PhD Scholarship in Experimental Solid-State Battery Research with self-healing capability - DTU[...]

Danmarks Tekniske Universitet; Ørsted; On-site; DKK 223,880 - 298,507; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations

Opportunities for international research collaboration

Participation in international conferences

Job summary

Danmarks Tekniske Universitet is looking for a passionate researcher in solid-state battery science to join the HealBat project. You will focus on synthesizing and characterizing novel potassium-sulfur solid-state batteries while collaborating with international institutions.

The role requires an MSc in a relevant field and offers the chance to work on cutting-edge energy solutions. Responsibilities include experimental characterization, electrolyte synthesis, and performance testing, all aimed at supporting green energy transitions.

Qualifications

• Experience with electrochemical characterisation techniques like impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry.
• Interest in solid-state electrolytes and electrochemical energy storage.
• Motivation to work interdisciplinary with experiments and computational modelling.

Responsibilities

• Synthesize novel electrolyte materials using various synthesis approaches.
• Characterize electrolyte structure and properties using advanced techniques.
• Assemble and test solid-state battery cells and prototypes.

Skills

Electrochemical characterisation techniques

Solid-state materials synthesis

Interest in battery materials

Excellent English communication skills

Education

MSc degree in materials science, electrochemistry, chemistry, or related

Tools

X-ray diffraction

Scanning electron microscopy

Job description

If you are passionate about advancing sustainable energy storage and want to push the boundaries of solid-state battery science, this is your opportunity. At DTU Energy as a member of the section Applied Ceramics and Processing (ACE), you will join the HealBat project team developing a novel potassium‑sulfur (K‑S) solid‑state battery with self‑healing capabilities. You will perform hands‑on materials synthesis and electrochemical characterisation, working in close collaboration with a computational team and international partners at the University of Texas at Austin and the Technical University of Munich. Joining us means gaining deep expertise in cutting‑edge battery characterisation techniques, building a strong international research network, and contributing directly to the green energy transition.

Responsibilities and qualifications

Your overall focus will be the experimental characterisation of novel solid‑state electrolytes and the assembly and testing of K‑S solid‑state battery cells. Working closely with a computational PhD student, you will generate experimental data that supports and validates the multiscale modelling framework of the HealBat project.

• Synthesising novel K‑ion‑conducting solid‑state electrolyte materials using approaches such as solid‑state, hydrothermal, and/or sol‑gel synthesis
• Characterising electrolyte structure, composition, and morphology using techniques such as X‑ray diffraction, electron microscopy, X‑ray photoelectron spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, and Raman spectroscopy
• Measuring ionic and electronic transport properties using electrochemical methods, including electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and chronoamperometry
• Assembling and testing symmetric K|SSE|K cells to investigate interfacial stability and degradation mechanisms
• Studying interfacial evolution using electrochemical methods such as cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic cycling, impedance spectroscopy, and, where relevant, GITT, supported by post‑mortem and operando characterisation
• Investigating self‑healing behaviour through targeted recovery protocols, such as intermittent heating cycles, guided by computational predictions from the modelling team
• Assembling and evaluating full K‑S solid‑state battery prototypes, with focus on cycling stability, rate capability, capacity retention, and interfacial stability
• Contributing to a three‑month research stay at an international partner institution, such as the Technical University of Munich
• Disseminating results through peer‑reviewed publications and presentations at international conferences

Qualifications

• An MSc degree in materials science, electrochemistry, chemistry, chemical engineering, physics, or a closely related discipline, obtained before employment begins
• Experience with electrochemical characterisation techniques such as impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and galvanostatic cycling
• Experience with solid‑state materials synthesis and structural characterisation, for example X‑ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy
• Interest in battery materials, solid‑state electrolytes, and electrochemical energy storage
• Experience with solid‑state battery assembly and testing is an advantage, but not a requirement
• Motivation to work in an interdisciplinary environment where experiments and computational modelling are closely integrated
• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills

You must have a two‑year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two‑year master's degree.

Approval and Enrolment

The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education.

Benefits

The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years.

Starting date is 1 January 2027, or according to mutual agreement. The position is a full‑time position.

Location

Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark

Application Deadline

2026‑09‑01T21:59:00+00:00

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open‑source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.