Researcher for continuum modelling and simulation of lithium-ion batteries

About the position

A full-time position is available at the University of Agder, Faculty of Engineering and Sciences as a researcher for continuum modelling and simulation of lithium-ion batteries, affiliated to the Department of Engineering Science. The position is located, at the present, at the Battery Research Center (BRC) at Campus Grimstad. The starting date is negotiable with the Faculty.

The position is connected to the subject area of UiAs battery initiative which co-creates a competence hub for lithium-ion battery research and development in close exchange and collaboration with local industry partners in the south of Norway.

The position is partially funded by external funds from local industry partners, Competence Fund for Southern Norway and Aust-Agder Development and Competence. The project started in January 2022 and has a temporary financing for five (5) years. The researcher is expected to actively contribute to attract external funding to the research project, both for her/his own position and other positions from the Research Council of Norway, EU and other Sources. Without further external funding beyond the original project scope (December 2026) the basis for the position ceases. The law on Government employees etc. regarding termination of employment and preferential rights will be applied.

Responsibilities

Lithium-ion batteries represent the leading technology for electric vehicle applications and various electronic devices. However, issues like lithium plating, particle cracking, and solvent depletion contribute to battery lifespan limitations. These challenges are accelerated at both low (artic conditions) and high temperatures particularly in large format cells where uneven lithium storage and thermal gradients are prevalent, leading to complex feedback mechanisms. At the battery coast, one of our primary objectives is to develop models elucidating these phenomena and to employ reverse engineering strategies at the electrode level to optimize battery performance at the cell level.

The successful candidate will develop a comprehensive dynamic model for batteries with different compositions. This entails adapting and refining existing electrochemical models like the P2D Newman model to incorporate pertinent degradation mechanisms and thermal influences. Through detail modeling, the candidate will investigate the dynamic operation of these batteries ensuring optimal performance at different operating conditions. The successful candidate will analyze the performance of the cells during fast charging and long-term cycling to identify critical model parameters affecting the dynamic operation of the cells. Additionally, the successful candidate will conduct parametric and sensitivity analysis at multiple levels including electrode and cell levels to determine the necessary protocols to achieve predefined targets. During this process, the successful candidate will consider all relevant aspects related to battery dynamic behavior and optimization, encompassing emerging cell degradation phenomena such as electrolyte depletion, thermal runaway, and active material dissolution, within the model. The candidate will contribute to the development of the growing research activity in battery simulation and lithium-ion batteries. The candidate should be self-motivated and enthusiastic as well as contributing to the future research directions of the battery activities.

The researcher has no teaching duties, but supervision of bachelor, master students and PhD candidates could be assigned when this is a natural part of the research activity of the research group.

The researcher may participate in committee work and other administrative tasks within the University of Agder.

Required qualifications

• PhD or master’s degree in Electrochemistry, Sustainable Energy Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or in a field that is closely related to this position. This year’s candidates/candidates who will finish their master’s degree in the summer can also apply. 
• Previous experience in modelling and simulation of batteries including capacity fade and thermal modelling.
• Experience in working with simulation software packages and relevant application toolbox, preferably in COMSOL, MATLAB/SIMULINK for the simulation of lithium-ion batteries.
• Fluent in English, both spoken and written.

Desired qualifications

• Experience in the modelling and simulation of lithium-ion batteries.
• (Co-)Authorship of scientific publications / scientific presentations in the field of modelling and simulation of lithium-ion batteries.
• Willing to be involved in educational tasks.
• A high degree of responsibility and independence, while collaborating with close colleagues, researchers and other university staff is strongly encouraged.

Personal qualities

• Scientific curiosity for elucidating the bottlenecks of state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery materials and designs.
• Ability for scientifically rigorous, target-oriented, organized, and independent work.
• Good communication and teamwork skills, inventiveness and a proactive hands-on approach are essential qualifications.
• Applicants are expected to contribute to a safe and inclusive working environment.

We offer

• professional development in a large, exciting and socially influential organisation
• a positive, inclusive and diverse working environment
• modern facilities and a comprehensive set of welfare offers 
• membership of the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund

More about working at UiA.

The position is remunerated according to the State Salary Scale, salary plan 90.400, code 1108 Researcher, NOK 550 000 – 625 000, or code 1109 Researcher, NOK 616 000 – 700 000 gross salary per year. A compulsory pension contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund is deducted from the pay according to current statutory provisions.

General information

UiA is an open and inclusive university. We believe that diversity enriches the workplace and makes us better. We, therefore, encourage qualified candidates to apply for the position independent of gender, age, cultural background, disability or an incomplete CV.

The successful applicant will have rights and obligations in accordance with the current regulations for the position, and organisational changes and changes in the duties and responsibilities of the position must be expected. The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning the acts relating to Control of Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Appointment is made by the University of Agder’s Appointments Committee for Teaching and Research Positions.

Short-listed applicants will be invited for interview. With the applicant’s permission, UiA will also conduct a reference check before appointment. Read more about the employment process.

In accordance with the Freedom of Information Act § 25 (2), applicants may request that they are not identified in the open list of applicants. The University, however, reserves the right to publish the names of applicants. Applicants will be advised of the University’s intention to exercise this right. 

Application

The application and any necessary information about education and experience (including diplomas and certificates) are to be sent electronically. Use the link «Apply for this job«.

The following documentation must be uploaded electronically:

• Certificates with grades
• PhD or Master’s thesis
• References
• Academic work and R&D projects, as well as a list of these
• Project description with a maximum scope of x pages, including reference list. The outline should present and discuss possible research questions, theory perspectives, material, a progress plan, and methods within the given framework
• Any other relevant documentation

The applicant is fully responsible for submitting complete digital documentation before the closing date. All documentation must be available in a Scandinavian language or English.

Application deadline: 10.05.24

Contact

For questions about the position:  

• Associate Professor Williams Agyei Appiah, tel. +47 37 23 33 11, e-mail williams.a.appiah@uia.no

For questions about the application process:

• HR Advisor, Linda Heskestad Kristiansen, tel. +47 38 14 11 88, e-mail: linda.h.kristiansen@uia.no

Creating knowledge together

When people who are committed come together to further knowledge, anything is possible.

The University of Agder combines the unique warmth and charm of Southern Norway with first-class scientific, technological and artistic expertise.

Would you like to work with us to create better solutions to our shared challenges?

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