Doctoral (Phd) position in Applied Mechanics in Multiphysics Modeling of Dendrite Growth in Metal-Based Batteries Full-time

Doctoral (Phd) Position in Applied Mechanics

Doctoral (Phd) position in Multiphysics Modeling of Dendrite Growth in Metal-Based Batteries

Admission to Doctoral (PhD) Studies in the subject Engineering Sciences with specialization in Applied Mechanics at the Division of Applied Mechanics, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Uppsala University

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About the Department

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering aims to be an environment for successful and valuable research and education with a focus on materials science solutions for important societal challenges. Our department is an exciting workplace with research in a broad technology-related area, from basic research to large-scale applied research, and close contacts with students through the department's involvement in engineering and master's programs. Our research and teaching are conducted within seven divisions with different research focuses, as well as a division that provides support and service. The department is an international place to work, and has around 230 active co-workers.

About the division

The Division of Applied Mechanics is part of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the Ångström Laboratory. We conduct research in experimental and computational mechanics with application areas primarily within the life sciences, materials and structural development, and energy-related fields. The research carried out is multidisciplinary and ranges from applied projects in close collaboration with industry to academic fundamental research. A doctoral degree in the field provides many exciting future opportunities both in academia and in industry, nationally as well as internationally.

Project description

The project concerns theoretical method development for multiphysics modeling of battery materials. Metal battery electrodes offer exceptional advantages in terms of energy density, cost-efficiency, and sustainability, and they also enable the exploration of novel, environmentally friendly batteries. Despite recent advances, the fundamental complexity of metal electrode behavior continues to hinder progress. A major issue is the formation of dendrites, i.e., needle-like metal nanostructures that emerge during metal plating. These structures pose a safety risk by potentially piercing the separator between the anode and cathode, causing internal short circuits or even thermal runaway. Understanding and controlling dendrite growth is therefore essential, yet the process is inherently complex and dynamic, governed by a multitude of physicochemical and mechanical parameters.

Specifically, high-fidelity numerical algorithms based on phase-field multiphysics theories will be developed and implemented on computer clusters to simulate dendrite formation. Phase-field models are beneficial owing to their flexibility in capturing coupled physical phenomena across multiple length and time scales. The project focuses on the development and refinement of the physical models used in numerical simulation of electroplating of metals by addressing the charge transfer kinetics and the contribution of mechanical deformation, i.e., mechanical stress effects induced by material phase changes/swelling during dendrite growth. The derived numerical models have the potential to create a digital twin of the electrochemical cell that enables materials innovation for next-generation battery technologies.

The project is a collaborative effort between researchers in computational mechanics and solid-state chemistry and is part of COMPEL (Competence and excellence for the electrification of the transport system), a strategic initiative from the Swedish government to ensure Sweden's long-term competitiveness in battery development and electrification of the transport sector.

Duties

The main duty for a doctoral student is to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and PhD courses. The work duties can also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

Being a PhD student means independently running projects within a specific subject. You collaborate on an ongoing basis with other doctoral students and researchers to create results within various projects and have one or more supervisors for support during your doctoral studies. However, you work independently to a great amount, e.g. by working in a laboratory environment and writing articles for journals and for results for your doctoral thesis. Usually some form of half-time seminar is included after about half of the doctoral studies.

When you are admitted to doctoral studies, you are offered employment as a doctoral student. A position as a doctoral student at Uppsala University corresponds to full-time PhD education for four years.

Your tasks involve activities from theoretical development in material modeling, to programming in-house developed codes, as well as conducting experiments locally and nationally (in larger facilities such as synchrotrons).

Requirements

• Master's degree in Engineering Physics, Mechanics, Computational Science or related fields, or other equivalent education
• Documented experience and knowledge in mechanics
• Good oral and written skills in English.

Additional qualifications

• Documented experience and knowledge in physics, and scientific programming
• Proficiency in mathematical modeling/analysis
• One or more of the following subjects: continuum mechanics, computational mechanics, numerical analysis for differential equations, numerical linear algebra, thermodynamics, and programming languages such as Python, C/C++, Fortran or Matlab.

Great emphasis is put on personal qualities such as the ability to independently plan and carry out work. You have a good ability to work towards set goals and you work focused to achieve them. In this, you have an ability to focus, even during periods of high workload. You have good communication skills, where through this quality you cooperate well with others. You also have a good ability to write academic text.

Your application must include

• A short cover letter in which you describe yourself, why you want to do a PhD and why you are suitable for this position.
• CV (max 2 pages)
• A certified copy of your master's degree and your course grades.
• Copies (or drafts) of your master's thesis and other documents, such as publications, that you wish to refer to.
• Names and contact details of at least two contact persons who have agreed to be references for you, with any additional letters of recommendation. It must also be stated what relationship you have had with the respective referent.

The application should be written in English. We will continuously read applications and call for interviews.

About the employment

The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Scope of employment 100%. Starting date 2026-09-01 or as agreed upon. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact:

Professor Per Isaksson, per.isaksson@angstrom.uu.se

Please submit your application by April 16, 2026, UFV-PA 2026/566