PhD in Electrolyte Solvation and Interphase Engineering for Rechargeable Calcium Batteries

At AAU Energy, a position as PhD stipend is available within the general study program. The stipend is open for appointment from 1st of March 2027 or soon hereafter. The duration of the position is three years.

Your work tasks
You will develop and investigate non-aqueous liquid electrolytes for rechargeable calcium batteries, focusing on how Ca2+ solvation, ion pairing and interphase formation govern electrochemical reversibility. Your work will contribute to a complementary research programme on calcium-battery electrode materials and cell development at AAU Energy.

You will systematically vary salt chemistry, solvent composition and concentration within selected electrolyte families. Physicochemical measurements and spectroscopic analysis will be used to examine electrolyte coordination environments and ion association. These investigations will guide the selection of formulations for detailed electrochemical and interfacial studies.

A central part of the work will be the design and evaluation of calcium plating and stripping experiments, including measurements of coulombic efficiency, polarization and cycling stability under defined conditions. You will use appropriate controls and complementary analyses to verify metallic calcium deposition and distinguish it from electrolyte decomposition or other electrochemical reactions. You will investigate electrode interphase composition and evolution using XPS, supported by electron microscopy and, where appropriate, ToF-SIMS for morphology and species distribution. Raman spectroscopy, complemented by NMR where relevant, will probe electrolyte coordination and ion association. Targeted MD simulations may clarify Ca²⁺ solvation and ion pairing. Correlating these findings with electrochemical performance will establish mechanism-based guidelines for electrolyte formulation and selection.

Working closely with the PhD researcher developing cathode and calcium-alloying anode materials, you will assess selected electrode–electrolyte combinations and contribute to reproducible coin-cell evaluation. You will also contribute to scientific publications, conference presentations, teaching, supervision of student projects and departmental dissemination activities.

The position is offered in relation to the Batteries research group, and the PhD Student will be positioned to the section for “Power Electronics Systems Integration and Materials”.

Your competencies 
Applicants are expected to hold an M.Sc. degree in chemistry, materials science, physics, chemical engineering, or a closely related discipline. Candidates should have a solid scientific background and preferably hands-on experience in one or more of the following areas: electrochemistry, electrolyte formulation and preparation, battery testing and characterization, or the handling of air- and moisture-sensitive materials under controlled environments. A strong interest in electrochemical energy storage, interfacial chemistry, spectroscopic characterization techniques, and quantitative experimental data analysis is highly desirable.

Experience with advanced characterization techniques, particularly spectroscopy and surface analysis, will be considered an advantage. Familiarity with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations or other computational approaches for investigating electrolyte properties is beneficial but not essential, as the position is primarily focused on experimental research.

Excellent written and spoken English communication skills, together with the ability to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary and international research environment, are essential.

Qualification requirements
PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who hold a Master's degree. PhD stipends are normally for a period of 3 years. It is a prerequisite for allocation of the stipend that the candidate will be enrolled as a PhD student at the Doctoral School of Engineering and Science in accordance with the regulations of Ministerial Order No. 872 of 6 October 2026 on the PhD Programme at the Universities and Certain Higher Artistic Educational Institutions. According to the Ministerial Order, the progress of the PhD student shall be assessed at regular points in time. As part of the PhD study, you are among other things required to complete PhD courses corresponding to 30 ECTS, gain experience with teaching or other forms of knowledge dissemination and complete an external research stay outside of Aalborg University, preferably 3-6 months at a foreign research institution.

Who we are
AAU Energy is a research department at Aalborg University dedicated to the development of clean and sustainable energy systems. Our activities cover electrical, thermal and mechatronic energy technologies, and we work closely with industrial partners, utilities and other academic environments to address real world energy challenges.

Aalborg University has been ranked as the best university in Europe within energy research and is among the very best universities worldwide in this field. At AAU Energy you will be part of a top international environment where research, innovation and collaboration are used to develop solutions to global challenges such as the green transition and future energy systems.

The department is located in both Aalborg and Esbjerg, and this position is based at the Aalborg campus. AAU Energy employs around 250 staff members at different career stages and with diverse national and disciplinary backgrounds, which creates an international and interdisciplinary research environment with many opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing. English is widely used as working language in both research and teaching, which supports the integration of international colleagues.

We offer access to advanced laboratory and workshop facilities and an environment where you can develop your academic profile through research, teaching and collaboration with both Danish and international external partners. As a workplace we value a collegial and inclusive culture with room for professional discussion, initiative and mutual support in everyday work.

New colleagues, whether they come from elsewhere in Denmark or from abroad, can draw on the university’s support services related to relocation, housing and practical matters. Aalborg University offers general onboarding support to all new employees, as well as dedicated support for international staff through its International Staff Unit (ISU). You can read more about relocation support and services here: https://www.en.hr.aau.dk/relocation-support

Aalborg University also offers Danish language courses to support international employees in settling into both the workplace and Danish society. International employees typically can attend Danish language courses during their first years in Denmark (depending on individual eligibility and national schemes).

You can read more about AAU Energy at www.energy.aau.dk

How to apply
Your application must include the following:

- Application, stating reasons for applying and qualifications in relation to the position
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Diplomas (bachelor's and master's degree diploma, including grades) 
- Project description (2-5 pages), that describes the applicant’s initial thoughts and ideas related to the specific project applied for. This includes a brief state-of-the-art (including short list of references), a time schedule and how the applicant intends to shed light on the project objectives.
- Other relevant documents

The application must be submitted via Aalborg University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aalborg University's website.

Aalborg University wants to reflect the surrounding society and has diversity as a core value. Therefore, everyone, regardless of personal background and orientation, is encouraged to apply for the position.

Do you have any questions?     
If you have any questions about the position, you are more than welcome to contact us. You will find contact persons at the bottom of the jobpost.

Further information  
Read more about our recruitment process here.

The assessment of candidates for the position will be carried out by qualified experts.
Shortlisting will be applied. This means that after the application deadline, the head of the department, with the assistance of the hiring committee, will select the applicants to be assessed. All applicants will be informed whether they have been shortlisted for assessment or not.

The hiring process at Aalborg University may include a risk assessment as a tool to identify potential risks associated with new hires, ensuring the safety, compliance, and integrity of the workplace.

Read more about The Doctoral School of Engineering and Science

Salary and terms of employment
The employment is in accordance with the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities and the Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities. Furthermore, your terms of employment and salary are in accordance with the collective agreement between the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations and the state (AC collective agreement).

You can find information about the salary and salary structure for the position in the Salary Overview for Recruitment - Scientific positions (VIP). Please refer to the introductory section of the page and the section entitled “PhD Fellow”.

There is a mutual probationary period of 3 months for the position.