PhD Physics and Chemistry of Liquids for Next Generation Batteries

Would you like to work with us at Chalmers within a very challenging and ultimately rewarding project? Join our nice team at Materials Physics and Johansson Research Group to explore the physics and chemistry of new liquids enabling next generation batteries - a very hot and important area of science. Learn new experimental techniques and use your own creativity for liquid electrolyte concepts never seen before.

Information about the department and the division
Stimulated by major needs and challenges in science and a sustainable society, the ambition of the department of Physics is to foster a creative environment for academic research, learning and outreach. We provide a competitive advantage by linking our top-level international and interdisciplinary academic performance in the areas of material science, nanotechnology and energy research with world-leading industrial R&D&I projects. We address a wide array of experimental, computational, methodological and theoretical challenges, from fundamental physics research, through the development of new materials to direct industrial projects generating new inventions. We have a strong learning commitment on all levels from undergraduate to PhD studies where physics meet engineering.

The research at the division of Materials Physics is directed towards fundamental molecular level understanding of structure and dynamics of materials in relation to macroscopic function. A particular focus is materials for next generation batteries. 

About the project
The main purpose with this PhD project is to investigate the physics and chemistry of liquid electrolyte concepts for next generation batteries. Electrolyte design and development, and advanced physico-chemical characterization are all needed to re-invent the current prevailing salt-in-solvent liquid electrolyte paradigm. The project is experimental in nature, but advanced data treatment and models are indispensible tools. The project is very independent in nature, but ample opportunities exist for collaboration with national and international academic groups as well as industrial partners.

This advertisement is part of a concerted Phd call where the Department of Physics is hiring five Phd students. The other available positions can be found here.

Major responsibilities
You will be a part of the division of Materials Physics at the department of Physics at Chalmers University of Technology. The major part of your time will be devoted to your research project, where you will be expected to plan, perform and disseminate your work in large and small collaborative constellations . You will work in a cross-disciplinary environment and have large freedom to form your own research within the scope of the project. You will also be required to complete a course program (60 higher education credits), and participate in teaching activities and other duties at the department of Physics (up to 20% of your time). Supervision of BSc and MSc students can also be a part of the work. Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five years.

Qualifications
To qualify as a PhD student, you must have a Master's level degree corresponding to at least 240 higher education credits in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science or equivalent. You should have an interest in materials science and very good communication and collaborative skills. Experience of battery materials research, data analysis, advanced characterization methods for materials at the molecular level are all considered an advantage. Fluency in written and spoken English is required. 

If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

Contract terms
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five years.

Read more and apply here
Application deadline: 28th November, 2022



For questions, please contact:
Professor Patrik Johansson, Materials Physics
E-mail: patrik.johansson@chalmers.se

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***