Doctoral student in advanced membrane characterization for redox flow battery

Project description

Third-cycle subject:  Chemical Science and Engineering

This project aims to gain fundamental insights into the membranes in redox flow batteries (RFBs) through combining electrochemical cell investigations at KTH with advanced characterization techniques using X-rays and neutrons in combination with molecular dynamics simulations at DTU. In terms of costs and output power, the membrane is a critical component that should meet the requirements of high ion conductivity, low permeability of redox species, and high chemical and mechanical stability. To advance the development of membranes more research is needed to understand the relationship between structural properties and performance. RFBs are safe and cost-effective for stationary and long-duration energy storage (> 6h), as the energy and power can be scaled independently. The project is performed within the Nordic 5 Tech Research School in Batteries. The PhD student will spend periods, together at least a year at DTU in Copenhagen and attend Nordic 5 Tech activities and courses. We are searching for a person with interest in electrochemistry, batteries and material characterization.

Supervision:  Prof. Rakel Wreland Lindström, Prof. Johan Hjelm and Asst. Prof. Amirreza Khataee is proposed to supervise the doctoral student. Decisions are made on admission.

What we offer

• The possibility to study in a dynamic and international research environment in collaboration with industries and prominent universities from all over the world.
• The Division of Applied Electrochemistry at KTH offers a dynamic, international and multidisciplinary research environment. The reserach is focused on electrochemical applications such as electrolysis, fuel cells and batteries in addition to the development of advanced electrochemical characterization methods and theoretical analysis. Department of Energy Conversion and Storage (DTU Energy) is a cross-disciplinary institute that provides a research environment for computational design, developing and advanced characterization of functional materials for electrochemical devices.
• A workplace with many employee benefits and monthly salary according to KTH’s Doctoral student salary agreement.
• A postgraduate education at an institution that is active and supportive in matters pertaining to working conditions, gender equality and diversity as well as study environment.
• Work and study in Stockholm, close to nature and the water.
• Help to relocate and be settled in Sweden and at KTH.

Admission requirements

To be admitted to postgraduate education (Chapter 7, 39 § Swedish Higher Education Ordinance), the applicant must have basic eligibility in accordance with either of the following:

• passed a second cycle degree (a master's or civil engineering degree), in the relevant area such as chemical engineering, electrochemistry, chemistry, etc., or
• completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 second-cycle higher education credits, or
• acquired, in some other way within or outside the country, substantially equivalent knowledge

In addition to the above, there is also a mandatory requirement for English equivalent to English B/6.

Selection

In order to succeed as a doctoral student at KTH you need to be goal oriented and persevering in your work. During the selection process, candidates will be assessed upon their ability to independently pursue his or her work, collaborate with others, have a professional approach and analyse and work with complex issues.

Knowledge in electrochemistry and redox flow batteries is an advantage.

After the qualification requirements, great emphasis will be placed on personal skills. 

Target degree: Doctoral degree

Information regarding admission and employment

Only those admitted to postgraduate education may be employed as a doctoral student. The total length of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education in four years ' time. An employed doctoral student can, to a limited extent (maximum 20%), perform certain tasks within their role, e.g. training and administration. A new position as a doctoral student is for a maximum of one year, and then the employment may be renewed for a maximum of two years at a time. In the case of studies that are to be completed with a licentiate degree, the total period of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education for two years.

Union representatives

Contact information for union representatives.

Doctoral section (Students’ union on KTH Royal Institute of Technology)

Contact information for doctoral section.

To apply for the position

Apply for the position and admission through KTH's recruitment system. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the advertisement.

Applications must be received at the last closing date at midnight, CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).

Applications must include the following elements:

• CV including your relevant professional experience and knowledge  and contact information to two references.
• Application letter with a brief description of why you want to pursue research studies, about what your academic interests are and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals. (Maximum 1 page long)
• Copies of diplomas and grades from previous university studies and certificates of fulfilled language requirements (see above). Translations into English or Swedish if the original document is not issued in one of these languages. Copies of originals must be certified.
• Representative publications or technical reports. For longer documents, please provide a summary (abstract) and a web link to the full text.

Other information

Striving towards gender equality, diversity and equal conditions is both a question of quality for KTH and a given part of our values.

For information about processing of personal data in the recruitment process.

According to The Protective Security Act (2018-585), the candidate must undergo and pass security vetting if the position is placed in a security class. Information regarding whether the position is subject to such a classification will be provided during the recruitment process.

We firmly decline all contact with staffing and recruitment agencies and job ad salespersons.

Disclaimer: In case of discrepancy between the Swedish original and the English translation of the job announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.

About KTH

KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm has grown to become one of Europe’s leading technical and engineering universities, as well as a key centre of intellectual talent and innovation. We are Sweden’s largest technical research and learning institution and home to students, researchers and faculty from around the world. Our research and education covers a wide area including natural sciences and all branches of engineering, as well as architecture, industrial management, urban planning, history and philosophy. Read more here