Integrated PhD Stipend in Battery Materials

At Aalborg University (AAU), Faculty of Engineering and Science, Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, an Integrated PhD stipend is available within the PhD study program of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Environmental Engineering. The stipend is open for appointment from 1 September 2026. The stipend is available for 4 years for applicants who have finished 4 years of full-time studies but do not hold a Master’s degree.

Do you want to be a part of an international team working on material solutions for the green transition? And do you see yourself as a team player who is strong in collaboration? If yes, we look forward to reading your application to our Integrated PhD Stipend.

Your work tasks
An Integrated PhD stipend is available in the area of battery materials, specifically sustainable sodium based glass‑ceramic electrolytes for solid‑state batteries. The project aims to deliver safer, more affordable batteries by focusing on sodium oxide materials that are chemically robust and easier to handle than many current alternatives. A key goal is to overcome today’s limitations in ion transport (ionic conductivity), enabling practical battery use.

Working at the intersection of computational design and laboratory experimentation, you will first explore a broad range of sodium‑oxide glass compositions using advanced computer models to predict how well ions can move through them. Based on these predictions, you will help create glass‑ceramic materials with carefully controlled crystalline regions and well‑designed glass/crystal interfaces that promote fast-ion pathways. The most promising material candidates will then be made and tested in the laboratory.

The prospective PhD student should have an interest in working in a multidisciplinary team and perform both computational and experimental materials science, with a focus on the former. The Ph.D. project is part of the Novo Nordisk Foundation project “Sustainable Glass-Ceramic Electrolytes for Solid-State Batteries”, which is headed by Professor Morten M. Smedskjær. The prospective Ph.D. student will be co-supervised by Tenure Track Assistant Professor Søren S. Sørensen and collaborate with other Ph.D. students and Postdocs in the research group, who are working on related projects.

Your competencies 
A relevant educational background within Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Condensed Matter Physics, Materials Science or similar is necessary. Excellent oral and written English language skills are a requirement. We seek a candidate with strong competences in materials science/chemistry, excellent analytical skills, and ideally some proficiency in Python (or equivalent). Experience with glass science, battery materials and/or atomistic simulations is highly advantageous.

All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background. We value diversity and see it as a strength. 

Qualification requirements
Integrated PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who has not yet completed a Master’s degree and who wish to begin the PhD study in connection with the Master study. Thus a prerequisite for acceptance is that the candidate is enrolled in a relevant Master’s programme. The stipend consists of two parts, A and B. During part A you are enrolled simultaneous in the Master’s programme and in the PhD programme. The stipend consists of two SU-PhD Grants per month (SU=The Danish students’ Grants and Loans Scheme). One SU-PhD grant equals DKK 7.086 kr. (2025 level). SU-PhD Grants are paid for a maximum of two years. When the Master’s degree has been obtained, you will be employed for two years as a PhD fellow according to the present collective agreement. Part B has a maximum duration of two 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. 1039 of August 27, 2013 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.

Who we are    
At the Department of Chemistry and Bioscience (BIO), our high-level research spans from basic to applied within both natural sciences and engineering. With approx. 150 employees, 75 PhD students, and 775 bachelor and master’s students at our campuses in Aalborg (main campus) and Esbjerg, we are a vital research and educational institution when it comes to creating new basic knowledge as well as contributing to solving the world’s challenges within biology, chemistry, biotechnology, bioengineering, environmental science, and chemical engineering.

We continuously improve our department as an attractive place of work and study. We offer flexible hours, social activities throughout the year both at the department level and in each Section. We are inclusive and have respect for individuals, communities, and cultures. Our work culture is founded on openness, curiosity, transparency, and involvement. Come join us! 

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 degree diploma)
• Academic transcript
• Project description (Applicants WHO are planning to complete a doctoral thesis in English and who do not have English as a first language or WHO have not completed an English language-based Master's programme (or an equivalent educational achievement in English) shall provide documentation that they have passed one of the following official tests with the respective minimum score: IELTS (band score): 7, TOEFL (paper-based): 600, TOEFL (internet-based): 100. The language test must be no more than five years old at the time of the application.) 
• 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 (the Appointment Order) and the Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities (in Danish).

Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with the collective agreement between the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations and the state (AC collective agreement) (in Danish)