Doctoral student in Structural Battery Electrolytes for Cold-Climate Transport

Om jobbet

Join us to develop next-generation structural battery materials for cold-climate transport. As a doctoral student at Chalmers, you will explore how multifunctional carbon-fibre composites can simultaneously store energy and carry mechanical loads in vehicles operating in Nordic environments.

About us

At the department och Mechanical Engineering we unite the power of technology, people, and society to drive the transition toward a sustainable future. Through research, education, and collaboration, we create solutions that connect materials to mobility, ideas to impact - shaping a resilient and sustainable world. In the division of Computational Mechanics and Materials Engineering we foster an inclusive, friendly, and helpful work environment to which we welcome you to contribute. The division integrates computational mechanics and advanced materials technology. It combines multidisciplinary expertise to predict, understand, and elevate the performance of engineering materials and structures. A broad range of research areas, methods, and applications is included.

About the research project

Structural batteries are multifunctional materials that integrate energy storage into load-bearing carbon-fibre composites. This project focuses on developing structural battery electrolytes that maintain both ionic conductivity and mechanical stiffness at sub-zero temperatures relevant to Nordic transport. The research combines polymer chemistry, electrochemistry, microscopy, and composite mechanics to design new electrolyte systems and evaluate their performance in structural battery composites.

Who we are looking for

The following requirements are mandatory:

To qualify as a doctoral student, you must have a Master's degree (120 credits) in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.

Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.

Experience in one or more of the following areas:

• polymer materials
• electrochemistry or batteries
• composite materials
• materials characterisation

Personal competences in accordance with the requirements profile, including strong analytical skills, curiosity for interdisciplinary research, and the ability to collaborate in an international research environment.

The following experience will strengthen your application:

• Experience with polymer synthesis or polymer electrolyte systems
• Experience with electrochemical testing (e.g. impedance spectroscopy, galvanostatic cycling, cyclic voltammetry)
• Experience with microscopy or materials characterisation methods (SEM, spectroscopy)'
• Experience with composite manufacturing or mechanical testing

What you will do

• Take courses at an advanced level within the Graduate school of Materials Science
• Develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing
• The position generally also includes teaching on Chalmers' undergraduate level or performing other duties corresponding to 20 percent of working hours
• Conduct experimental research on structural battery electrolytes, including: synthesis of polymer electrolytes and multifunctional materials, electrochemical characterisation of battery systems, microscopy and microstructure analysis, mechanical testing of multifunctional composites, integration and validation of electrolytes in structural battery composites.

Contract terms

• The Doctoral student positions are fully funded from start.
• The position is a fixed-term appointment of four years, with the possibility to teach up to 20%, which extends the position up to five years.
• A starting salary of 34,550 SEK per month (valid from May 25, 2025).
• Doctoral studies require physical presence throughout the entire study period. A valid residence permit must be presented by the study start date; otherwise the admission may be withdrawn.

What we offer

• As a Doctoral student at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.
• A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg.
• Read more about Sweden's generous parental leave, subsidized day care, free schools, healthcare etc at Move To Gothenburg.

Chalmers is dedicated to improving gender balance and actively works with equality projects, such as the GENIE Initiative for gender equality and excellence. We celebrate diversity and consider equality and inclusion as fundamental aspects of all our activities.

If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses to help you settle in.

Find more general information about doctoral studies at Chalmers here.

Application procedure

The application should be written in English and attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

CV

Personal letter

• A brief introduction about yourself.
• A brief motivation as to why you are interested in this position.

Bachelor's and, if available, master's thesis together with the transcripts.

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.

Please note:The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered. Contact details to references will be requested after the interview.

We welcome your application no later than 2026-04-12

For questions, please contact:

Johanna Xu, Assistant Professor
Email: johanna.xu@chalmers.se

We look forward to your application!

*** 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 in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture. With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society.
Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez - forward.

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