PhD positions in testing and modelling of lithium-ion batteries in operational and abuse scenarios

PhD positions in testing and modelling of lithium-ion batteries in operational and abuse scenarios

The Department of Structural Engineering has a two vacancies for

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About the position

The Department of Structural Engineering has two vacancies for PhD candidates within testing and modelling of lithium-ion batteries for mechanical abuse and sensor-informed lifetime estimation and state of safety analysis funded in part by the Department of Structural Engineering (KT) and the Department of Energy and Process Technology (EPT) at NTNU via the joint project BATT-MECH. The positions are linked to both the research group SIMLab (Structural Impact Laboratory) at KT and the Battery Mechanics and Sensing Lab at EPT.

For a position as a PhD candidate, the goal is a doctoral education leading to a doctoral degree

About BATT-MECH

BATT-MECH is a research project funded by NTNU through the Department of Structural Engineering and the Department of Energy and Process Engineering. The project is carried out in close collaboration with Audi AG, a major European automotive manufacturer, ensuring that the research addresses challenges that are directly relevant to the development of next-generation battery systems.

Lithium-ion batteries play an ever increasingly important role in electric vehicles, energy storage systems, and many other essential technologies. As their use continues to grow, improving their safety, reliability, and lifetime is becoming increasingly important. Batt-Mech brings together researchers from SIMLab and EPT to improve our understanding of how batteries behave during normal operation and under mechanical abuse. The project combines laboratory experiments, advanced measurement methods, and numerical modelling to study coupled mechanical-electrochemical behaviour of lithium-ion batteries. The research covers three main topics with known interlinks: swelling and ageing during normal operation, internal short circuits caused by impact or crushing, and the modelling of thermal runaway. The knowledge gained will be used to develop predictive simulation tools that support the design of safer battery cells, modules, and battery packs for the automotive industry and beyond.

Two PhD positions are available within the project. One focuses on swelling, ageing, and safety of prismatic and cylindrical battery cells through experiments and modelling, while the other investigates internal short circuits during mechanical abuse using crash testing protocols and finite element simulations.

PhD Position 1: Testing and modelling of lithium-ion batteries under abuse scenarios

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join a project focused on understanding how internal short circuits develop in lithium-ion battery cells during mechanical abuse. The work will investigate how impact and crushing loads initiate internal failure mechanisms, combining advanced experimental testing with high-fidelity numerical modelling.

As a PhD candidate, you will:

• Perform mechanical abuse experiments on lithium-ion battery cells using NTNU’s dedicated battery testing facilities.
• Characterize internal failure mechanisms using advanced measurement and imaging techniques.
• Develop and validate finite element models to predict internal short circuits under crash-relevant loading conditions.
• Combine experimental observations and numerical simulations to improve the prediction of battery safety in automotive applications.

This project offers the opportunity to work closely with researchers in experimental and computational mechanics, while collaborating with a major European automotive manufacturer on challenges of direct industrial relevance.

Your immediate leader is David Morin at the Department of Structural Engineering at NTNU.

Proposed starting date: February 1, 2027.

PhD Position 2: Efficient diagnostic approaches to identify electrolyte salt inhomogeneities in lithium-ion batteries and adequate assessment of its effects

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join a project focused on understanding how diagnostic approaches such as fiber optic battery sensing can be used to identify and assess electrolyte motion induced salt inhomogeneity (EMSI) in lithium-ion battery cells. The work will employ novel sensing strategies bridging electrochemical and mechanical evolutions investigate how EMSI can be identified and possibly mitigated, changing the cell’s degradation prospects. Extension of these results into the dimensions of state of health and state of safety will be valorized in accordance with expertise and partner priorities.

As a PhD candidate, you will:

• Cycle instrumented lithium-ion batteries using NTNU’s dedicated battery testing facilities.
• Characterize EMSI degradation phenomena using combined mechanical and electrochemical analysis.
• Develop protocols and routines suitable for the rapid and efficient assessment of cells experiencing EMSI.
• Combine experimental observations and theoretical frameworks to improve the prediction of battery reliability and safety in automotive applications.

This project offers the opportunity to work closely with researchers in experimental mechanics and electrochemical energy storage, while collaborating with a major European automotive manufacturer on challenges of direct industrial relevance.

Your immediate leader is Steven Boles at the Department of Energy and Process Engineering at NTNU

Proposed starting date: February 1, 2027.

Duties of the position

• Complete the doctoral education until obtaining a doctorate
• Conduct and publish high-level research in peer-reviewed journals and at international conferences.
• Participate and contribute to activities in the BATT-MECH project
• Disseminate relevant parts of the research to a wider audience.

Be prepared for changes to your work duties after employment.

Required selection criteria

For PhD position 1:

• You must have a professionally relevant background in solid mechanics, structural engineering, mechanical engineering or similar fields.

For PhD position 2:

• You must have an academically relevant background, preferably with previous research work pertaining to electrochemical energy storage devices. Candidates with excellent knowledge and preparation in nanotechnology, electronic engineering, or solid state physics are also encouraged to apply..
• Documented dissemination of research work (thesis or peer-review publication) pertaining to EMSI phenomena in lithium-ion batteries as lead or co-author
• Experience with programming using Python and Fortran
• Experience with conducting experimental work and data analysis pertaining to electrochemical energy storage devices

For both PhD positions:

• Your education must correspond to a five-year Norwegian degree program, where 120 credits are obtained at master's level.
• You must have a strong academic background from your previous studies and an average grade from the master's degree program, or equivalent education, which is equal to B or better compared with NTNU's grading scale. If you do not have letter grades from previous studies, you must have an equally good academic basis. If you have a weaker grade background, you may be assessed if you can document that you are particularly suitable for a PhD education.
• You must meet the requirements for admission to the doctoral program from the Faculty of Engineering
• You must be fluent in spoken and written English.

PLEASE NOTE: For detailed information about what the application must contain, see paragraph “About the application”. The appointment is to be made in accordance with NTNUs guidelines for recruitment positions and Regulations for the degrees philosophiae doctor (ph.d.) and philosophiae doctor (ph.d.) in artistic development work at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) for general criteria for the position.

The appointment is to be made in accordance with NTNUs guidelines for recruitment positions for general criteria for the position.

Preferred selection criteria

For PhD position 1:

Preferred selection criteria

• Knowledge of plasticity theory.
• Knowledge of constitutive modelling of materials.
• Knowledge of non-linear finite element methods.
• Knowledge of Lithium-ion batteries
• Experience using non-linear finite element software, e.g., LSDYNA.
• Experience with programming using Python and Fortran.
• Experience with conducting experimental work and data analysis.

For PhD position 2:

Preferred selection criteria

• Industrial experience with electrochemical energy storage devices
• Experience with real-time sensing of electrochemical energy storage devices
• Experience with precision mechanical measurements using optical or photonic methods
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a competitive academic environment

Personal characteristics

To complete a doctoral degree (PhD), it is important that you are:

• Highly motivated.
• Able to work independently.
• Curious and enthusiastic.
• Strong ability to systematically carry out goal-oriented work.
• Enjoy and contribute to interdisciplinary research.
• Keen interest in learning and working in teams.
• Good skills to deliver oral and written presentation of research results.
• Strong interest in combining theory and practice through experimental and numerical research.
• Emphasis will be placed on personal qualities.

Emphasis will be placed on personal qualities.

We offer

• Exciting and stimulating tasks in a strong international academic environment
• A collaborative project between academia and industry
• An open and inclusive work environment with dedicated colleagues
• Excellent research infrastructure for experiments and modelling
• Mentor programme as a new employee at NTNU
• Favorable terms as a member of the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund (SPK)
• Salary and conditions according to NTNU’s PhD regulations

As a PhD Candidate at NTNU, you will have access to employee benefits.

Diversity

Diversity is a strength, and at NTNU we aim to be an employer that reflects the diversity in society and that makes use of the potential of the population's collective skills. Our vision is Knowledge for a better world and our values ​​are creative, critical, constructive and respectful. We believe that an organization that is equal, diverse and gender-balanced is essential for us to achieve our goals.

We strive to attract employees with different skills, life experiences and perspectives to contribute to even better problem solving of our societal mission in research and education.

If you think this position is relevant and interesting, we encourage you to apply, regardless of gender, functional ability and cultural background, or whether you have been out of work for a period of time.

At NTNU we want to increase the proportion of women in scientific positions. We have a number of measures to promote equality.

Salary and conditions

In the position of PhD Candidate, code 1017, your gross salary will normally be NOK 580 000,-per annum depending on qualifications and seniority. A 2% statutory contribution to the State Pension Fund is deducted from the salary.

The employment period is 3 years.

For employment as a PhD Candidate, it is a prerequisite that you gain admission to the PhD programme in Engineering within three months of your employment contract start date, and that you participate in an organized doctoral programme through out the period of employment.

As an employee at NTNU, it is important that you keep yourself up to date with academic and organizational changes and adapt to them.

For the necessary professional and social interaction, it is a prerequisite that you are physically present and available to the institution on a daily basis.

The appointment is carried out in accordance with the principles of the State Employees Act, and Export control (legislation that regulates the export of knowledge, technology and services). Candidates who, after assessment of the application and attachments, are considered to bein conflict with the criteria in the latter act, will not be able to be employed.

About the application

The attachments (including a description of your scientific work) must accompany the application as these documents form the basis of the application assessment. The documents must be in Norwegian/a Scandinavian language or English.

Please note: the application will only be assessed on the basis of the information we have received by the application deadline. Therefore, make sure that your application clearly shows how your skills and experience meet the criteria described above. The application and all attachments must be sent electronically via Jobbnorge.no. If you are invited to an interview, you must bring certified copies of certificates and diplomas upon request.

The application must include:(decide on what must be included - remove what does not fit):

• Transcripts and diplomas for Bachelor's and Master's degrees
• CV and certificates
• Short letter of motivation (400 words/1 page)
• Possibly publications etc. other relevant research work
• Names and contact information of three relevant referees

If all, or parts, of your education has been taken abroad, we also ask you to attach documentation of the scope and quality of your entire education, both Bachelor's and Master's education, in addition to other higher education. If your institution uses “diploma supplement” (normal for most European institutions), you must attach this. A description of the documentation required can also be found here. If you already have a statement from Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills (HK-dir), please attach this as well.

Joint work will be considered. If it is difficult to identify your contribution to joint work, you must attach a brief description of your participation.

When assessing the best qualified, we emphasize necessary qualifications such as education, experience and personal suitability. Motivation for the position, ambitions, and potential for research will also count when assessing the candidates.

NTNU recognizes a wide range of academic contributions and has committed itself to The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment and CoARA (responsible assessment of research and recognition of a greater breadth of academic contributions in accordance with NTNU's social mission).

General information

A public list of applicants with name, age, job title and municipality of residence is prepared after the application deadline. If you wish to be exempt from entry on the public applicant list, this must be justified. Assessment will be made in accordance with current legislation. You will be notified if the exemption is not granted.

If you think this position looks interesting and in line with your qualifications, you are welcome to apply.

If you have any questions about the position, please contact either Associate Professor David Didier Morin, telephone +4773591300, email: david.morin@ntnu.no , Associate Professor Miguel Costas, telephone +4773594518, email: miguel.costas@ntnu.no or Professor Steven T. Boles, telephone +4773559832, email: steven.boles@ntnu.no

If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact HR Consultant June Hovde, e-mail: june.b.hovde@ntnu.no.

Application deadline: 23.11.2026

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