Johanna Xu

Chalmers University of Technology invites applications for a fully funded doctoral student position in Multifunctional Battery Interphase Mechanics. This research project is situated at the intersection of electrochemistry, materials science, and mechanics, aiming to advance the next generation of structural batteries—innovative materials that simultaneously store energy and bear mechanical loads. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of lighter, more energy-efficient, and sustainable solutions for future transport and infrastructure. The Department of Industrial and Materials Science at Chalmers is renowned for its commitment to technical innovation and sustainable industry. Within the Division of Material and Computational Mechanics, you will join a collaborative and inclusive research environment focused on modelling the mechanics of structures, components, and materials. The project specifically investigates the formation, evolution, and mechanical interaction of electrochemical interphases—particularly the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI)—with anisotropic carbon fibre electrodes during battery cycling. Key research questions include understanding how SEI growth, lithium consumption, stress development, and transport processes are coupled to affect interface stability and long-term durability. These insights are crucial for both structural batteries and conventional lithium-ion batteries. As a doctoral student, you will collaborate with leading researchers at Chalmers, KTH Royal Institute of Technology (Sweden), Imperial College London (UK), and Deakin University (Australia). Your work will involve developing multi-physics material models, implementing them in finite element codes, and conducting experimental characterisation. The balance between modelling and experimental work can be tailored to your interests. You will also be expected to develop your own scientific concepts and communicate your findings through publications and presentations at international conferences. Advanced coursework within the Graduate School of Solid and Structural Mechanics is included, and teaching or other departmental duties may comprise up to 20% of your working hours. Eligibility: Applicants must hold a relevant Master's degree (or equivalent 4-year Bachelor's for non-Swedish education) in Applied Mechanics, Solid Mechanics, Materials Science or Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field. Required skills include proficiency in finite element modelling (FEM), programming, and strong English communication abilities. Experience in materials science, experimental techniques, numerical analysis, and programming is advantageous. Swedish language skills are desirable but not mandatory; Chalmers offers Swedish courses for international students. Funding and Benefits: The position is fully funded for four years, with the possibility to extend up to five years with teaching duties. The starting salary is 34,550 SEK per month (from May 25, 2025), and doctoral students are considered employees with full benefits. Chalmers provides a dynamic and inspiring work environment in Gothenburg, Sweden, with generous parental leave, subsidized day care, free schools, and healthcare. The university is committed to gender equality and diversity, actively supporting initiatives such as the GENIE project. Application Process: Applications must be submitted via the Chalmers job portal by January 9, 2026. For further information, contact Assistant Professor Johanna Xu ([email protected]) or Professor Fredrik Larsson ([email protected]). Physical presence in Sweden is required throughout the study period, and a valid residence permit must be presented at the start of studies. This is an excellent opportunity for motivated candidates to contribute to cutting-edge research in battery technology, materials science, and mechanics, while developing valuable skills in a supportive and international academic environment.

Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg, Sweden, invites applications for a fully funded doctoral student position focused on developing structural battery electrolytes for cold-climate transport. This research aims to advance next-generation multifunctional carbon-fibre composites that can both store energy and serve as load-bearing materials in vehicles, particularly for Nordic environments where sub-zero temperatures are common. The project is based in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, within the division of Computational Mechanics and Materials Engineering. The division is known for its multidisciplinary approach, integrating computational mechanics and advanced materials technology to improve the performance of engineering materials and structures. The research will combine expertise in polymer chemistry, electrochemistry, microscopy, and composite mechanics to design and evaluate new electrolyte systems for structural battery composites. As a doctoral student, you will conduct experimental research on the synthesis of polymer electrolytes, electrochemical characterisation of battery systems, microscopy and microstructure analysis, mechanical testing of multifunctional composites, and the integration and validation of electrolytes in structural battery composites. You will also take advanced courses within the Graduate School of Materials Science and may participate in teaching or other departmental duties (up to 20% of your time). Eligibility: Applicants must have a Master’s degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related field. Strong English communication skills are required. Experience in polymer materials, electrochemistry, batteries, composite materials, or materials characterisation is essential. Additional experience in polymer synthesis, electrochemical testing, microscopy, or composite manufacturing is advantageous. Candidates should demonstrate strong analytical skills, curiosity for interdisciplinary research, and the ability to work in an international environment. Physical presence in Sweden is required for the duration of the studies, and a valid residence permit must be presented by the start date. Funding: The position is fully funded from the start, with a starting salary of 34,550 SEK per month (from May 25, 2025). The appointment is for four years, extendable to five years with teaching duties. As an employee of Chalmers, you will receive full employee benefits, including access to Sweden’s generous parental leave, subsidized day care, free schools, and healthcare. Application: Applications must be submitted in English as PDF files via the official application portal. Required documents include a CV, personal letter, motivation, and transcripts. Incomplete applications and those sent by email will not be considered. The deadline for applications is April 12, 2026. For questions, contact Assistant Professor Johanna Xu at [email protected]. Chalmers University of Technology is committed to diversity, equality, and inclusion, and offers a dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg. Swedish language courses are available for non-native speakers. For more information about doctoral studies at Chalmers, visit the university website.

Chalmers University of Technology invites applications for a fully funded doctoral student position in Structural Battery Interphases. This research opportunity is based in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, within the division of Computational Mechanics and Materials Engineering, located in Gothenburg, Sweden. The division integrates computational mechanics and advanced materials technology, fostering a multidisciplinary environment to predict, understand, and elevate the performance of engineering materials and structures. The project aims to advance the understanding and modelling of interfaces in multifunctional composite structures that combine mechanical load-bearing capacity with energy storage. You will investigate how electrochemical processes, transport, and stress evolution interact at material interfaces, using multiphysics modelling and experimental approaches to predict performance and durability. The research is highly relevant to the development of structural batteries—innovative materials that store energy while carrying load, contributing to sustainable mobility and engineering solutions. As a doctoral student, you will pursue studies within the Graduate School of Solid and Structural Mechanics or Materials Science. Your tasks will include experimental characterisation of materials and interfaces, development of multiphysics models for coupled electro-chemo-mechanical processes in battery interfaces, implementation of models in finite element frameworks, and experimental validation. You will also have the opportunity to develop your own scientific ideas and communicate results through publications and presentations. Teaching or other departmental duties may comprise up to 20% of your working time, potentially extending the position to five years. The position is fully funded from the start, with a starting salary of 34,550 SEK per month (valid from May 25, 2025). As an employee at Chalmers, you will enjoy comprehensive benefits, including access to Sweden’s generous parental leave, subsidized day care, free schools, and healthcare. Chalmers is committed to gender balance, equality, and inclusion, and offers Swedish language courses for international students. Eligibility requirements include a Master’s degree (120 credits) in Applied Mechanics, Solid Mechanics, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry/Chemical Engineering, or a related field. Applicants must demonstrate a strong background in solid mechanics, lightweight structures, or composite materials, excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, and experience in finite element modelling (including programming). Ability to work independently, take initiative, and collaborate effectively in a research team is essential. Experience with experimental characterisation of materials, multiphysics modelling, and programming skills (e.g. Python, MATLAB) will strengthen your application. Physical presence throughout the study period is required, and a valid residence permit must be presented by the study start date. To apply, prepare your application in English and attach as PDF files (CV, personal letter, introduction, motivation, thesis, transcripts). Use the application form link provided. Incomplete or emailed applications will not be considered. References will be requested after the interview. The application deadline is May 15, 2026. For questions, contact Assistant Professor Johanna Xu at [email protected]. Chalmers University of Technology is a leading institution in technology and natural sciences, with a strong commitment to scientific excellence, sustainability, and innovation. The university fosters an inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg and collaborates closely with wider society to promote knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world.