Postdoctoral positions in Energy Sciences with a focus on thermal runaway modeling (COMPEL) - 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. On the international level we collaborate with universities and institutes in Europe, Asia, and North America.
Read more about the Division of Heat Transfer. 

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.

Subject and project description

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 collaboration with Scania Industrial Battery Systems as well as the COMPEL partners. The aim of the postdoctoral 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.

Work duties

The main duties involved in a post-doctoral position is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position includes the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning. The purpose of the position is to develop independence as a researcher and to create the opportunity of further development. 

Detailed description of the work duties, such as:

• To build thermal runaway models, mainly in openFOAM.
• Research in additional research projects in the field of battery modeling. 
• Analyze and publish results in well-established scientific journals within the subject area.
• Interact with the team for the development of innovative research within the subject area.
• Collaborate in seeking external research funding for mutual benefit.
• Participate in teaching, including supervision degree projects and doctoral students.

Qualification requirements 

Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position. The certificate proving that the qualification requirement is met must be received before the employment decision is made. Priority will be given to candidates who graduated no more than three years before the last day for application. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English. 
• Documented experience of programming and/or energy system modelling. 
• Innovative and creative; bringing ideas and new approaches to problem solving.
• Autonomous and structured; taking responsibility for your tasks and efficiently working according to set timeframes. 
• Co-operation; listens and communicates constructively with both colleagues and external partners, such as industry collaborators. 

Assessment criteria 

This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers. Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject.

For appointments to a post-doctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research.
• Teaching skills. 

Other qualifications:

• Experience from computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling, preferable in openFOAM
• Experience of reactive flows
• Knowledge of battery modeling
• Knowledge of thermal runaway
• Teaching experience

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

We offer

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. It is advisable to enter information on what your unit specifically can offer as a workplace.

Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee Work at Lund University. 

Further information

This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of 2 years. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow”).
We intend to employ 1-2 post doctoral positions.

How to apply

Applications are to be submitted via the University’s recruitment system. The application should include a CV and a personal letter justifying your interest in the position and how it matches your qualifications. The application should also include a degree certificate or equivalent and any other document to which you would like to draw attention (copies of grade transcripts, details of referees, letters of recommendation, etc.)”  

Welcome to apply!