Oslo Metropolitan University is Norway's third largest university with 23,000 students and over 2,600 employees. We have campuses in central Oslo and at Romerike. OsloMet educates students and conducts research that contributes to the sustainability of the Norwegian welfare state and the metropolitan region.
The Faculty of Technology, Art and Design (TKD) offers higher education and research and development (R&D) activities within technical subjects, arts and design. The Faculty has approximately 4.000 students and 400 staff members and is situated at Pilestredet Campus in downtown Oslo and at Kjeller Campus in Viken.
The Department of Mechanical, Electrical and Chemical Engineering at the Faculty of Technology, Art and Design (TKD) has a vacant PhD Fellowship position in Wind Turbine Aerodynamics. The duration of the position is 3 years.
Your main duties and areas of responsibility
Currently, liquid electrolyte-based batteries are the most used batteries in portable devices and electric vehicles. However, the liquid electrolytes used in these batteries, which are based on organic solvents, pose a significant safety risk due to their potential for leakage and combustion. Solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) are safer alternatives to liquid electrolytes, as they offer improved electrochemical stability and are non-flammable. SSEs also allow for the use of Li and Na metals as the anode, thus increasing the energy density of Li- and Na-ion batteries. Furthermore, SSEs can be stacked in multiple layers to enhance energy density further, making them promising candidates for the next generation of electrolyte materials to replace liquid electrolytes.
Developing a single material that meets all the requirements for a suitable SSE is challenging. On the one hand, achieving a non-toxic and stable SSE with high ionic conductivity requires the use of ceramic-based conductors. On the other hand, a material with low charge transfer resistance at the solid electrode-electrolyte interface needs a soft material such as a polymer-based electrolyte. Combining hard and soft materials (e.g., polymers and ceramics) into a single polymer nanocomposite solid electrolyte (PNSEs) can be a promising approach to address this material paradox. PNSEs can enable achieving desirable properties, including high ionic conductivity, low interface resistance, enhanced mechanical properties, and superior electrochemical stability.
Concerning the small-scale effects on the material behavior of PNSEs, only molecular simulations can provide a systematic method to understand the relationship between the structure and function of the complex systems and accelerate the development of more high-performing PNSEs. The ultimate goal of the project is to develop, implement, and validate novel deep-learning models for molecular dynamics and coarse-grained simulations for the characterization, design, virtual testing, and optimization of PNSEs for Li and Na-ion batteries.
As a PhD Fellow at OsloMet, you have the opportunity to apply for funding for extended research stays abroad.
Qualification requirements
- Master’s degree in applied mathematics, computational physics, or equivalent related disciplines. The degree must normally include 120 credits (ECTS). If the master’s degree includes fewer than 120 ECTS credits, the applicant must, by the application deadline, submit documentation confirming that the master’s degree qualifies for admission to doctoral studies in the country where it was awarded. All exams for the master's degree must be completed by 30 June 2026.
- An academic profile aligned with the needs of the research group and the department.
- For appointment to the position, the following grade requirements normally apply:
- Minimum average grade B on subjects included in the master's degree.
- Minimum grade B on the master's thesis.
- Minimum average grade C on the subjects included in the bachelor's degree. If you have an integrated master's degree, the grades from the first three standard years of the degree will be assessed.
- Exceptions to the grade requirements are provided on the doctoral programme’s website (Engineering Science - OsloMet).
- Written and oral proficiency in English (Language requirements for employees at OsloMet)
Admission to the PhD programme in Engineering Science (Engineering Science - OsloMet) at the Faculty of Technology, Art and Design is a prerequisite for employment in the position. An application for admission to the PhD programme must be submitted within three months of the start date.
General criteria for appointment to teaching and research positions are set out in the Regulations relating to the Act relating to Universities and University Colleges.
It will be an advantage if you have
- Experience with advanced simulation techniques for materials research, such as molecular dynamics, coarse-grained modeling, Monte Carlo, and quantum methods.
- Knowledge of machine learning models applied to material modeling.
- Proficiency in programming languages, such as Python, MATLAB, Julia, and C++, and molecular dynamics programs, such as LAMMPS, to predict mechanical/electrical properties of materials.
- Knowledge/experience in advanced battery technologies or related energy storage systems.
Personal qualities
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
- Strong ability to follow through on tasks and projects
- Motivation for the academic and research field
- Strong analytical skills
- Ability to think innovatively and contribute to development
Emphasis will be placed on personal suitability.
It is important to OsloMet to reflect the population of our region, and all qualified candidates are welcome to apply. We make active endeavors to further develop OsloMet as an inclusive workplace and to make adaptations to the workplace where required. You are also welcome to apply for a position with us if you have had periods where you have not been in employment, education or training.
We offer
- Engaging work assignments within Norway's third largest university
- Participation in research groups and a creative and inspiring academic community
- Opportunities for academic development
- Good welfare schemes and a wide range of sports and cultural offers
- Loan and pension arrangements with the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
- A workplace in the center of Oslo
The salary for the position is in accordance with the Basic Collective Agreement for state employees and OsloMets pay policy for PhD Candidate in code 1017, corresponding to 550 800 NOK per year. From the salary, 2% will be deducted in pension contributions for the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund (SPK).
Application Process
If you wish to apply for the position, you must do so through our recruitment system.
Please upload the following documents together by the application deadline:
- Application letter describing your motivation for the positionCV, reference letters, and all pages of certificates/diplomas for bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Foreign education should be pre-approved, and a letter of approval must be attached. Information is available via the following link: Recognition of foreign education - to work in Norway | HK-dir
- If you have not completed your master’s degree at the time of application, you must upload a provisional transcript in English or a Scandinavian language from your university by the application deadline. It is desirable that you also include an overview of the courses/exams you plan to complete during spring 2026. Relevant candidates must submit an official confirmation from the educational institution by 30 June 2026 stating that all examinations for the master’s degree have been completed, including the master’s thesis. The official diploma and transcript must be submitted before taking up the position, no later than 1 October 2026. If your educational institution does not issue the official diploma by this deadline, you must submit documentation from the institution confirming that the master’s degree has been awarded by the same deadline.
- Master’s thesis
- Scientific works or a link to the full article, if relevant
- A list of publications and presentations at international seminars/conferences, if relevant
- Preferably two references with contact information
We only consider applications submitted through our electronic recruitment system, and all documents must be uploaded for your application to be considered. The documents must be in a Scandinavian language or English. Translations must be authorized, and you will be asked to present originals if you are invited for an interview. OsloMet verifies documents to give candidates a proper evaluation and ensure fair competition. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
For relevant positions, OsloMet conducts background checks of applicants in cooperation with an external provider, in order to verify information contained in available documents. Background checks are always carried out with the candidate’s consent, and employment in these positions is conditional upon an approved background check. Relevant applicants will receive further information about this.
Other information
If you would like more information about the position, feel free to contact:
- Head of Research Biplab K Datta, biplab.datta@oslomet.no, tlf. 672 37 290
- Associate Professor Behrouz Arash, behrouz.arash@oslomet.no, tlf. 672 36 011
- For administrative inquiries, please contact hrtkd@oslomet.no
Deadline for application: May 4th, 2026
Ref: 26/06363
OsloMet holds the EU certification HR Center of Excellence for Charter & Code supporting researchers in career development, mobility and employee rights.
OsloMet has signed The Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA). DORA recognizes the need to improve the ways in which the outputs of scholarly research are evaluated.
The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants, and the acts relating to Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Candidates who are seen to be in conflict with the criteria in the latter law will not be considered for the position.
