Doctoral student in developing PEM fuel cells by multiscale modeling

Karlstad University; Göteborgs kommun; On-site; SEK 362,808 - 434,573; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee benefits

Swedish courses for non-native speakers

Job summary

Chalmers University invites applications for the role of Doctoral student specializing in developing PEM fuel cells through multiscale modeling. This position offers a fixed-term appointment for four years, offering a starting salary of 35,725 SEK per month, effective May 1, 2026.

The ideal candidate will hold a Master's degree in Physics, Chemistry, or Materials Science, possess a deep interest in atomistic modeling, and demonstrate programming experience. The position also includes teaching responsibilities amounting to 20% of working hours.

Qualifications

• Master's degree (120 credits) or equivalent in relevant fields.
• Strong interest in atomistic modeling of surface reactions.
• Good communication skills in English.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research for the project.
• Develop and communicate scientific concepts.
• Teach at undergraduate level up to 20% of working hours.

Skills

Programming

Atomistic modeling

Quantum mechanics

Thermodynamics

Statistical mechanics

Education

Master's degree in Physics, Chemistry, or Materials Science

Tools

Python

Job description

Doctoral student in developing PEM fuel cells by multiscale modeling

Our goal is to focus on competence, knowledge and collaboration in order to play an important, demonstrable role in social development.

Do you want to use advanced simulation methods to understand and improve the performance of fuel cells? Join Chalmers and contribute to atomistic modelling of catalytic reactions to enhance the stability of proton‑exchange membrane fuel cells.

About us

Chemical Physics develops sustainable energy systems by using heterogeneous (electro) catalysis for alternative fuel production, emission control, energy storage, and fuel cells. The research is interdisciplinary with strong connections between fundamental and applied science. Chemical Physics is a dynamic and international environment that strives for scientific excellence through teamwork and combined theoretical and experimental efforts. The theoretical activities at Chemical Physics focus on electronic structure calculations within the density functional theory together with mean-field modeling and Monte‑Carlo simulations for reaction kinetics. By linking quantum mechanical calculations with kinetic modeling, it is possible to bridge both length and time scales.

About the research project

Proton‑exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) convert the chemical energy in hydrogen to electrical energy. The main parts of a PEMFC are the anode, cathode and electrolyte. The reactions at the anode and cathode electrodes are catalyzed by metal nanoparticles on carbon. A current issue for large scale implementation of the PEMFC technology is long‑term stability.

The project will use atomistic first‑principles methods to understand the governing mechanism for fuel cell degradation. Increased understanding of the governing processes will provide information on how catalysts could be improved and how the system should be operated to minimize degradation. The project is a collaboration between Volvo Technology AB and Chemical Physics at Chalmers.

Who we are looking for

The following requirements are mandatory:

• To qualify as a Doctoral student, you must have a Master's degree (masterexamen) of 120 credits or a Master’s degree (magisterexamen) of 60 credits* in Physics, Chemistry or Materials Science*
• Background in quantum mechanics, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics
• Documented experience in programming
• Strong interest in atomistic modeling of surface reactions
• Good communication skills in written and spoken English

*for students with an education earned outside of Sweden, a 4‑year Bachelor’s degree is accepted.

The following experience will strengthen your application:

• Experience in atomic scale modeling
• Experience from modeling reaction kinetics
• Experience in python programming

What you will do

• Perform research in the project
• Develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing
• The position generally also includes teaching at Chalmers' undergraduate level or performing other duties corresponding to 20 percent of working hours

Contract terms

• 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 35,725 SEK per month (valid from May 1, 2026).
• 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.

What we offer

• 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.
• Swedish courses are offered to help non‑native speakers settle in.