PhD scholarship in Solid State Batteries - DTU Energy

Solid state batteries are very promising as a new and exciting next generation battery technology. The Department of Energy Conversion and Storage at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU Energy) invites applications for a 3-year PhD position to work on synthesis, electrochemical characterization and operando structural analysis of new solid state battery materials. The project is in collaboration with the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and a research stay at NTNU will be expected.

Responsibilities and qualifications
The aim of the PhD project is to develop composite solid electrolytes and composite positive electrodes and demonstrate a full solid state battery operating at low-to-ambient pressure. Operando synchrotron X-ray experiments will be used to investigate structural and transport properties of the solid state battery. The project will address one of the major challenges in development of viable solid state batteries: kinetic limitations due to difficult inter-particle transport. The main focus is development of novel all-inorganic composite solid electrolytes for solid state batteries founded on halide-based solid electrolytes (e.g. Li3YCl6), enabling high ionic conductivity at a low external pressure. 

Main duties of the position include: 

• Perform synthesis of inorganic materials using e.g. solid state synthesis methods and structural analysis using Rietveld refinement of powder diffraction data.
• Carry out electrochemical characterization of materials e.g. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy analysis of ionic conductivity and charge/discharge of full solid state battery cells.
• Perform structural, thermal and morphological characterization of the synthesized materials using powder diffraction, thermal analysis (TG, DSC), electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) etc.
• Carry out in situ and operando studies using synchrotron X-ray diffraction and imaging.
• Perform in situ and operando synchrotron X-ray diffraction and imaging studies of operating solid state batteries.
• Dissemination of research results.

We expect you to have experience in inorganic materials synthesis and structural analysis from X-ray diffraction data using Rietveld refinement.

Additionally, experience in assembly and electrochemical characterization of rechargeable battery cells and experience in all-solid-state batteries will be beneficial.

We have a team environment where we value each individual to take responsibility and ensure progress and quality in each project. 

We offer an opportunity to become part of a research group, where we are focused on providing research towards new battery technology. You will find that we as a group are enthusiastic about our research, and that we appreciate that you also are motivated to contribute to our research purpose. Moreover, you find motivation in contributing to and for the benefit of society. We value structured and organized planning, as it is required in everything we do and specifically to document and disseminate scientific results such as writing results in reports and publications

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree. Ideally, your master’s degree is in chemistry, physics, material science or similar.

Approval and Enrolment  
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education . 

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms 
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years.

The preferred starting date is 15 January 2025 (or upon mutual agreement).

You can read more about career paths at DTU here http://www.dtu.dk/english/about/job-and-career/working-at-dtu/career-paths.

Further information  
If you need further information concerning this position, please contact Professor Poul Norby at [email protected]  

Please do not send applications to this e-mail address, instead apply online as described below.

You can read more about DTU Energy at https://www.energy.dtu.dk

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark . Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar ” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU. 

Application procedure 
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 26 September 2024 (23:59 Danish time) . 

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file . The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae 
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
• Name and contact information of two reference persons that the assessment committee may contact

You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it. 

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

DTU Energy
DTU Energy is focused on education, research, and development within functional materials and their application in sustainable energy technologies. In a sustainable energy system, a large part of the energy will be supplied by fluctuating sources such as solar and wind power. This makes it critically important to be able to convert and store the energy as needed. Our research areas include fuel and electrolysis cells, solar cells, and batteries as well as advanced filtration devices. We are ca. 250 employees. Additional information about the department can be found on  http://www.energy.dtu.dk .

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.