The PhD position will part of the BatteryNL Dutch battery consortium project focusing on electrolyte-electrode interfaces in solid-state batteries. In this project 17 PhD's and 5 PD's at five Dutch universities are collaborating on investigating interface processes with a range of techniques (diffraction, imaging and spectroscopy) to obtain better understanding, and on the development of improved inter phases with various deposition methods. This specific position is located at the Storage of Electrochemical Energy group at the Reactor Institute Delft of the Delft University of Technology

The PhD will work on computational modeling of solid-state electrolytes and electrode materials for solid-state batteries, facing the challenge of modeling interfaces to unravel the underlying fundamental mechanisms. The candidate will utilize density functional theory (DFT), ab-initio and classical molecular dynamics, and phase-field modeling techniques to understand the physical and electrochemical properties of materials and battery systems. The PhD will build strong multi scale modeling skills using commercial DFT packages (VASP, CASTEP) to model in the nanoscale and the open-software multi phase porous electrode theory (MPET) python code modeling full battery systems in the mesoscale. The group has extensive experience with these techniques, providing ample opportunity for the applicant to build expertise efficiently. The PhD will collaborate with other modeling experts globally and will have the opportunity to co-develop phase-field models. The candidate will also communicate his/her modeling results with experimentalists within the BatteryNL battery consortium,, having the opportunity to critically verify predictions, explain the observed behaviors, and provide guidelines and optimization routes.

We are looking for a highly motivated student and enthusiastic researcher with an affinity for computational physics and chemistry. A background in the techniques mentioned above is not necessary but valued. Python coding skills are valuable and basic knowledge of machine learning is an asset. It is crucial that the candidate enjoys collaboration within a team of researches and has good written and spoken communication in English.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Fixed-term contract: 4 jaar.

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2443 per month in the first year to € 3122 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context. At TU Delft we embrace diversity and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

Challenge. Change. Impact! 

Faculty Applied Sciences

With more than 1,000 employees, including 135 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,400 passionate students, the Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem. Focusing on key enabling technologies, such as quantum- and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology and materials for energy storage and conversion, our faculty aims to provide solutions to important problems of the 21st century. To that end, we train students in broad Bachelor's and specialist Master's programmes with a strong research component. Our scientists conduct ground-breaking fundamental and applied research in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Engineering Physics. We are also training the next generation of high school teachers and science communicators.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Applied Sciences.