PhD in In-Operando Diagnostics of Li-ion and Post-Li-ion Batteries Using Acoustic Technology

At AAU Energy, a PhD stipend position is available within the general study program. The position is open for appointment from 15 November 2026 or soon hereafter for a duration of three years.

Role and Tasks
The primary objective of this PhD project is to establish a mechanistic understanding of the coupling between battery ageing mechanisms and measured acoustic signals, translating this into a diagnostic method for both Li-ion and post-Li-ion chemistries.

Key responsibilities include:

• Reviewing the state of the art in acoustic-based battery diagnostics.
• Designing and building a setup for sensing acoustic emissions in coin cells.
• Carrying out degradation tests over various operating conditions with simultaneous acoustic and electrical measurements.
• Analyzing the relationship between acoustic signatures, electrical signatures, and underlying degradation mechanisms.
• Developing an acoustic-based, physics-validated model for battery diagnostics (targeting 25% higher accuracy and 50% lower energy demand than conventional methods).
• Conducting a proof of concept at the single-layer pouch-cell level.
• Contributing to teaching, supervising student projects, and participating in dissemination activities.

Requirements

• M.Sc. degree in electrical engineering, energy engineering, or mechatronics.
• Experience with Problem Based Learning (PBL) is required for supervising BSc and MSc student projects.
• Strong communication skills in English (written and spoken).
• Experience with one or more of the following is an advantage: electrical characterisation of batteries, acoustic or ultrasonic sensing and laboratory instrumentation, and signal processing/data-driven modelling (e.g., in MATLAB or Python).
• Danish language skills are highly desirable but not a formal requirement.
• Candidates must be enrolled as a PhD student at the Doctoral School of Engineering and Science.\n- Completion of 30 ECTS PhD courses and an external research stay (preferably 3-6 months) is required.

Work Conditions and Benefits

• The position is based at the Aalborg campus.
• Access to advanced laboratory and workshop facilities.
• Support for relocation, housing, and practical matters for new colleagues.
• General onboarding support and dedicated support for international staff through the International Staff Unit (ISU).
• Access to Danish language courses for international employees.
• A collegial and inclusive culture with a focus on professional discussion and mutual support.",