Postdoc in Micromechanical characterization of lithium ion batteries - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The department of Engineering mechanics pursues basic and applied research in biomechanics, composite mechanics, fluid mechanics, contact mechanics, fracture mechanics and fatigue, material mechanics and paper mechanics. In the applied research, there are strong connections to industry and public actors. This position is one of eight postdoc positions in the thematic areas developed at the department, namely,
- Biomechanics, Health and Biotechnology
- Advanced Material and Structures, Energy
- Transport and Future Mobility,
- Advanced Computing and Machine Learning.

Job description

As part of a cross-department initiative, the department of Engineering Mechanics announces a postdoc position within the thematic area Advanced Material and Structures, Energy on the topic of “Micro- and nano-mechanical characterization of lithium ion battery constituents”.

Mechanical properties and degradation mechanisms are of large importance for lithium-ion batteries. It is already established that fracture and accumulated fatigue of electrode materials on microscale lead to loss in capacity.

Micromechanical models have in recent years been developed in order to simulate the macroscopic behaviour as well as degradation mechanisms on the microscale. The large potential of using computational tools for optimizing the battery designs is undermined, however, by uncertainties related to the mechanical properties and the microstructure of the constituents on microscale. The characterization of the microstructure can be performed using X-Ray tomography or FIB-SEM technique. However, challenges remain in measuring stiffness, strength, plastic and creep properties, fracture toughness and fatigue of battery constituents.

The project aim is to develop reliable methods for experimental characterization of mechanical properties on the microscale. The project will be executed in close collaboration with the Electrochemistry and Polymer Technology departments ensuring expertise on battery and material chemistry.

Extensive laboratory facilities are present at KTH. The tasks for the postdoc will be to develop techniques for measurements of constitutive, fracture and delamination properties of cathode and anode constituents as well as to contribute to the integration of the measured properties in micromechanical models of the electrode. The work will be conducted in close collaboration between the battery groups in Solid Mechanics and Lightweight structures.

The position as postdoc primarily refers to one year. Provided that the research is successful, the employment will be extended by a maximum of one year.

What we offer

• A position at a leading technical university that generates knowledge and skills for a sustainable future
• Engaged and ambitious colleagues along with a creative, international and dynamic working environment
• Works in Stockholm, in close proximity to nature
• Help to relocate and be settled in Sweden and at KTH

Read more about what it is like to work at KTH

Qualifications

Requirements

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree, obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline (With some exceptions for special reasons such as periods of sick or parental leave, kindly indicate if such reason exists in your resume).

We are looking for a candidate with a doctoral degree in engineering mechanics, material science or material physics. Particular merits for this position are documented experience in developing, conducting, and evaluating micro- and nanomechanical experiments. Experience in image-based experimental techniques, advanced material characterization and computational micromechanics is also of an advantage.

Applicants must be strongly motivated for research, have the ability to work both independently and in a team-based environment. Applicants should also have a good level of cooperative and communicative abilities, written and oral proficiency in English.

Preferred qualifications

• Research expertise.
• Teaching abilities.
• Awareness of diversity and equal opportunity issues, with specific focus on gender equality.
• Collaborative abilities.
• Independence.

Great emphasis will be placed on personal competency and suitability.

Trade union representatives

You will find contact information to trade union representatives at KTH's webbpage.

Application

Log into KTH's recruitment system in order to apply to this position. You are the main responsible to ensure that your application is complete according to the ad.

Your complete application must be received at KTH no later than the last day of application, midnight CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).

About the employment

The position offered is for, at the most, two years.

A position as a postdoctoral fellow is a time-limited qualified appointment focusing mainly on research, intended as a first career step after a dissertation.

Others

Striving towards gender equality, diversity and equal conditions is both a question of quality for KTH and a given part of our values.

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