PhD student position, Electrolytes for Next Generation Batteries

Gothenburg Physics Centre is a collaboration platform for the five departments Applied Physics, Earth & Space Sciences, Fundamental Physics, Microtechnology & Nanoscience at Chalmers University of Technology, and the department of Physics at the University of Gothenburg. The Gothenburg Physics Centre houses about 200 professors, 200 researchers with a PhD degree, 140 graduate students, and 550 undergraduate students. We have a common goal to encourage and develop the cooperation within the areas of academic research, teaching and outreach activities between the departments in order to create a stimulating work environment for researchers as well as students.

Information about the department
Stimulated by major needs and challenges in science and society, the ambition of the department of Applied Physics is to foster a creative environment for academic research, teaching and outreach. We provide a competitive advantage by linking 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.

We are situated in a stimulating and creative environment with 200 physics teachers and researchers, 120 PhD students and 550 undergraduate students.

Information about the research and the project
Today Li-ion batteries dominate the market for portable electronics and soon also for electric vehicles. Next generation batteries aim at much higher energy densities; some concepts are Na-ion, Li-S, Mg, and Al. Simulations aiming to explain crucial aspects of the electrolytes currently under development needed is the scientific target – both by new methods and by application to fundamental features and problems discovered experimentally. Special emphasis will be given to modelling of safety and solubility properties. The project is part of a larger Chalmers network and internationally connected. The position is supervised by Prof. Patrik Johansson and funded by the Swedish Energy Agency.

Major responsibilities
The goal with a PhD-position is to develop general research proficiency and a high competence within your specific research area. As a PhD-student, you will primarily conduct research, often together with other researchers and PhD-students. You will also follow PhD courses, be involved in teaching activities, and participate in international conferences and networks. You are expected to write a licentiate thesis within 2-3 years and defend your doctoral thesis within 4-5 years. The total time period for the position is limited to four years full time, or five years with 20% teaching load.

Position summary
Full-time temporary employment. The employment is composed of a maximum full-time four-year doctoral programme and a maximum one year of department duties, including teaching, equivalent to a maximum of 20 % of the total working time. The employment is thus limited to a total of five years. The employment is tied to successful progress of doctoral studies, evaluated at one and three years.

Qualifications
To qualify as a PhD student, you must have a master's degree, corresponding to at least 240 higher education credits, in a relevant field. The position requires good communication skills in written and spoken English. Applicants who do not have English or a Scandinavian language as their mother tongue need to have passed  an English language test, for example TOEFL 550 (paper-based)/TOEFL 213 (computer-based), prior to admission. Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

Application deadline: 2015-07-10

For questions, please contact:
Professor Patrik Johansson
Condensed Matter 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. *** 
   



Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our eight Areas of Advance; Built Environment, Energy, Information & Communication Technology, Life Science, Materials Science, Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!