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Aalborg University
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PhD in Electrolyte Solvation and Interphase Engineering for Rechargeable Calcium Batteries Aalborg University in Denmark
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Chemistry
Funding
PhD stipend for 3 years under AAU Energy; salary and terms follow the Danish AC collective agreement. The position includes standard PhD employment conditions and a 3-month mutual probationary period.
Deadline
Dec 12, 2026
Country
Denmark
University
Aalborg University
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About this position
AAU Energy at Aalborg University is offering a PhD stipend in the Batteries research group for a project on rechargeable calcium batteries. The work is based at the Aalborg campus and is part of the section for Power Electronics Systems Integration and Materials.
The project focuses on non-aqueous liquid electrolytes for calcium batteries, with the aim of understanding how Ca2+ solvation, ion pairing, and interphase formation influence electrochemical reversibility. The PhD researcher will systematically vary salt chemistry, solvent composition, and concentration across selected electrolyte families, then combine physicochemical measurements with spectroscopic analysis to map coordination environments and ion association.
A major part of the work is the experimental study of calcium plating and stripping. The student will evaluate coulombic efficiency, polarization, and cycling stability, while using controls and complementary analyses to confirm metallic calcium deposition and separate it from side reactions. Interphase composition and evolution will be studied with XPS, supported by electron microscopy and, where useful, ToF-SIMS for morphology and species distribution.
The project also uses Raman spectroscopy and, where relevant, NMR to probe electrolyte coordination and ion association. The advert notes that targeted molecular dynamics simulations may be used to clarify solvation and ion-pairing mechanisms. By correlating spectroscopy, surface analysis, and electrochemical performance, the project aims to establish mechanism-based guidelines for electrolyte formulation and selection.
The PhD student will work closely with another researcher developing cathode and calcium-alloying anode materials, contributing to the assessment of electrode–electrolyte combinations and reproducible coin-cell evaluation. The role is embedded in an international research environment with access to advanced laboratory and workshop facilities and opportunities for scientific publication, conference presentation, teaching, student supervision, and departmental dissemination.
Funding details
PhD stipend for 3 years under AAU Energy; salary and terms follow the Danish AC collective agreement. The position includes standard PhD employment conditions and a 3-month mutual probationary period.
What's required
Applicants must hold an M.Sc. degree in chemistry, materials science, physics, chemical engineering, or a closely related discipline. A solid scientific background is expected, with preferably hands-on experience in electrochemistry, electrolyte formulation and preparation, battery testing and characterization, or handling air- and moisture-sensitive materials under controlled environments. Strong interest in electrochemical energy storage, interfacial chemistry, spectroscopic characterization techniques, and quantitative experimental data analysis is highly desirable. Experience with advanced characterization techniques, particularly spectroscopy and surface analysis, is an advantage. Familiarity with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations or other computational approaches is beneficial but not essential. Excellent written and spoken English communication skills are required, along with the ability to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary and international research environment. The PhD stipend is reserved for candidates who hold a Master's degree and can be enrolled in the Doctoral School of Engineering and Science; the PhD also requires 30 ECTS of courses, teaching or other dissemination experience, and an external research stay outside Aalborg University, preferably 3-6 months at a foreign research institution.
How to apply
Submit the application through Aalborg University’s recruitment system via the job advertisement. Include a motivation letter, CV, bachelor’s and master’s diplomas with grades, a 2–5 page project description with state-of-the-art, references and time schedule, plus any other relevant documents.
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Prepare your application
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