Industrial PhD battery tear downs

Scania is now undergoing a transformation from being a supplier of trucks, buses and engines to a supplier of complete and sustainable transport solutions.

Batteries are one of if not the most critical component in the new fully electric vehiecle and will affect the performance, durability and lifespan of our products. 

The lifetime requirements for the battery in a commercial battery-electric vehicle (BEV) are considerably tougher than for a corresponding passenger vehicle, as the former is generally expected to drive a much larger distance over its  lifetime. Developing a high level of competence in understanding battery degradation is vital to ensuring our ability to design and operate batteries which can meet these challenging requirements. 

An important aspect to battery lifetime is understanding the origins and consequences of uneven distributions of degradation processes with the battery cells, which presents a variety of scientific and technological challenges. Through this industrial PhD project we aim to work together with Uppsala University to develop the competence to diagnose and quantify degradation within battery cells and develop state-of-the-art electrochemical and material analysis methods to improve quality and throughput and ultimately deliver valuable input into the product development.

You will be part of the electrification group within Materials technology R&D. The group consist currently of 10 experienced research engineers. Our task is to supply Scania with technical expertise on materials for electrification.

Your main tasks

The battery team at Materials Technology is responsible for providing battery materials and chemistry expertise and carrying out post mortem cell and battery material analysis (cell teardown), as part of research projects, product development, and field quality issues. We have an ambition to build world-class competence in battery materials and degradation processes as well as contribute to the internationally-recognised battery research community in Sweden. The goal with this PhD position is to develop and apply methods aiming for a deeper fundamental understanding of Li-ion cell degradation mechanisms induced by an uneven distribution of electrode reactions.

The successful candidate for this position will work primarily at Materials Technology with a focus on cell teardown and post mortem analysis methods. In particular, the candidate will:


• Investigate and develop automated image analysis methods for quantifying distributions of visible degradation within a battery cell
• Use and develop chemical and electrochemical analysis methods relevant to understanding uneven distributions of degradation reactions
• Participate in the development of Materials Technology’s battery chemistry laboratory
• Work together with Scania’s cell development and battery testing groups to incorporate the results of this project into their activities

The successful candidate will be employed full-time by Scania, and split their time between Scania and the Department of Chemistry – Ångström, Uppsala University. At Uppsala University, the candidate will participate in courses, and conduct research under the supervision of Professor Erik Berg, who has many years of experience in the fundamental analysis of battery degradation mechanisms.

Independent of role or position our employees have the same core values; customer first, respect for individuals, quality, integrity, determination and team spirit. We are constantly striving to improve the work environment and the products. We achieve this when our employees thrives and develop, we therefore strongly believe in personal development. If you are motivated and ready for a responsibility then the opportunities are here.

Your Profile

The successful candidate should have a Masters degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Material Science, Mechanical Engineering or a related field. The candidate should have a demonstrated record of strong analytical skills, be well-organised and able to independently plan and execute tasks. The candidate should have good communication skills, both in written and spoken English.

Meritorious skills and knowledge include:


• Knowledge and experience working with batteries and/or energy storage technologies
• Knowledge and experience of electrochemistry and relevant chemical analysis methods
• Knowledge and experience of software languages such as Python, Matlab, R, Julia
• good communication skills, both in written and spoken Swedish

Characteristics such as initiative and good cooperation skills are necessary. 

You are dedicated, curious, interested and driven to develop new ideas and deliver results. You thrive working in teams and are inspired by a creative climate surrounded by highly competent colleagues. You are customer oriented and  outwardly can represent Materials Technology internally at Scania and externally towards Universities, institutes and companies in project collaborations. 

For more information

Contact Matthew lacey , +46 855383399 matthew.lacey@scania.com

Applications should contain a personal letter and CV. Interviews will take place continuously so don't hesitate to apply as soon as possible. 

We look forward to read your application.

A background check might be conducted for this position.


Scania is a world-leading provider of transport solutions. Together with our partners and customers we are driving the shift towards a sustainable transport system. In 2020, we delivered 66,900 trucks, 5,200 buses as well as 11,000 industrial and marine power systems to our customers. Net sales totalled to over SEK 125 billion, of which over 20 percent were services-related. Founded in 1891, Scania now operates in more than 100 countries and employs some 50,000 people. Research and development are mainly concentrated in Sweden. Production takes place in Europe and Latin America with regional product centres in Africa, Asia and Eurasia. Scania is part of TRATON GROUP. For more information visit: www.scania.com.