Fully Funded PhD in Battery Chemistry at University of Oulu, Finland | M-era.net EU Project 2025 | Apply Now

Apply for a fully funded PhD in battery research at the University of Oulu, Finland under the M-era.net EU project. Competitive salary, international collaboration, and world-class research facilities in sustainable chemistry. Deadline: 31st July 2025.

Fully Funded PhD Opportunity in Battery Chemistry at University of Oulu, Finland — M-era.net EU Project 2025

The University of Oulu, Finland, a globally recognized institution known for its cutting-edge research and excellence in sustainable chemistry, is inviting applications for a fully funded PhD position under the prestigious M-era.net EU project. This unique research opportunity offers outstanding international exposure, hands-on experimental and computational training, and full financial support for the entire duration of doctoral studies.

If you are passionate about battery research, sustainable energy storage, electrochemistry, and first-principles simulations, this opportunity could set you on a globally competitive career path.

🔬 About the Research Unit of Sustainable Chemistry — University of Oulu

The University of Oulu is a multidisciplinary research-intensive institution located in the vibrant city of Oulu, Finland. Home to over 17,000 students and 3,600 faculty members, the university fosters cutting-edge innovations that address the world’s grand challenges, particularly in sustainable development, circular economy, clean energy technologies, and advanced materials.

The Research Unit of Sustainable Chemistry at the Faculty of Technology is a leader in the development of advanced battery materials, recycling technologies, and circular economy solutions. With over 70 researchers, the unit focuses on high-impact research related to:

• Lithium-ion and Sodium-ion batteries

• Biomass-based sustainable anode materials

• Solid-state electrolytes

• Spent battery recycling and resource recovery

• Inorganic circular economy processes

This fully funded PhD opportunity offers extensive collaboration with industry leaders, national laboratories, and international research partners, especially through the M-era.net EU-funded GENSIB project.

🚀 Project Overview: GENSIB — EU-Funded M-era.net Project

The selected Doctoral Researcher will contribute to the GENSIB project focused on the atomistic-level understanding of sodium-ion battery (SIB) degradation mechanisms. This project bridges both experimental materials science and theoretical modeling using density functional theory (DFT), aiming to advance next-generation battery materials for sustainable energy storage.

Key Research Objectives:

• Investigate degradation pathways of sodium-ion battery electrodes.

• Study layered transition metal oxide materials for cathode development.

• Integrate first-principles computational modeling (DFT, ab initio calculations) with high-precision experimental data.

• Optimize cathode compositions for long-term stability and performance.

• Develop fundamental insights that guide materials design and reduce the need for costly empirical testing.

🎯 PhD Position Details: Doctoral Researcher in Battery Chemistry

📚 Research Duties and Responsibilities

As part of this fully funded PhD program, the doctoral candidate will:

• Conduct original research in sodium-ion battery materials.

• Combine experimental synthesis, electrochemical analysis, and computational modeling.

• Utilize advanced characterization techniques such as:

  • X-ray diffraction (XRD)

  • Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)

  • Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS)

  • Battery cycling and impedance analyzer

• Apply DFT-based modeling using tools like VASP and Quantum Espresso.

• Collaborate with national and international academic and industrial partners.

• Publish research findings in high-impact peer-reviewed journals.

• Present results at international scientific conferences.

🌎 Why Choose Finland and University of Oulu?

Finland is globally renowned for its high quality of life, exceptional education system, cutting-edge research infrastructure, safety, and natural beauty. Oulu, known as one of Europe’s leading high-tech hubs, offers:

• Safe, student-friendly environment

• World-class research facilities

• Excellent healthcare system

• Competitive tax-funded education

• Stunning Arctic landscapes and clean environment

• Strong research collaborations across Europe and beyond

With Finland consistently ranking among the world’s happiest and safest countries, international doctoral students enjoy a fulfilling, balanced life both inside and outside the laboratory.

👩‍🎓 Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for this prestigious PhD opportunity, applicants must meet the following qualifications:

✅ Academic Requirements

• Master’s Degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, or related fields.

• Solid understanding of electrochemistry, battery technology, or sustainable chemistry.

✅ Technical Skills (Preferred)

• Experience in battery research (sodium-ion or lithium-ion systems).

• Proficiency in electrochemical analysis (e.g., impedance spectroscopy, galvanostatic cycling).

• Knowledge of characterization tools like XRD, EIS, SEM.

• Programming knowledge in Python or Matlab for data analysis.

• Familiarity with Linux OS environments.

• Practical experience with DFT simulation software (VASP, Quantum Espresso) is highly desirable.

• Excellent English communication skills (spoken and written).

💼 What’s Offered? Salary, Benefits, and Career Development

The employment is governed by Finnish national employment legislation for universities, ensuring transparency, security, and full social benefits for doctoral students.

📝 Application Process: How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through the University of Oulu recruitment portal no later than 31st July 2025 (23:59 Finnish local time).

Required Documents:

1️⃣ Motivation Letter (max 1 page) — Explain your academic background, research interests, career goals, and why you are interested in this specific PhD position.

2️⃣ Curriculum Vitae (CV) (max 2 pages) — Follow the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity.

3️⃣ Degree Certificates & Transcripts — Scanned official Master’s degree certificates and transcripts (in Finnish or English).

4️⃣ Other Supporting Documents (if applicable).

⚠ Note: Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Ensure all documentation is complete and uploaded before the deadline.

👉 Apply Now: https://oulunyliopisto.varbi.com/what:job/jobID:804794/

📞 Contact Information for Inquiries

For further information regarding the position, you may contact:

Professor Ulla Lassi
Head of the Research Unit of Sustainable Chemistry
📧 ulla.lassi@oulu.fi
📞 +358 400 294 090
(During holiday period from July 1st, inquiries only via email)

🔑 Why This PhD Opportunity Stands Out

• ✅ Fully funded for 3 years under an EU-funded M-era.net project

• ✅ High international collaboration with leading European research groups

• ✅ Direct involvement in cutting-edge sustainable energy storage research

• ✅ Combination of computational modeling and experimental research

• ✅ Access to world-class research facilities at University of Oulu

• ✅ Excellent salary package with full social security benefits

• ✅ Ideal stepping stone for high-paying academic and industry careers

🌐 Career Prospects After Graduation

Graduates from this program will be highly competitive for:

• ✅ Academic postdoctoral positions globally.

• ✅ High-demand roles in battery manufacturing companies.

• ✅ Clean energy startups focused on next-gen battery technologies.

• ✅ Government and EU-funded sustainable energy research institutes.

• ✅ International consultancy roles in renewable energy policy and technology.

With global demand for battery researchers, electrochemists, and computational materials scientists skyrocketing, this PhD offers outstanding ROI for career advancement.

🔔 Don’t Miss This Rare Career-Defining Opportunity

The transition to renewable energy demands breakthrough research in battery materials. By joining the University of Oulu’s fully funded PhD program, you become part of the solution addressing global climate and energy challenges.

If you aspire to make impactful contributions to sustainable chemistry and green energy storage, this PhD opportunity is your platform to shine internationally.

👉 Submit your application before 31st July 2025 and start your PhD journey in Finland!