Project Description

Third-cycle subject: Chemical Science and Engineering

This project aims to gain fundamental insights into the membranes in redox flow batteries (RFBs) by combining electrochemical cell investigations at KTH with advanced characterization techniques using X-rays and neutrons, along with molecular dynamics simulations at DTU. The membrane is a critical component in terms of costs and output power, and it must meet requirements for high ion conductivity, low permeability of redox species, and high chemical and mechanical stability. To advance membrane development, further 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 part of the Nordic 5 Tech Research School in Batteries. The PhD student will spend at least a year at DTU in Copenhagen and participate in Nordic 5 Tech activities and courses. We seek a candidate with an interest in electrochemistry, batteries, and material characterization.

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

What We Offer

• The opportunity to study in a dynamic and international research environment, collaborating with industries and prominent universities worldwide.
• A dynamic, international, and multidisciplinary research environment at the Division of Applied Electrochemistry at KTH, focusing on electrochemical applications such as electrolysis, fuel cells, and batteries, as well as the development of advanced electrochemical characterization methods and theoretical analysis. DTU Energy, the Department of Energy Conversion and Storage, provides a cross-disciplinary research environment for computational design, development, and advanced characterization of functional materials for electrochemical devices.
• A workplace with numerous employee benefits and a monthly salary according to KTH’s Doctoral student salary agreement.
• A postgraduate education at an institution that actively supports working conditions, gender equality, diversity, and a positive study environment.
• The chance to work and study in Stockholm, close to nature and water.
• Assistance to relocate and settle 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 one of the following:

• A passed second cycle degree (master's or civil engineering degree) in a 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 are second-cycle higher education credits, or
• Acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way within or outside the country

Additionally, there is a mandatory requirement for English equivalent to English B/6.

Selection

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 on their ability to independently pursue their work, collaborate with others, maintain a professional approach, and analyze and work with complex issues. Knowledge in electrochemistry and redox flow batteries is an advantage. Great emphasis will be placed on personal skills after meeting the qualification requirements.

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 exceed the duration of full-time doctoral education in four years. An employed doctoral student can, to a limited extent (maximum 20%), perform certain tasks within their role, such as training and administration. A new position as a doctoral student is for a maximum of one year and may be renewed for a maximum of two years at a time. For studies leading to a licentiate degree, the total period of employment may not exceed the duration of 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 the 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 according to the instructions in the advertisement. Applications must be received by the last closing date at midnight, CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time). Applications must include the following elements:

• CV including relevant professional experience and knowledge, and contact information for two references.
• Application letter with a brief description of why you want to pursue research studies, your academic interests, 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. Translations into English or Swedish if the original document is not in one of these languages. Copies of originals must be certified.
• Representative publications or technical reports. For longer documents, 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 quality measure for KTH and a core value.

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.

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 center of intellectual talent and innovation. We are Sweden’s largest technical research and learning institution, home to students, researchers, and faculty from around the world. Our research and education cover 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.

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Contact:

1. Amirreza Khataee, khat@kth.se
2. Johan Hjelm, DTU Energy, johh@dtu.dk
3. Rakel Wreland Lindström, rakel2@kth.se

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