PhD Research Fellow in automated battery discharging and characterisation
Deadline: 31.01.2023
University of Agder
The University of Agder has more than 1500 employees and almost 14 000 students. This makes us one of the largest workplaces in Southern Norway. Our staff research, teach and disseminate knowledge from a variety of academic fields. Co-creation of knowledge is our common vision. We offer a broad range of study programmes in many fields. We are situated at two modern campuses in Kristiansand and Grimstad respectively.
We are an open and inclusive university marked by a culture of cooperation. The aim of the university is to further develop education and research at a high international level.
About the position
A fixed-term 100% position is available at the University of Agder, Faculty of Engineering and Sciences as a PhD Research Fellow in Mechatronics, affiliated to the Department of Engineering Sciences, for a period of three years. The position is located at Campus Grimstad. The starting date is negotiable with the Faculty. The candidate will be associated to the ongoing HORIZON EUROPE research project RHINOCEROS (Batteries reuse and direct production of high performances cathodic and anodic materials and other raw materials from batteries recycling using low cost and environmentally friendly technologies). RHINOCEROS will demonstrate a smart sorting and dismantling robotic system at TRL 6, enabling the automation of a battery repurposing production line. When direct repurposing and reuse of batteries is not possible, RHINOCEROS will investigate several ground-breaking circular recycling routes aiming at the recovery of all the materials present in LIBs (e.g., metals, graphite, fluorinated compounds, electrolytes, polymers, and active materials).
Responsibilities
Lead experiments for fast characterisation, testing, and controlled discharging of spent Lithium-Ion batteries. Study and test physical properties of batteries for fast estimation of battery states and pre-selection for further treatment. Develop industrial-scale automation sequences for characterisation and discharging of end-of-life electric vehicle batteries. Collaborate and expand network with industrial partners.
Required qualifications
Master’s degree in Mechatronics, Robotics, Renewable Energies, or a relevant subject area. This year’s candidates/candidates who are in the closing stages of their master’s degree can also apply.
Knowledge in:
Robotics – Robot Operating System (ROS)
Modelling of Lithium-ion batteries
Machine learning – supervised and unsupervised learning, reinforcement learning
Written and spoken English proficiency. International candidates that are not exempt from the English language requirements pursuant to the guidelines of the Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education (NOKUT) must document this through one of the following tests with the stated results or better:
TOEFL - Test of English as a Foreign Language with a minimum score of 600 for the Paper based Test (PBT), or 92 for the Internet-based Test (iBT)
IELTS - International English Language Testing System, with the result of 6.5
Emphasis will be placed upon the project description and the relevance it has with regard to the subject in question and the research environment at the Faculty.
Personal qualities
Ability to work independently
Close working relationships with both the industrial and academic partners
Analytical skills
Good written and verbal communication skills in an academic setting.
Personal qualities and suitability for the position will be emphasised.
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
The position is remunerated according to the State Salary Scale, salary plan 17.515, code 1017 PhD Research Fellow, NOK 501 200 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.
Women are strongly encouraged to apply for the position.
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 the 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
Master’s thesis
References
Academic work and R&D projects, as well as a list of these
Research proposal for automated non-destructive characterisation (several methods can be proposed) and controlled discharging of spent Lithium-Ion batteries from electric vehicles (max. 2 pages) including reference list. The outline should present and discuss possible research questions, theory perspectives, material, and a progress plan.
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: 31.01.2023
Contact
For questions about the position:
Associate Professor Martin Choux, tel. +47 37 23 34 45, mobile +47 941 54 804, e-mail martin.choux@uia.no
Researcher Bernhard Fäßler, tel. +47 37 23 34 90, mobile +47 411 00 618, e-mail bernhard.faessler@uia.no
Head of Department Paul Svennevig, tel. +47 37 23 32 54, mobile +47 916 21 235, e-mail paul.r.svennevig@uia.no
