PhD Position Overview

Interfacial Processes in Lithium-Ion Batteries Using Advanced Characterization
Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), Netherlands
Faculty of Applied Sciences
Supervisor: Dr. Swapna Ganapathy
Deadline: 16 May 2026

Position Description

This PhD position is part of the DigiCellFab project, a collaborative initiative between universities, research institutes, and industry partners. The research focuses on improving lithium-ion battery performance, safety, sustainability, and manufacturing efficiency.

The main goal is to understand and optimize Solid Electrolyte Interphase (SEI) and Cathode Electrolyte Interphase (CEI) formation in lithium-ion batteries. Special emphasis is placed on reducing production time and cost while improving long-term battery stability.

A key research aspect includes studying Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD)-based coatings to control interfacial reactions and stabilize electrode–electrolyte interfaces. The project also explores PFAS-free electrolyte systems for more sustainable battery chemistry.

You will combine electrochemical testing with advanced material characterization techniques such as:

• FIB-SEM cross-sectioning

• Electron microscopy

• Spectroscopy methods

The aim is to establish clear structure–function relationships between formation protocols, coatings, and battery performance.

Job Requirements

Applicants should have:

• A Master’s degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or related field

• Strong understanding of electrochemistry and/or materials characterization

• Interest in battery interfaces (SEI/CEI formation)

• Experience with electrochemical testing (cycling, impedance) is an advantage

• Experience with advanced characterization techniques (FIB-SEM, microscopy, spectroscopy) is a plus

• Hands-on experimental mindset with ability to design systematic studies

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

TU Delft is a leading international university in science, engineering, and design. It focuses on solving global challenges in energy, climate, health, mobility, and digital society.

The university emphasizes innovation, diversity, and interdisciplinary research. It supports students and researchers in developing impactful technological solutions for real-world problems.

Faculty of Applied Sciences

The Faculty of Applied Sciences is a large research ecosystem with over 1,100 staff and around 3,600 students. It focuses on:

• Nanoscience and quantum technology

• Energy storage and conversion materials

• Biotechnology and synthetic biology

• Chemical engineering and radiation science

Research is both fundamental and applied, aiming to address major scientific and societal challenges.

Conditions of Employment

• Duration: 4 years (2 contracts: 1.5 years + 2.5 years)

• Salary: €3059 – €3881 gross/month (progressive increase)

• 8% holiday allowance + 8.3% year-end bonus

• Enrollment in TU Delft Graduate School

• Training, mentoring, and doctoral education program included

• Flexible working arrangements and relocation support available

Relocation assistance and partner career support are also provided.

Application Procedure

Apply online before 17 May 2026.

Required documents:

• Motivation/cover letter (addressed to Prof. Marnix Wagemaker)

• CV including qualifications, projects, and publications

Optional: links to additional work or research materials

Contact Information

Dr. Swapna Ganapathy – s.ganapathy@tudelft.nl
Prof. Marnix Wagemaker – m.wagemaker@tudelft.nl

Important Notes

• Applications must be submitted via the official portal (email applications not accepted)

• English proficiency is required for PhD-level communication and writing

• TU Delft conducts a knowledge security screening during recruitment

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted

Position Overview

• Institution: Delft University of Technology

• Department: Faculty of Applied Sciences

• Supervisor: Dr. Swapna Ganapathy

• Location: Delft

• Application Deadline: June 7, 2026

• Duration: 4 years

• Salary: €3,059 – €3,881 per month (increasing yearly)

Research Focus

This interdisciplinary PhD project explores the development of sodium-sulfur (Na-S) batteries as a sustainable European alternative to lithium-ion batteries for stationary energy storage.

The project combines:

• Experimental battery chemistry and materials science

• Sustainability and environmental impact assessment

• Critical raw material analysis

• Systems-level energy transition research

The research aims to support Europe’s transition toward safer and more sustainable energy storage technologies.

Main Research Areas

Experimental Battery Research

You will:

• Synthesize and develop novel inorganic materials for Na-S batteries

• Perform electrochemical testing

• Characterize materials using:

  • XPS

  • XRD

  • SEM

  • Solid-state NMR

Sustainability & Systems Analysis

You will also investigate:

• Greenhouse gas emissions

• Ecological impacts

• Material flow analysis (MFA)

• Life cycle assessment (LCA)

• Critical raw material supply risks

• European strategic autonomy in battery manufacturing

The work is expected to be approximately:

• 50% laboratory research

• 50% sustainability and systems analysis

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should have a Master’s degree in:

• Applied Physics

• Chemistry

• Chemical Engineering

• Materials Science

• Industrial Ecology

• Or a related field

Preferred experience includes:

• Inorganic material synthesis

• Electrochemical testing

• Characterization techniques such as NMR, XPS, and XRD

• Sustainability assessment tools like LCA or MFA

• Interest in sustainable energy storage and critical raw materials

Employment Benefits

Salary & Contract

• Starting salary: €3,059/month

• Final-year salary: €3,881/month

• 8% holiday allowance

• 8.3% end-of-year bonus

Additional Benefits

• Enrollment in the TU Delft Graduate School

• Flexible work arrangements

• Relocation support for international candidates

• Health insurance discounts

• Research training and mentorship

• Access to interdisciplinary collaborations

Research Environment

You will work within:

• Climate Safety & Security centre

• Faculty of Applied Sciences at Delft University of Technology

The project also involves collaboration with policymakers and international organizations through the university’s campus in The Hague.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit:

• Motivation letter

• CV

• Academic transcripts

• Master’s thesis or project report

• Relevant publications/projects (if available)

Applications must be submitted online through the official university portal.

Official Website

TU Delft Official Website

Scholarship Summary

Institution: Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf
Department: Institute of Radiooncology – OncoRay
Location: Dresden
Position Type: PhD Student (f/m/d)
Research Area: Cancer Biology, Immunotherapy, Radiotherapy, Molecular Biology
Application Deadline: June 29, 2026

Research Project Overview

The ImmunoFLASH project focuses on improving anti-tumor CAR T-cell immunotherapy using FLASH radiotherapy, an innovative ultra-high-dose-rate radiation therapy that may reduce damage to healthy tissues while maintaining effective tumor treatment.

This interdisciplinary research project is a collaboration between multiple institutes at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, including:

• Institute of Radiooncology – OncoRay

• Institute of Radiation Physics

• Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research

The project aims to evaluate the combined effects of proton FLASH radiotherapy and CAR T-cell immunotherapy using in vitro and in vivo experimental models while identifying molecular pathways and biomarkers associated with treatment responses.

Research Responsibilities

The selected PhD student will:

• Develop scientific objectives and research hypotheses

• Prepare animal study protocols

• Conduct in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo laboratory experiments

• Perform molecular and cellular biology analyses

• Manage and evaluate scientific data according to good research practices

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary scientific teams

• Present findings at seminars and international conferences

• Publish research articles in peer-reviewed journals

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

• Master’s or Diploma degree in Cancer Biology, Immunology, Biomedicine, or a related field

• Strong background in tumor biology and molecular/cell biology techniques

• Experience with laboratory animals (mice) is desirable

• Experience with patient-derived models is an advantage

• Ability to work in interdisciplinary research environments

• Strong teamwork and communication skills

• Fluency in written and spoken English

Salary and Benefits

The position includes:

• Employment under the German public sector agreement (TVöD-Bund)

• 30 days of paid annual leave

• Company pension scheme (VBL)

• Flexible working hours and mobile working opportunities

• Access to continuing education and networking programs

• Health management and employee wellness programs

• Discounts through Corporate Benefits

• Subsidized Deutschland-Ticket Jobticket

Research Environment

The project brings together experts in medicine, biology, immunology, radiation physics, chemistry, pharmacy, and IT to develop advanced cancer therapies and personalized treatment approaches.

Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf work within a highly international and collaborative scientific environment with employees from over 70 nations.

Important Dates

Application Deadline: June 29, 2026
Start Date: October 1, 2026
Contract Duration: 36 months

How to Apply

Applicants should submit:

• Cover letter

• CV

• Academic diplomas and transcripts

• Supporting application documents

Applications must be submitted through the official online application system of Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf.

Official Website

For complete application details and further information, visit the official website of Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf

Scholarship Summary

Institution: Radboud University
Department: Faculty of Science
Location: Nijmegen
Position Type: PhD Research Position
Research Area: Ecology, Biodiversity, Vegetation Modelling, Environmental Science
Application Deadline: May 30, 2026

Research Project Overview

This PhD project focuses on understanding how nature restoration actions influence habitats and ecosystems across Europe. The selected candidate will develop and apply dynamic vegetation models to investigate how restoration measures affect habitat condition, biodiversity recovery, and ecosystem resilience.

The project addresses critical environmental challenges caused by habitat degradation, biodiversity loss, climate change, and land-use pressures. The research will support European restoration initiatives and contribute to understanding ecological responses to restoration actions.

The successful applicant will:

• Review and evaluate existing dynamic vegetation models

• Simulate recolonisation processes and vegetation succession

• Develop models incorporating climate change and nitrogen deposition

• Analyse the effects of restoration measures on habitat trajectories

• Apply models to selected regions across Europe

The project is part of a larger European research initiative focused on nature restoration and biodiversity conservation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and improve process-based ecological models

• Conduct biodiversity and vegetation simulations

• Analyse ecological and environmental datasets

• Contribute to restoration and conservation research

• Participate in multidisciplinary international collaborations

• Contribute 10% of working time to teaching activities

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• MSc degree in biology, ecology, or a related natural sciences field

• Strong interest in process-based ecological modelling

• Knowledge of programming languages such as R, Python, or Matlab

• Interest in biodiversity and ecosystem restoration research

• Ability to work in international and multidisciplinary teams

• Good written and spoken English communication skills

Salary and Benefits

• Starting salary: €3,059 gross per month

• Salary increases up to €3,881 in the fourth year

• Initial 1.5-year contract with possible extension to 4 years after positive evaluation

• 8% holiday allowance

• 8.3% end-of-year bonus

• Choice between 30 or 41 annual leave days

• Flexible working arrangements and work-life balance support

• Pension scheme and professional development opportunities

• Discount on university sports and cultural facilities

Research Environment

The position is based at the Department of Environmental Science within the Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences (RIBES). The department focuses on sustainability science, biodiversity conservation, and environmental modelling to support sustainable transitions.

The Faculty of Science at Radboud University hosts an international research environment with staff from more than 70 countries.

Important Dates

Application Deadline: May 30, 2026
Interview Dates: June 15, 17, and/or 18, 2026
Preferred Start Date: September 1, 2026

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through the official application portal of Radboud University. Applicants should address their application letter to Dr. Jelle Hilbers.

Official Website

For detailed application instructions and complete information, visit the official website of Radboud University

Scholarship Summary

Institution: Radboud University
Department: Faculty of Science
Location: Nijmegen
Position Type: PhD / Postdoctoral Research Position
Study Area: Biodiversity, Ecology, Ecosystem Services, Environmental Science
Application Deadline: May 30, 2026

Research Project Overview

This research project focuses on understanding how nature-inclusive agriculture and forestry can help restore biodiversity and ecosystem services. The selected candidate will work with quantitative ecological models and meta-analytical approaches to evaluate environmental restoration strategies.

The project investigates biodiversity indicators such as species diversity and abundance, as well as ecosystem services including pollination and carbon sequestration. The research also aims to identify areas where restoration actions provide combined benefits for biodiversity, productivity, and ecosystem functioning.

The project is part of a major European initiative supporting the implementation of the EU Nature Restoration Regulation and Biodiversity Strategy for 2030.

Position Responsibilities

• Apply meta-analysis and ecological modelling techniques

• Conduct spatial conservation prioritisation research

• Analyse biodiversity and ecosystem service datasets

• Collaborate with international and interdisciplinary research teams

• Contribute to teaching activities in BSc/MSc Biology programmes (10% workload)

• Publish scientific findings and participate in project activities

Eligibility Criteria

For PhD Applicants

• MSc degree in conservation ecology, macroecology, or a related field

For Postdoctoral Applicants

• PhD degree in conservation ecology, macroecology, or a related field

Required Skills

• Experience or interest in ecological data analysis and statistical modelling

• Knowledge of programming languages such as R or Python

• Strong interest in biodiversity research and sustainability

• Good written and spoken English communication skills

• Ability to work collaboratively in international research environments

Salary and Benefits

PhD Position

• Starting salary: €3,059 gross per month

• Salary increases up to €3,881 in the fourth year

• Initial 1.5-year contract with extension to 4 years after positive evaluation

Postdoctoral Position

• One-year contract with possible two-year extension

• Salary based on experience and qualifications

Additional Benefits

• 8% holiday allowance

• 8.3% end-of-year bonus

• 30 to 41 annual leave days

• Flexible working arrangements

• Pension scheme and professional development opportunities

• Discount on university sports and cultural activities

Research Environment

The position is hosted at the Department of Environmental Science within the Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences (RIBES). The department focuses on sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and environmental transitions through interdisciplinary scientific research.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit their application through the official application portal of Radboud University. Applications should be addressed to Dr. Koen Kuipers.

Important Dates

Application Deadline: May 30, 2026
Interview Dates: June 15, 17, or 18, 2026
Preferred Start Date: September 1, 2026

Official Website

For complete details and the application procedure, visit the official website of Radboud University