Position Summary
Position:
Department:
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Institute:
Chalmers University of Technology
Country:
Sweden
Research Field:
Battery, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics
Posted Date:
Mar 21, 2026
Deadline:
Apr 12, 2026
Offer Period:
4 Years
Offer Start Date:
NA
PhD Position in Structural Battery Electrolytes for Cold-Climate Transport
Description:
- 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.
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.
Required Qualification:
Essential Qualification:
- 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.
- polymer materials
- electrochemistry or batteries
- composite materials
- materials characterisation
Preferred Qualification:
- 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
Employment Conditions and Benefits:
Contract duration:
- 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.
Benefits:
- 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.
Application Process:
Documents Required:
- 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.
- A brief introduction about yourself.
- A brief motivation as to why you are interested in this position.
How to apply:
- The application should be written in English be attached as PDF-files.
- Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.
About the Host Lab Group/Institution:
- At the department of, 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.
- 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.
Explore Other Similar Positions:
You may also be interested in the following PhD positions. These opportunities are currently open across universities and research institutes worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who can apply for a PhD position?
PhD positions are open to candidates who hold, or will soon complete, a relevant Master’s degree or equivalent qualification in a related field. Specific academic requirements may vary depending on the institution and research project.
Can international candidates apply?
Yes. Most PhD positions are open to international applicants. Universities usually provide support for visa applications and residence permits, subject to national regulations.
Is a Master’s degree mandatory for applying to a PhD?
In most cases, a completed Master’s degree is required. However, some institutions may consider exceptional candidates with strong academic backgrounds or integrated Master–PhD programs.
What is the typical duration of a PhD program?
A PhD program typically lasts 3 to 5 years, depending on the country, funding scheme, and research field. Some programs may allow extensions under specific circumstances.
Is the PhD position fully funded?
Most advertised PhD positions are fully funded and include a monthly salary or stipend. Funding details, tuition coverage, and benefits are usually specified in the job description.
Are PhD candidates considered students or employees?
This depends on the country and institution. In many European countries, PhD candidates are employed as staff members, while in others they may be registered as students receiving a stipend.
Are teaching responsibilities included in PhD positions?
Teaching duties vary by institution. Some PhD positions include teaching or lab supervision, while others are research-only. The exact expectations are described in each job advertisement.
Disclaimer:
This position is published for informational purposes. Please refer to the official application link for the most accurate and up-to-date details.