructing experimental setups for use in academic research? If yes, please give a brief description.

Yes. (Inkluderar fritextfält)

No

 

Fråga 4 / Konfigurerbar fråga

Do you have relevant experience from using laser diagnostics techniques? If yes, please give a brief description.?

Yes (Inkluderar fritextfält)

No

 

Fråga 5 / Urvalsfråga (Urvalsfråga med möjlighet att välja endast ett svar)

Please state your level of proficiency in English (Spoken/written):

  1. No knowledge
  2. Basic knowledge
  3. Good knowledge
  4. Very good knowledge
  5. Native language

 

Type of employment Temporary position
Contract type Full time
First day of employment As soon as possible
Salary Monthly salary
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100
City Lund
County Skåne län
Country Sweden
Reference number PA2021/81
Contact
  • Elna Heimdal Nilsson, Senior Lecturer, Elna.Heimdal_Nilsson@forbrf.lth.se
Union representative
  • OFR/ST:Fackförbundet ST:s kansli, 046-222 93 62
  • SACO:Saco-s-rådet vid Lunds universitet, 046-222 93 64
  • SEKO: Seko Civil, 046-222 93 66
Published 11.Feb.2021
Last application date 18.Mar.2021 11:59 PM CET

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