Doctoral student in Solid Mechanics focussing on experimental solid-state Li-ion battery mechanics

Description of the workplace

The Division of Solid Mechanics was the first department established at LTH and is now part of the Department of Construction Sciences. The division operates in an international environment and has connections with research organizations and companies both nationally and internationally. Today, the Division of Solid Mechanics consists of approximately 25 employees, of which around 15 are PhD students. The work environment is open and welcoming, striving to provide each employee with the opportunity to develop personally and professionally.

The field of solid mechanics relates to methods and principles aimed at understanding and modelling the mechanics of deformable bodies. Solid mechanics is a core discipline in mechanical engineering and is of fundamental importance to many other related disciplines. The questions addressed in solid mechanics have high relevance for industrial applications in many sectors. 

Research in solid mechanics at LTH is specifically focused on constitutive mechanics, numerical methods, microstructural mechanics, structural optimization, and experimental methods. The department also has strong activity in X-ray and neutron methods for materials research.

Project 

The PhD project is funded by the Swedish government funded COMPEL battery initiative.  The research will focus on developing and exploiting advanced experimental and x-ray characterisation methods to study the mechanics of solid-state Li-ion batteries. The project will explore the multi-scale mechanics involved in the production and operation of solid-state Li-ion batteries using advanced methods, including x-ray tomography and 3D x-ray diffraction to, for example, follow the 4D (3D+time) coupled electro-chemo-mechanical evolution in operating battery cells. Experiments will be developed and performed at our in-house x-ray tomography facility as well as at the nearby MAXIV synchrotron and at international synchrotron facilities such as the ESRF in Grenoble, France.

Work duties

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%).

The work duties in the research project will include: 

• research into the coupled electro-chemo-mechanical processes in the production and operation of solid-state Li-ion batteries;
• development of novel in-situ, operando battery experiments exploiting advanced x-ray methods including x-ray absorption/phase contrast tomography and 3D x-ray diffraction tomography;
• running experimental campaigns, including at international synchrotron facilities and the 4D Imaging Lab;
• analysing experimental data and relating the results to theories/modelling.

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 Solid Mechanics if the applicant has: 

• At least 45 ECTS credits in courses relevant to the subject, or
• a MSc in Mechanical Engineering,Engineering Physics,engineering mathematics,Civil Engineering or related fields.

Additional requirements:

• Good knowledge in physics and solid mechanics.
• Curiosity about research and teaching, in general, plus motivation for the particular research project.
• Creativity with a good ability for cooperation and networking.
• 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. These can be demonstrated through attached documents and a possible interview.  
2. An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems. The assessment can, for example, be based on the thesis and a discussion about it during a potential interview.
3. Written and oral communication skills.
4. Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience.

Other assessment criteria:

• an interest in experimental methods and data analysis,
• knowledge of x-ray techniques and imaging methods (in particular x-ray tomography),
• experience in computer programming in Matlab®, python, C, or equivalent,
• knowledge in the mechanics of materials,
• knowledge in chemistry and materials science,
• a thesis (e.g., master's thesis) at an advanced level within the subject area.

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

The application can be written in English or Swedish. The application should include:

• A cover letter explaining why you are interested in the position and how the research project aligns with your experiences, interests, and educational background.
• CV.
• Degree certificate or equivalent, or alternatively, an extract from the academic registry.
• A copy of your completed or ongoing thesis, if available.
• At least two references with complete contact details.

We welcome your application!