KTH Royal Institute of Technology

Project description

Third-cycle subject: Chemical engineering

Electrochemical energy storage in batteries is a central research area at Applied electrochemistry. An important part of this activity is the work of lithium-ion batteries, where processes that affect battery performance and life expectancy are investigated using experimental methods and mathematical models. In this area, we are now recruiting PhD students for three new projects:

1) Aging of lithium-ion batteries with nickel-rich electrodes for electromobility
Mathematical models describing aging processes should be developed. The basis for the models will be obtained experimentally, primarily with electrochemical methods. The models will then be used for the diagnosis of aging and life expectancy. The project is funded by the Swedish Energy Agency, and is conducted in cooperation with Volvo Personvagnar AB, Volvo Lastvagnar AB, Scania CV AB, Uppsala University, Chalmers and IVL Svenska Miljöinstitutet AB.

2) Lithium-ion battery characteristics for energy storage in electrical networks
The use of batteries in electrical grids and micro grids differs from the use in vehicles. In this project, the most important features for grid applications should be identified and relevant test methods designed. Based on experimental data, models describing battery characteristics should be developed and validated against actual data. The project is financed through SweGRIDS, and is conducted in collaboration with Vattenfall AB.

3) Determination of lithium-ion battery health and aging status
The aim is to develop new methods for determining the health and aging status of batteries in operation, thereby adapting the use and utilizing the batteries of the vehicles as efficiently as possible. Mathematical models for batteries should be developed and inputs to these should be obtained experimentally. Developed models should then be validated against battery data acquired from vehicles in operation. The project is funded by FFI, and is conducted in collaboration with Scania CV AB.

What we offer

Eligibility

To be admitted to postgraduate education (Chapter 7, 39 § Swedish Higher Education Ordinance), the applicant must have basic eligibility in accordance with either of the following:

  • passed a degree at advanced level,
  • completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits at advanced level, or
  • in any other way acquired within or outside the country acquired essentially equivalent knowledge.

A suitable background for this position is a degree in chemical engineering, engineering physics or similar. 

Selection

In order to succeed as an doctoral student at KTH you need to be goal oriented and persevering in your work. In the selection of the applicants, the following will be assessed:

  • ability to independently pursue his or hers work
  • ability to collaborate with others
  • have a professional approach
  • analyse and work with complex issues.

Ability to express yourself well in English in both speaking and writing is a requirement, knowledge of Swedish is a merit. Good knowledge of electrochemistry and work experience is a merit. You should be motivated for scientific research coupled to a sustainable society.

Target degree: Doctoral degree

Information regarding admission and employment

Only those who are or have been admitted to third-cycle studies may be employed as a doctoral student. The term of the initial contract may not exceed one year and may thereafter be extended. Doctoral students may engage in teaching, research, and administration corresponding to a maximum of 20 % of a full-time position.

Union representatives

You will find contact information for union representatives on KTH's website.

Doctoral section (Students’ union on KTH Royal Institute of Technology)

You will find contact information for doctoral section on the section's website.

Application

Apply for the position and admission through KTH's recruitment system. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the advertisement.

Applications must be received at the last closing date at midnight, CET/CEST (Central European Time/entral European Summer Time).

Applications must include the following elements:

  • CV including your relevant professional experience and knowledge.
  • Application letter with a brief description of why you want to pursue research studies, about what your academic interests are and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals. (Maximum 2 pages long)
  • Copy of the degree certificate(s) and transcripts of records from your previously attended university-level institutions. Translations into English or Swedish if the original documents are not issued in one of these languages.
  • Representative publications or technical reports. For longer documents, please provide a summary (abstract) and a web link to the full text.

Other information

Gender equality, diversity and zero tolerance against discrimination and harassment are important aspects of KTH's work with quality as well as core values in our organization.

For information about Processing of personal data in the recruitment process please read here.

We firmly decline all contact with staffing and recruitment agencies and job ad salespersons.

Disclaimer: In case of discrepancy between the Swedish original and the English translation of the job announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.

Type of employment Temporary position
Contract type Full time
First day of employment According to the agreement
Salary Monthly salary according to KTH's doctoral student salary agreement
Number of positions 3
Full-time equivalent 100%
City Stockholm
County Stockholms län
Country Sweden
Reference number C-2018-2078
Contact
  • Professor Göran Lindbergh, gnli@kth.se, +46 (0)8 790 8143
  • Associate professor Rakel Wreland Lindström, rakel2@kth.se, +46 (0)8 790 6615
Published 06.Dec.2018
Last application date 09.Jan.2019 11:59 PM CET

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