Doctoral student in Physics within studies of Li-ion batteries in thermal runaway - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

COMPEL, "COMPetence for the ELectrification of the transport system", is a strategic initiative by the Swedish government, aimed at strengthening research and educational environments within battery technology and electrification. Within COMPEL, the three institutions - Chalmers University of Technology, Lund University, and Uppsala University – in consultation with Swedish industry, deepen their collaboration with the aim of strengthening Sweden's position in battery technology contributing to the electrification of the transport sector, and related areas. The three institutions aim to enhance research and education in the battery sector to ensure strong research in battery technology supporting that electrification of the transport sector is maintained and further developed in Sweden. Research within COMPEL spans the entire battery value chain: materials research, research on new cell concepts and cell manufacturing, battery systems and system integration, recycling, and safety.

At Lund University with the Faculty of Engineering (LTH), COMPEL is a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing research environments in battery technology and electrification, in a manner that complements relevant research at other institutions and builds on our strengths. COMPEL at Lund University initially includes researchers from ten departments, and three areas of research have been identified for strategic development: materials research, integration of batteries with power electronics, and safe energy storage. On the educational side, the number of students in several of the Master programs is being increased, and the course offerings related to battery technology and electrification are being strengthened.

Description of the workplace

The Division of Combustion Physics is part of the Department of Physics at Lund University. The research is internationally established and includes both fundamental and applied studies. The research conducted is primarily focused on the development and application of non-intrusive measurement methods for studies of reacting flows. In terms of equipment, the research division is among the best in the world within this discipline. Research on thermal runaway in Li-ion batteries is conducted in close cooperation with research groups at the Department of Energy Sciences, particularly the Division of Fluid Dynamics, which aims to model the thermal runaway using advanced computational methods. There is also cooperation with the Division of Fire Safety Engineering at the Department of Building and Environmental Technology. Overall, the research is conducted in close collaboration with industrial partners and other academic institutions.

Work duties

The purpose of this doctoral project is to develop experimental methodology for studying batteries in thermal runaway and the subsequent venting process. The focus is on using laser diagnostics to determine properties such as gas composition, temperature, and particle velocity during the venting of a battery in thermal runaway. The research will primarily involve the Li-ion batteries that are commercially used today, but new battery technologies may also be studied.

The tasks involve all experimental studies of battery cells:

• Studies of different methods that trigger the thermal runaway and evaluation of differences in gas venting from various methods
• Characterization of the venting of gases and particles using laser diagnostics
• Complementary studies with other methods that are identified as suitable during the course of the project
• Studies of battery cells of different cathode chemistry and at various states of charge

The doctoral student is expected to work independently as well as in close cooperation with other researchers connected to the project. Close collaboration will occur with the research group at the Department of Energy Sciences, which will work on modeling battery cells in thermal runaway.

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 can 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 he or she:

• 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 Physics if he or she has:

• at least 30 second-cycle credits of relevance to the subject, of which at least 15 credits shall comprise a second-cycle degree project, or 
• an MSc in engineering physics or an associated field, or a Master’s degree in physics or an associated field.

Finally, the student must be judged to have the potential to complete the programme.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Experience in experimental work and ability for skilful laboratory work are required. 

Assessments criteria

Selection to postgraduate studies is based on the expected ability to perform well in the studies. The evaluation of the ability to perform well is based primarily on the results of studies at the basic and advanced levels, in particular:

1. Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of the 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 postgraduate studies, such as professional experience.

Other merits:

• Knowledge and practical experience in optics, experimental laser diagnostics or spectroscopy. 
• Knowledge of Li-ion batteries
• Knowledge in chemistry and reaction kinetics in the gas phase
• Experience with postprocessing and analysing experimental data. 
   

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

Terms of employment

Only those admitted to doctoral studies may be employed as doctoral students. The doctoral programme is four years of full-time study. In the case of teaching and other departmental work, employment is extended accordingly, up to a maximum of five years (i.e. a maximum of 20%). Employment as a doctoral student is regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), Chapter 5, Sections 1-7.

How to apply

Applications must be written in English. The application must include a personal letter explaining why you are interested in the position and how the research project matches your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, diploma or equivalent, a copy of the thesis or the equivalent, 

alternatively a summary if the work has not been completed, as well as anything else you wish to refer to (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.).

You will also be expected to answer a number of selection questions as a first step in this recruitment process.

Welcome to apply!

The English version of this announcement is an interpretation of national formalities expressed in the Swedish text. In case of uncertainties, the Swedish text applies.