PhD Stipend/Integrated PhD Stipend in Glass Electrolytes

PhD Stipend/Integrated PhD Stipend in Glass Electrolytes

At Aalborg University (AAU), Faculty of Engineering and Science, Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, a PhD stipend/Integrated PhD stipend is available within the PhD study program of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Environmental Engineering. The stipend is open for appointment from 1 September 2025 or soon hereafter. The stipend is available for 3 or 4 years depending on whether the applicant already holds a master’s degree. Applicants who hold a master’s degree can apply for a 3-year position and applicants who have finished 4 years of full-time studies but do not hold a Master’s degree can apply for a 4 years PhD stipend (Integrated PhD stipend). The Integrated PhD stipend is only open for appointment with starting date 1 September 2025 Do you want to be a part of an international team working on material solutions for the green transition? And do you see yourself as a team player who is strong in collaboration? If yes, we look forward to reading your application to our PhD Stipend/Integrated PhD Stipend.

Jobbeskrivelse
A PhD stipend or Integrated PhD stipend is available in the area of glassy electrolytes for solid-state batteries. Development of safe lithium batteries with high energy density and long cycle life is critically needed for sustainable energy storage. The use of solid instead of liquid electrolytes offers a key step forward, but slow ion transport is the Archilles’ heel of solid electrolytes. The proposed project aims at addressing this problem by developing metal-organic framework(MOF) glass electrolytes, as these feature a nanoporous structure without grain boundaries.

Guided by atomistic simulations, we will elucidate which chemical modifications of the MOF glass structures are most effective in increasing ionic conductivity and reveal the relationship between porosity and ionic conductivity. We will use the developed MOF materials to construct coin cell batteries and visualize the structural changes in operando during charging/discharging using advanced x-ray diffraction. The aim is that these results will lead to design principles for making highly conductive solid electrolyte materials for batteries.

The prospective PhD student should have an interest in working in a multidisciplinary team and perform both experimental and computational materials science. The PhD project is part of the Independent Research Fund Denmark project“Designing Metal-Organic Framework Glasses for Solid-State Batteries,” which is headed by Professor Morten M. Smedskjær. The prospective PhD student will collaborate with other PhD students and Postdocs in the research group, who are working on related projects.

A relevant educational background within Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Condensed Matter Physics, Materials Science or similar is necessary. Excellent oral and written English language skills are a requirement. We seek a candidate with strong competences in materials science/chemistry, excellent analytical skills, and ideally some proficiency in Python(or equivalent). Experience with glass science, battery materials and/or structural characterization is highly advantageous.

All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background. We value diversity and see it as a strength.

You may obtain further information about the scientific aspects of the project from Professor Morten M. Smedskjær,+45 9940 3578, mos@bio.aau.dk. Group website: http://sites.google.com/view/smedskjaer

The place of employment is Aalborg University, and the place of work is Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7H, 9220 Aalborg Ø, Denmark.

About the Department of Chemistry and Bioscience
At the Department of Chemistry and Bioscience(BIO), our high-level research spans from basic to applied within both natural sciences and engineering. With approx. 150 employees, 75 PhD students, and 775 bachelor and master’s students at our campuses in Aalborg(main campus) and Esbjerg, we are a vital research and educational institution when it comes to creating new basic knowledge as well as contributing to solving the world’s challenges within biology, chemistry, biotechnology, bioengineering, environmental science, and chemical engineering.

We continuously improve our department as an attractive place of work and study. We offer flexible hours, social activities throughout the year both at the department level and in each Section. We are inclusive and have respect for individuals, communities, and cultures. Our work culture is founded on openness, curiosity, transparency, and involvement. Come join us!

Application:
The application must contain:(1) Cover letter of 1-2 pages describing the motivation for applying and an account of the applicant’s background in relation to the announced position;(2) Project description, which is required for technical reasons– in this case, where you apply for a specific project, you may upload a copy of the project description above;(3) CV;(4) Diploma and transcripts of records; and(5) Other relevant information.

PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who hold a Master's degree. PhD stipends are normally for a period of 3 years.

Integrated PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who has not yet completed a Master’s degree and who wish to begin the PhD study in connection with the Master study. Thus a prerequisite for acceptance is that the candidate is enrolled in a relevant Master’s programme, such as Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Condensed Matter Physics, Materials Science or similar. Excellent oral and written English language skills are a requirement. Experience with glass science, battery materials and/or structural characterization is an advantage.

The integrated stipend consists of two parts, A and B. During part A you are enrolled simultaneous in the Master’s programme and in the PhD programme. The stipend consists of two SU-PhD Grants per month(SU=The Danish students’ Grants and Loans Scheme). SU-PhD Grants are paid for a maximum of two years. One SU-PhD grant equals DKK 7086(2025 level). When the Master’s degree has been obtained, you will be employed for two years as a PhD fellow according to the present collective agreement. Part B has a maximum duration of two years.

It is a prerequisite for allocation of the stipend that the candidate will be enrolled as a PhD student at the Doctoral School of Engineering and Science in accordance with the regulations of Ministerial Order No. 1039 of August 27, 2013 on the PhD Programme at the Universities and Certain Higher Artistic Educational Institutions. According to the Ministerial Order, the progress of the PhD student shall be assessed at regular points in time.

The assessment of candidates for the position will be carried out by qualified experts.
Shortlisting will be applied. This means that after the application deadline, the head of the department, with the assistance of the hiring committee, will select the applicants to be assessed. All applicants will be informed whether they have been shortlisted for assessment or not.
When the hiring process is completed, a final rejection will be sent to the applicants who are not considered for the position.

For further information about stipends and salary as well as practical issues concerning the application procedure contact Ms. Vigdis Skomager-Bohnfeldt, The Doctoral School at The Faculty of Engineering and Science, email:vkns@adm.aau.dk

For more information of The Doctoral School of Engineering and Science:www.phd.engineering.aau.dk

The application is only to be submitted online by using the"Apply online" button below.

AAU wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background or belief.

The hiring process at Aalborg University may include a risk assessment as a tool to identify potential risks associated with new hires, ensuring the safety, compliance, and integrity of the workplace.

Løn og ansættelsesvilkår
Appointment and salary as a PhD fellow are according to the Ministry of Finance Circular of 15 December 2021 on the Collective Agreement for Academics in Denmark, Appendix 5, regarding PhD fellows, and with the current Circular of 11 December 2019 on the employment structure at Danish universities. Allocation of SU-PhD Grants are according to the Ministerial Order on the State Educational Grant and Loan Scheme part 12, section II.

Ansøgningsfrist
2025-03-31

Ref. nummer
18-25026

Afdeling
Department of Chemistry and Bioscience