Double degree PhD student in Chemistry with specialization in polymer electrolytes for batteries

Project description

Third-cycle subject: Fibre and Polymer Science

Batteries are an important part of the global transition into a fossil free and sustainable society. Polymeric solid-state batteries, where energy storage and solid structure are combined, is an emerging research topic. This PhD project involves experimental studies of polymer electrolytes, primarily solid-state, for applications in Li-based batteries. Polymer synthesis, electrolyte fabrication, construction and testing of prototype battery cells are all parts of the project. The project also involves a number of materials characterization techniques (spectroscopy, structural characterization) and electrochemical characterization of both electrolytes and cells. The project is carried out within the centre Batteries Sweden, a collaborative effort combining Swedish universities and industry, and can therefore in part be carried out together with relevant industrial partners. Apart from the research project, which should result in a PhD thesis written by the candidate, the PhD studies also involves course work and possible teaching or other departmental duties to a limited degree (maximum 20%).

This present PhD project is carried out in close collaboration with Department of Chemistry - Ångström at Uppsala University. The project should result in a double degree PhD thesis, examined at both universities.  The period is divided between the two universities, with work during years 1 and 3 being carried out at one university and during years 2 and 4 at the other. The exact allocation between the universities is determined in consultation with the candidate offered the position.

The position is advertised at both Uppsala University and the Royal Institute of Technology. You submit your application to Uppsala University.

Supervision: Karin Odelius and Mats Johansson at KTH, together with Daniel Brandell and Jonas Mindemark at Uppsala University are proposed to supervise the doctoral student. Decisions are made on admission.

Admission requirements

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 second cycle degree (for example a master's degree), or
• completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 second-cycle higher education credits, or
• acquired, in some other way within or outside the country, substantially equivalent knowledge
• passed courses of chemistry or in courses of areas of relevance for the discipline, ranging a minimum of 90 higher education credits (of which at least 60 higher education credits should be on the advanced level and at least 30 higher education credits within chemistry). A degree project of at least 15 credits are required.

In addition to the above, there is also a mandatory requirement for English equivalent to English B/6.

Examples of education that may qualify you are

• completed a second-cycle degree with a major in chemistry or chemical engineering, or a related discipline such as materials science with a considerable amount of chemistry.
• completed another second-cycle degree with at least 60 credits in a field relevant to the doctoral programme.

Selection

In order to succeed as a doctoral student at KTH you need to be goal oriented and persevering in your work. During the selection process, candidates will be assessed upon their ability to:

• independently pursue his or her work,
• collaborate with others,
• have a professional approach and
• analyze and work with complex issues.

Additional qualifications

• Previous experiences with polymers and polymer materials.
• Previous experiences with batteries, especially Li-batteries.
• General experiences in materials chemistry and electrochemistry.

After the qualification requirements, great emphasis will be placed on personal skills.

Target degree: Doctoral degree

Information regarding admission and employment

Only those admitted to postgraduate education may be employed as a doctoral student. The total length of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education in four years' time. An employed doctoral student can, to a limited extent (maximum 20%), perform certain tasks within their role, e.g. training and administration. A new position as a doctoral student is for a maximum of one year, and then the employment may be renewed for a maximum of two years at a time. In the case of studies that are to be completed with a licentiate degree, the total period of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education for two years.

Union representatives

Contact information for union representatives.

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

Contact information for doctoral section.

To apply for the position

Apply for the position through Uppsala University

It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the advertisement.

Other information

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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.