PhD Position – Physics-Based Battery Modelling, Parameterisation and Validation
At the Institute of Energy Technologies – Fundamentals of Electrochemistry (IET-1), we conduct research on highly topical issues relating to the energy transition and structural change. For example, we are working on the battery of the future and researching novel battery concepts. Another exciting project we are working on is how to turn the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO₂) from a climate killer into a raw material of the future. The aim of our research and development work is to develop cost-effective batteries, fuel cells and electrolysers with improved energy and power density, longer service life and maximum safety! Hydrogen production based on renewable energy sources using high- and low-temperature electrolysis is becoming increasingly important for us. Find out more about our mission and forward-looking projects.
Your Job
You will develop, parameterise and validate physics-based battery models, initially focusing on test cells investigated under controlled laboratory conditions. Your work will combine different types of experimental data to establish reliable methods for identifying physically meaningful model parameters and assessing model accuracy under dynamic operating conditions. In a later stage, the developed approaches will also be evaluated using available operating data from electric vehicles.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Further developing physics-based electrochemical battery models for dynamic charging and discharging applications, including impedance-capable and multi-particle model structures
- Developing systematic parameterisation methods by combining time-domain measurements with frequency-domain data from electrochemical impedance spectroscopy
- Performing laboratory battery measurements using battery test equipment, including assembling and connecting test cells using the required laboratory tools
- Applying parameter estimation and optimisation methods, supported by sensitivity and identifiability analyses
- Parameterising and validating battery models using test-cell measurements and quantifying their accuracy under different operating conditions and dynamic load profiles
- Processing and analysing experimental and time-series data and investigating the transferability of laboratory-based parameterisation methods to available electric-vehicle operating data
- Documenting and publishing the scientific results and presenting them at project meetings and conferences
- Collaborating closely with researchers working on battery experiments, battery ageing and model-based charging strategies
Your Profile
- A university Master’s degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, electrochemistry, physics, applied mathematics, computational engineering or a related discipline
- Sound knowledge of numerical modelling and physics-based battery modelling
- Experience in scientific programming and numerical simulation using MATLAB and/or Python, as well as in processing and analysing experimental data
- Practical experience with laboratory battery test equipment and with assembling and connecting test cells is a must
- Experience with parameter estimation, mathematical optimisation, sensitivity analysis or identifiability analysis is highly desirable
- Knowledge of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and a strong interest in combining physical modelling with experimental measurements are advantageous
- Strong analytical skills and a structured, independent and solution-oriented approach to scientific work, together with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative and international project environment
- Very good command of written and spoken English with extensive vocabulary is required (at least B2 level according to the CEFR), ideally supported by a certificate confirming the language level. Knowledge of the German language is not mandatory but certainly appreciated
Our Benefits for You
- Team & Environment: You will work in a motivated team with an international and interdisciplinary focus – at one of the largest research institutions in Europe
- Research & Infrastructure: You will have access to excellent scientific and technical facilities for your work
- Networking & Exchange: You will participate in (international) conferences and project meetings and actively build your scientific network
- Work-life balance: We offer flexible working hours to help you balance your professional and personal life. You also have the option of flexible working (in terms of location), which is generally possible after consultation and in line with upcoming tasks and (on-site) appointments
- Annual Leave: You get 30 days of annual leave
- Knowledge & Development: Your professional development is important to us – we support you specifically and individually e.g., through training and networking opportunities specifically for doctoral candidates (JuDocS) and with continuous, expert guidance from your academic supervisor
- Health & well-being: Your health is important to us. You can look forward to a comprehensive company health management programme with a wide range of options, including a beach volleyball court, running groups, yoga classes and much more. In addition, our company medical service and an experienced social counselling team are available to assist you on site
- Fair remuneration: Depending on your qualifications and assigned responsibilities, you will be classified according to pay group 13 (75%) of the TVöD-Bund. In addition to the basic salary, there is an additional year-end bonus under the collective pay agreement amounting to 75% of a monthly salary, as well as capital-forming benefits. All information about the TVöD-Bund collective agreement can be found on the BMI website (pay scale table on page 66 ff. of the PDF download)
- Fixed-term: The position is limited to 3 years
- Support for international employees: Our International Advisory Service makes it easier for international employees to get started
In addition to exciting tasks and a collegial working environment, we offer you much more: https://go.fzj.de/benefits
We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.
The following links provide further information on diversity and equal opportunities: https://go.fzj.de/equality and on specific support options for women: https://go.fzj.de/womens-job-journey
Index number: 2026D-0657
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