Doctoral student with focus on combustion modelling in battery systems during thermal runaway - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description of the workplace

The position is located at the Division of Heat Transfer at the Department of Energy Sciences. At the division, we conduct research and education on the energy generation, conversion, and utilization in different electro- and thermo-mechanical systems where the study of heat transfer, fluid mechanics, reactive flows, as well as solid mechanics plays a central role. In particular, improved understanding of turbulent, reactive, and multiphase flows together with material sciences and novel manufacturing techniques is the key to improved heat transfer mechanisms and more efficient use of energy. Approximately 25 colleagues work at the division, including 15 PhD students and one postdoctoral researcher. On the international level we collaborate with universities and institutes in Europe, Asia, and North America. Our premises are in the newly renovated M-building on LTH's campus in Lund.

More information about the Division of Heat Transfer (ht.energy.lth.se)

Research subject

Energy Sciences

Work duties

This project is focused on the development of high-fidelity reacting flow models to investigate thermal runaway in battery cells, pack, modules, and systems. Generally speaking, thermal runaway is a chain reaction that leads to the uncontrolled release of battery cell energy, which in turn can lead to fires that are difficult to extinguish. The project will be undertaken in close collaborations between Northvolt and LU. The aim with the doctoral project is to develop next generation simulation methodology to predict thermal runaway on the cell level. The combustion and gas model developed on the cell level will then feed into the work to accurately predict thermal runaway on pack, module, and system levels.

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties will also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

Admission requirements 

A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if the applicant: 

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third cycle studies in Energy Sciences if the applicant has:

• at least 90 credits in the subject of the third cycle programme,  of which at least 60 credits are from second-cycle courses of relevance to the subject and 30 credits from a second-cycle degree project of relevance to the subject
• a Master's degree of relevance to the field

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.

Assessment criteria

Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student’s potential to profit from such studies. The assessment of potential is made primarily on the basis of academic results from the first and second cycle. Special attention is paid to the following: 

1. Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study. 
2. An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
3. Written and oral communication skills.
4. Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience.
   
   

Other assessment criteria:

• Good knowledge of electrochemical processes in batteries.  
• Knowledge of heat transfer and experience of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD).
• Ability to communicate with researchers in other research fields.
   

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

We offer

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee Work at Lund University. 

Terms of employment

Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third cycle studies at LTH consist of full-time studies for 4 years. A doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years (including 20% departmental duties). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

How to apply

Applications shall be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.).

Welcome to apply!