Postdoc in solid-state batteries – micromechanical modelling of cells KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden

Postdoc in solid-state batteries – micromechanical modelling of cells at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden.

This 2-year postdoctoral position is part of the Swedish governmental battery initiative COMPEL, which supports excellence in battery research and education for the transport sector. The project sits within a coordinated effort on composite solid-state batteries spanning synthesis, cell assembly, characterisation, modelling, and scaled-up manufacturing.

The postdoc is hosted by the Department of Engineering Mechanics (Division of Material and Structural Mechanics), School of Engineering Sciences (SCI), and focuses on micromechanical modelling and mechanical characterisation of contact, interfaces and fracture in solid-state battery cells. The research asks how mechanics governs performance in solid-state batteries, where solid-solid contacts, adhesion, conduction, swelling, shrinkage, debonding, fracture, and particle fragmentation all determine whether the cell can function reliably at low stack pressure.

The project develops a modelling framework that resolves the cell at the scale of particles and interfaces, linking mechanical state to electrochemical performance. The framework will be validated using experimental data from the COMPEL collaboration and will be used to build a design and operating map for safe low-pressure operation. The postdoc also contributes to mechanical and structural characterisation of materials and cells developed in the wider project portfolio.

Eligibility and requirements: applicants must hold a doctoral degree, or equivalent foreign degree, in Solid Mechanics, Engineering Mechanics, Computational Mechanics, Materials Science, Applied Physics, or a related subject, with some experience of batteries or battery materials. Strong written and spoken English is required, along with strong computational and numerical modelling skills, including finite element or multiphysics simulation and scientific programming.

Preferred profile: recent PhD completion (within the last three years), experience with solid-state or lithium-ion batteries, familiarity with mechanics and characterisation of battery materials and cells, and hands-on experience in electro-chemo-mechanical or phase-field fracture modelling, contact mechanics, micromechanics of particulate or composite materials, mechanical testing, X-ray tomography, and programming in Python, C++ or Fortran. The role values independence, innovation, collaboration, and awareness of diversity and equal treatment, with a focus on gender equality.

Application: submit the application through KTH’s recruitment system. Include a CV, degree documents, translations if required, a brief one-page statement of research motivation and interests, and reference contacts or recommendation letters. The application deadline is 2026-08-15.

Employment details: temporary full-time appointment for up to two years; start date is 2026-10-01 or as agreed.