Research Assistant – PhD Student – Modelling, Analysis and Lifetime Prediction of Batteries (with PhD Opportunity) (m/f/d)

As the largest university working group in Germany in the field of battery technology and system integration, the Institute for Electrical Engineering and Electrical Drives (ISEA) at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology at RWTH Aachen is one of the internationally leading research institutes of this pioneering field. Topics such as digitalization, electrical-thermal and physico-chemical modeling, as well as the optimization of modern battery systems form a central focus of the internationally recognized research competence of the institute. Our goal is to optimize the use of modern battery systems across a wide range of applications. We explore battery systems of all relevant technologies (in particular lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries) and develop highly precise models for electrical and thermal simulations, life forecasts and innovative diagnostic algorithms. These models and findings form the basis for the reliable determination of state of charge, performance and aging mechanisms of modern batteries. With our research we make a significant contribution to the development of powerful, sustainable and intelligent battery systems, for electromobility, stationary energy storage and the energy supply of the future. A special highlight for our employees is the Center for Ageing, Reliability and Lifetime Prediction of Electrochemical and Power Electronic Systems (CARL) on campus Melaten. Over 5,000 m2 of state-of-the-art office and laboratory areas provide ideal conditions for interdisciplinary top research. Over 150 scientists work closely connected to the entire value chain, from material research to modelling, production and system integration to AI-based energy system analysis. The RWTH is certified as a family-friendly university. RWTH offers a variety of health, counselling and prevention services (e.g. university sports) as part of a university health management. There is a wide range of training and the possibility of obtaining a job ticket for employees and civil servants.

Your duties In the modelling, analysis and life forecast of batteries (MAL) department, we are dealing with key issues regarding the evaluation, design, modeling and forecasting of modern battery systems. As part of our team, you will work on selected research and development projects to investigate and evaluate lithium and sodium ion batteries as well as other future battery technologies. Typical department tasks include the implementation of systematic battery tests, the analysis of the ageing state of battery cells, and the development of aging and evaluation models based on them. The aim of the work is to assess the quality of battery cells in terms of service life, performance and possible applications and to take into account, in addition to technical aspects, such as ecological or economic issues. The focus of your activity is the development, expansion and parameterization of a physico-chemical battery model (e.g. electrochemical, thermal and aging-relevant extensions), which image the cell behavior across different operating and aging states realistically. The aim is to quantitatively describe basic relationships between material properties, cell structure, operating conditions and degradation mechanisms and to make them usable for life, performance and safety assessments. Characteristic for your work is the close interconnection of model-based research and experimental validation. You use experimental measurement data from cell tests and analysis to identify model parameters, validate models and physically interpret aging mechanisms. Depending on the technical focus, the design of suitable experiments, the evaluation of electrochemical measurements and the integration of analytical results (e.g. from post-mortem investigations) into the modeling are also part of your tasks. The results obtained will be discussed and validated in close professional exchange with colleagues at the Institute and with partners from industry and research. Their work makes a significant contribution to understanding ageing processes and developing robust, predictive models for modern battery systems. Possible technical priorities of your work are: Physical-chemical modeling of battery cells Parameterization, sensitivity analyses and model validation based on experimental data Model-based analysis of aging and degradation mechanisms Coupling of physicochemical models with experimental diagnostics In addition to the project-related tasks, the support of student work in the subject field is expressly desired, and there is also the possibility of cooperation in teaching. An excellent research infrastructure is available at the institute, including state-of-the-art equipment for electrical and chemical characterization of battery systems, as well as a comprehensively equipped analytical laboratory.

Your profile Would you like to work in a top university environment while working closely with industrial partners? Are you interested in the connection of theoretical research and practical engineering research and would you like to develop innovative solutions? You can also imagine a promotion in the field of modern battery systems? Then ideally bring the following: A prerequisite for the recruitment is a very well completed university degree (master or comparable) in a technical or scientific field, e.g. electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, physics, chemistry, process engineering, material sciences and the corresponding economic engineering studies Basic knowledge of battery technology is desirable, but no requirement Programming experience, e.g. in C++, Python or MATLAB Affinity for simulative and experimental, in particular for battery tests and laboratory activities Joy in cooperation in demanding projects with industrial and research partners Commitment, initiative, independent and team-oriented working and good organizational skills

What we offer: A warm and collegial environment at one of the world's most renowned research institutions in the field of battery technology Divide knowledge growth in a dynamically growing future market (batteries, electromobility, energy storage) Optimum research environment with state-of-the-art infrastructure and close reference to industrial practice Active participation in university teaching and junior funding (e.g. supervision of bachelor's and master's thesis) Possibility to Doctorate at RWTH Aachen in an excellent scientific environment (with Prof. Dirk Uwe Sauer) The works described provide a very good basis for a promotion. Feel free to talk to us about your professional interests and individual priorities. Our offer The employment is in the employment relationship. The place shall be occupied at the next possible time and shall be limited to at first 2 years. There is the possibility to extend to a total of 5 years until the doctorate. The temporary employment is carried out within the framework of the time-limits of the science-time contract law. It is a full-time job. There is a doctoral opportunity. The grouping depends on the TV-L. The place is rated with EG 13 TV-L. The job description is aimed at all sexes. We want to promote the careers of women at RWTH Aachen University and are therefore looking forward to applicants. Women are preferably taken into account in the case of equal suitability, competence and professional performance, provided You are underrepresented in the organisational unit and, if not in the person of a competitor, outweigh the reasons. Applications for suitable people with difficulty are expressly desired. For the purposes of equal treatment, we ask you to waive an application photo. Information on the collection of personal data pursuant to Articles 13 and 14 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) can be found at https://www.rwth-aachen.de/dsgvo-information-bewerbe