Doctoral student in synthesis and processing of solid-state electrolyte for battery

Join our research team at the Division of Materials and Manufacture, Chalmers University of Technology, and contribute to the development of next-generation solid-state batteries. Through close collaboration with Fraunhofer (Germany), RISE (Sweden) and Swedish industrial partners, you will investigate polymer-based solid-state electrolyte synthesis, materials engineering, and advanced electrode processing, with a strong focus on scalable battery manufacturing.

About us

At the Department of Mechanical Engineering , we unite the power of technology, people, and society to drive the transition toward a sustainable future. Through research, education, and collaboration, we create solutions that connect materials to mobility, ideas to impact – shaping a resilient and sustainable world.

The Division of Materials and Manufacture conducts research across the full value chain, from materials design and processing to advanced manufacturing and characterisation, with a strong emphasis on metallic systems. We combine interdisciplinary expertise with close industry collaboration to develop sustainable materials and manufacturing technologies.

About the research project

Our research group at Chalmers focuses on advanced materials development, electrode processing and battery manufacturing, and is part of Sweden’s strong and growing battery research and innovation ecosystem. The project aims to advance the development and manufacturing of next-generation solid-state batteries through innovative electrolyte materials and electrode processing strategies.

The research will combine materials synthesis, polymer science and processing technologies to understand and improve the properties, interfaces and manufacturability of solid-state battery components. The Doctoral student will work in an interdisciplinary and collaborative environment, involving Chalmers, Fraunhofer, RISE and Swedish industrial partners, with a focus on bridging materials research and practical battery manufacturing.

The Doctoral student will undertake a research exchange at Fraunhofer for a minimum of six months, providing an opportunity to work in an international research environment and strengthen the collaboration.

Who we are looking for

The following requirements are mandatory

• To qualify as a Doctoral student, you must have a Master's degree ( masterexamen ) of 120 credits or a Master’s degree ( magisterexamen ) of 60 credits* in materials science, chemical engineering, materials mechanics, polymer chemistry, materials chemistry, physics, or production engineering

• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English

• Experience in lithium-ion batteries and/or solid-state electrolyte battery

• for students with an education earned outside of Sweden, a 4-year Bachelor’s degree is accepted.

The following experience will strengthen your application

• Experience in solid-state electrolytes, lithium-ion batteries, electrode processing, battery manufacturing, battery binder development.

What you will do

• Take courses at an advanced level within the Graduate school of Materials Science

• Work in the research project as described above

• Develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing

• The position generally also includes teaching on Chalmers' undergraduate level or performing other duties corresponding to 20 percent of working hours

Contract terms

• The Doctoral student positions are fully funded from start.

• The position is a fixed-term appointment of four years, with the possibility to teach up to 20%, which extends the position up to five years.

• A starting salary of 35,725 SEK per month (valid from May 1, 2026).

• Doctoral studies require physical presence throughout the entire study period. A valid residence permit must be presented by the study start date; otherwise the admission may be withdrawn.

What we offer

• As a Doctoral student at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

• A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg .

• Read more about Sweden’s generous parental leave, subsidized day care, free schools, healthcare etc at Move To Gothenburg.

Chalmers is dedicated to improving gender balance and actively works with equality projects, such as the GENIE Initiative for gender equality and excellence . We celebrate diversity and consider equality and inclusion as fundamental aspects of all our activities.

If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses to help you settle in.

Find more general information about doctoral studies at Chalmers here .

Application procedure

The application should be written in English and attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

CV

Personal letter

• A brief introduction about yourself.

• A brief motivation as to why you are interested in this position.

Bachelor’s and, if available, master’s thesis together with the transcripts.

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.

A background check may be conducted as part of the application process.

Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered. Contact details to references will be requested after the interview.

We welcome your application no later than  15th December, 2026.

For questions, please contact

Jinhua Sun,  Associate Professor,  jinhua@chalmers.se

We look forward to your application!

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position.  ***

Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture. With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society. Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez – forward.