PhD Stipend/Integrated PhD Stipend in Accelerated materials discovery

Do you want to be part of a young, dynamic research group working on designing the next generation of sustainable energy materials using computational chemistry and machine learning? And do you see yourself as a team player with strong collaborative skills? If yes, we look forward to reading your application to our PhD Stipend/Integrated PhD Stipend.

At the Faculty of Engineering and Science, Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, a position as PhD stipend/Integrated PhD stipend in Accelerated materials discovery is open for appointment from 1 September 2026 or soon hereafter.

Your work tasks

A PhD stipend or integrated PhD stipend in accelerated materials discovery is available. Development of new sustainable energy materials, including materials for improved battery technologies, is required for our transition to a carbon neutral society. Computational materials chemistry allows us to accelerate the design and discovery of new materials, but often important effects of disorder are neglected.

The PhD project is part of the Villum Young Investigator project titled “Entropy in materials design: Accelerated discovery of disordered solid electrolytes”, which focuses on developing computational predictions of disordered crystalline materials and applying these to discover novel solid-state electrolytes for batteries. Thus, the prospective Ph.D. student should have an interest in working in a collaborative team towards a common goal.

This PhD project will focus on designing crystalline solid electrolytes with tailored disorder and will involve both computational predictions and experimental validation. The project will combine density functional theory calculations with machine learning and molecular dynamics simulations to predict disordered materials with potential application as solid electrolytes. This will be followed by experimental validation through solid state synthesis and materials characterization. The specific division between computational and experimental research can be tailored to the prospective candidate.

The PhD student will be part of the computational materials chemistry group led by Tenure-Track Assistant Professor, Kasper Tolborg, within the Section of Disordered Materials, which offers state-of-the-art computational and experimental infrastructure and facilitates a dynamic work environment and interdisciplinary collaborations.

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

Your competencies

The applicant is expected to demonstrate the following competencies and qualifications:

• A master's degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, physics, nanoscience, or a closely related field is required for the PhD Stipend. Individuals who have not yet completed a master’s degree and who wish to begin the PhD study in connection with the master’s study can apply for the Integrated PhD Stipend.
• Strong competence in materials chemistry and excellent analytical skills.
• Proficiency in scientific programming (e.g. in python).
• Excellent oral and written English language skills.
• Strong collaborative skills, team spirit and the ability to also work independently.
• Experience with machine learning, density functional theory calculations and/or molecular dynamics simulations is considered advantageous.
• Experience with solid state synthesis and/or materials characterization is considered advantageous.

Qualification requirements

PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who hold a Master's degree. PhD stipends are normally for a period of 3 years.

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). 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. 1124 of September 19, 2025 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. As part of the PhD study, you are among other things required to complete PhD courses corresponding to 30 ECTS, gain experience with teaching or other forms of knowledge dissemination and complete an external research stay outside of Aalborg University, preferably 3-6 months at a foreign research institution.

How to apply

Your application must include the following:

• Application, stating reasons for applying and qualifications in relation to the position
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• If you are applying for a PhD stipend: Diplomas (bachelor’s and master's degree diploma, including grades)
• If you are applying for an integrated PhD stipend: Academic transcript and bachelor’s degree certificate
• 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.