PhD Fellowship position in Desig of Solid Electrolytes for Li- and Na-ion Batteries using Deep Learning-based Models (DeepSolo)

Oslo Metropolitan University is Norway's third largest university with almost 22,000 students and over 2,500 employees. We have campuses in central Oslo and at Romerike. OsloMet educates students and conducts research that contributes to the sustainability of the Norwegian welfare state and the metropolitan region.

The Faculty of Technology, Art and Design (TKD) offers higher education and research and development (R&D) activities within technical subjects, arts and design. The Faculty has approximately 4.000 students and 400 staff members and is situated at Pilestredet Campus in downtown Oslo and at Kjeller Campus in Viken.

The Department of Mechanical, Electrical and Chemical Engineering (MEK) at the Faculty of Technology, Art and Design ( TKD ) has a vacant PhD Fellowship position in the field of Computational Material Modeling, related to the “Designing Solid Electrolytes for Li- and Na-ion Batteries using Deep Learning-based Models (DeepSolo)” project. The PhD candidate will be part of the Mechanical, Mechatronics and Materials Technology (M3T) research group and GreenMet – OsloMet Green Energy Laboratory.  

Currently, liquid electrolyte-based batteries are the most used batteries in portable devices and electric vehicles. However, the liquid electrolytes used in these batteries, which are based on organic solvents, pose a significant safety risk due to their potential for leakage and combustion. Solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) are safer alternatives to liquid electrolytes, as they offer improved electrochemical stability and are non-flammable. SSEs also allow for the use of Li and Na metals as the anode, thus increasing the energy density of Li- and Na-ion batteries. Furthermore, SSEs can be stacked in multiple layers to enhance energy density further, making them promising candidates for the next generation of electrolyte materials to replace liquid electrolytes.

Developing a single material that meets all the requirements for a suitable SSE is challenging. On the one hand, achieving a non-toxic and stable SSE with high ionic conductivity requires the use of ceramic-based conductors. On the other hand, a material with low charge transfer resistance at the solid electrode-electrolyte interface needs a soft material such as a polymer-based electrolyte. Combining hard and soft materials (e.g., polymers and ceramics) into a single polymer nanocomposite solid electrolyte (PNSEs) can be a promising approach to address this material paradox. PNSEs can enable achieving desirable properties, including high ionic conductivity, low interface resistance, enhanced mechanical properties, and superior electrochemical stability.

Concerning the small-scale effects on the material behavior of PNSEs, only molecular simulations can provide a systematic method to understand the relationship between the structure and function of the complex systems and accelerate the development of more high-performing PNSEs. The ultimate goal of the DeepSolo project is to develop, implement, and validate novel deep-learning models for molecular dynamics and coarse-grained simulations for the characterization, design, virtual testing, and optimization of PNSEs for Li and Na-ion batteries.

The position is for a period of three years. The goal must be to complete the PhD program/degree within the decided time frame.

• Master's degree within engineering, physics, or applied mathematics. The degree must contain 120 credits (ECTS).
• An academic profile that suits the research group's needs.
• Good communication skills in English, oral and written.

The following grade requirements are a condition for employment in the position:

• Minimum average grade B on subjects included in the master's degree.
• Minimum grade B on the master's thesis.
• Minimum average grade C on the subjects included in the bachelor's degree. If you have an integrated master's degree, the grades from the first three standard years of the degree will be assessed.

Admission to the doctoral program in Engineering Science at the Faculty of Technology, Art and Design within three months of employment is a prerequisite for the position. If you already have a doctorate in a related field, you will not qualify for the position.

In assessing the applicants, emphasis will be placed on the department's overall needs and the applicant's potential for research within the field.

General criteria for employment in academic positions are covered by the Regulations on employment conditions for positions such as postdoctoral fellow, scientific assistant and specialist candidate .

• Capacity for independent-planned, and goal-oriented work.
• Strong analytical skills and good abilities in problem-solving, understanding new theories, and reporting research in a structured way.
• One or more of the following:
  • Ability to develop and implement molecular dynamics, coarse-grained, and Monte Carlo simulation, and quantum simulation methods for modeling polymer nanocomposites.
  • Knowledge of developing machine learning models for material modeling.
  • Knowledge of programming languages, such as Python, MATLAB, Julia, and C++, and molecular dynamics programs, such as LAMMPS, to predict mechanical/electrical properties of materials.
  • Knowledge/experience in research for advanced batteries.

Personal suitability will be emphasised.

It is important to OsloMet to reflect the population of our region, and all qualified candidates are welcome to apply. We make active endeavours to further develop OsloMet as an inclusive workplace and to make adaptations to the workplace where required. You are also welcome to apply for a position with us if you have had periods where you have not been in employment, education or training.

• An exciting job opportunity at Norway’s third largest and most urban university
• Opportunities for professional development 
• Beneficial pension arrangements with the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund (spk.no/en/)
• Beneficial welfare schemes and a wide range of sports and cultural offers
• Free Norwegian language classes to employees and their partners/spouses
• Workplace in downtown Oslo with multiple cultural offers 

Practical information about relocation to Oslo and living in Norway (oslomet.no/en/work)

To be considered for the position, you must upload the following documents by the application deadline:

• Application letter describing your motivation and how your professional profile is relevant for this position.
• Copies of diplomas and transcripts for bachelor's and master's degrees (which list subjects and grades) and certificates. Please note that a description of the grading system at the university/country where you took your degree must be attached. This must be an official document with a stamp from your university. Foreign diplomas must be translated into English by the university that issued the diploma.
  • Your master's degree must be completed at the time of application. If you have not received a diploma before the application deadline, you must attach a preliminary transcript in English or a Scandinavian language from your university by the application deadline, in addition to an official confirmation from the educational institution that all examinations for the master's degree, including the master's thesis, have been completed. Official diploma and transcript must be forwarded by the joining date.
• Name and contact information of two references (name, relationship, e-mail and telephone number).
• Scientific work that you want to be assessed and Master thesis.
• Applicants from countries where English is not a first language must submit the result of an official language test. The following applicants are exempt from this language requirement:
  • Applicants from EU/EEA countries.
  • Applicants who have completed at least one year of study in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Great Britain or the United States.
  • Applicants who hold an “International Baccalaureate (IB)” diploma.

The following language tests are approved documentation: TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) or Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE). In these tests, you must have achieved at least the following scores:

• TOEFL: 600 (paper-based test), 92 (Internet-based test)
• IELTS: 6.5, where none of the sections should have a lower score than 5.5 (only the Academic IELTS test is accepted).

We only process applications sent via our electronic recruitment system and all documents must be uploaded for your application to be processed. The documents must be in English or a Scandinavian language. Translations must be authorized. You must present originals at any interview. OsloMet checks documents, so that you as a candidate will get a real evaluation and fair competition.  

The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants, and the acts relating to Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. A background check may be conducted to verify information in submitted CVs and available documents. Background checks are not conducted without the consent of the applicant and relevant applicants will receive further information about this.

If you would like more information about the position, feel free to contact:

• Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering, Behrouz Arash, [email protected] ,+47 672 36 011
• Head of research Tore Gimse, [email protected] , +47 67237281

The position is paid according to the pay scale for Norwegian state employees, position code 1017 PhD fellow, NOK 532 200 per year.

If you have documents that cannot be uploaded electronically, please contact [email protected]. 

If you would like to apply for the position, you must do so electronically through our recruitment system.

Deadline for applications: August 1st 2024

Ref.: 24/19736

OsloMet is a Charter & Code certified institution by the EU Commission holding the right to use the logo HR Excellence in Research (HRS4R). OsloMet is a member of the EURAXESS network supporting a positive work environment for researchers in motion.

OsloMet has signed The Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA) . DORA recognizes the need to improve the ways in which the outputs of scholarly research are evaluated.

The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants, and the acts relating to Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Candidates who are seen to be in conflict with the criteria in the latter law will not be considered for the position.

Visit OsloMet at LinkedIn , Facebook , Instagram

Type of employment:

Fixed-term post

Contract type:

Full time

First day of employment:

Etter avtale

Salary:

Stillingen lønnes i henhold til Statens lønnsregulativ

Number of positions:

1

Working hours:

100%

City:

Oslo

County:

Oslo

Country:

Norway

Reference number:

24/19735

Contact:

Tore Gimse, 67237281

Published:

20/06/2024

Last application date:

01/08/2024, 23:59