PhD student for LCA of lithium-ion battery production and recycling

Information about the division and the project
The Division of Environmental Systems Analysis conducts research to assess environmental impact of technological change and to explore ways to transform technical systems to better meet environmental and resource constraints. Our research requires cross- and transdisciplinary efforts combining environmental assessment, such as life cycle assessment, with approaches from social science, such as innovation system and transition studies. Stakeholders are often engaged in our research. The division has around 35 staff members, faculty and PhD-students with diverse expertise, including engineers, natural and social scientists. We also offer courses in areas related to our research.

You will take part in a project aiming to assess the environmental benefits and drawbacks of large-scale lithium-ion battery (LIB) production for electric vehicles. The project will also address technologies for recycling battery materials. As such, the project is divided into two main parts: mapping and analysis of (1) LIB production, and (2) LIB waste handling and material recovery. You will use life cycle assessment (LCA) as your main tool and the research includes development of the LCA methodology. The project is funded by the Swedish Electromobility Centre and involves collaboration with multiple Swedish industrial companies. Knowledge transfer to and from different actors, including automotive industry and its suppliers, end-of-life actors and relevant public agencies, is therefore an important part of the research.

Major responsibilities
As a PhD student your will have a responsibility to pursue your own doctoral studies within the area of environmental systems analysis as well as to undertake doctoral courses. You are expected to work independently, have the ability to plan and organize your work, work in close collaboration with other researchers and partner industries, and to be able to communicate scientific results, both orally and in written form, in English. In addition to research and coursework, you are expected to take part in seminars and conferences, both national and international. The doctoral program is supposed to lead to the doctoral degree, equivalent to four years of full-time studies. Since there are also teaching obligations, the position is expected to be five years.

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

Qualifications
You have a master's level degree corresponding to at least 240 higher education credits in Science in Industrial Ecology or similar and conducted your master thesis project within the area of environmental systems analysis. You have good knowledge about the technology of electrified vehicles, foremost lithium-ion batteries, and your communication skills in English (written and spoken) are excellent. Preferably, you have experience of work in an interdisciplinary setting, bridging detailed technical knowledge with environmental systems studies. You have the ability to interact with industrial stakeholders, i.e. previous work in industry is a merit. Experience of work in academic research, especially LCA work in practice in the form of data collection and hands on modelling work, is a strong merit. Experience of teaching at university level is also a merit. Communication skills in Swedish is a benefit.

Chalmers continuously strives to be an attractive employer. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Our offer to you
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the dynamic city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20200116 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as pdf-files, as below:

CV: (Please name the document: CV, Family name, Ref. number)
• CV
• Other, for example previous employments or leadership qualifications and positions of trust.
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous research fields and main research results
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Copies of bachelor and/or master’s thesis.
• Attested copies and transcripts of completed education, grades and other certificates, eg. TOEFL test results.

Please use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. The files may be compressed (zipped).

Application deadline: 3 April, 2020

For questions, please contact:
Dr. Anders Nordelöf, Environmental Systems Analysis
E-mail: anders.nordelof@chalmers.se
Phone: +46 31 7728611

Associate Professor Hans Hellsmark, Environmental Systems Analysis
E-mail: hans.hellsmark@chalmers.se
Phone: +46 31 7728160

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