At the Faculty of Engineering and Science, AAU Energy, a position as Postdoc in in Health-Aware Optimization of Lithium-Ion Battery Charging is available from 1st of March 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter) for a period of two years.
Lithium-ion batteries are a cornerstone of the green transition, powering technologies from electric vehicles to large-scale energy storage. However, charging processes involve complex trade-offs: while higher charging currents reduce charging time, they also accelerate degradation and heat generation. We aim to develop intelligent, health-aware charging protocols that minimize degradation while enabling fast charging.
The position is part of the BattLife project, a multidisciplinary project funded by the Villum Foundation, exploring novel and disruptive charging strategies for lithium-ion batteries. The goal is to integrate model-based (digital twin) and data-driven (AI) methods to design and experimentally validate optimized pulse charging protocols. A particular focus will be on understanding and mitigating key aging mechanisms, such as lithium plating on the anode, through both modeling and laboratory experiments.
You will work with small battery cell samples using battery cyclers, temperature chambers, and EIS systems for electrochemical characterization. The project also offers the opportunity to collaborate closely with multi-domain experts from the European Research Council project REVIVE, combining experimental, analytical, and computational approaches of batteries. This multidisciplinary and high-visibility environment provides excellent opportunities for professional and career development.
The position is offered in relation to the research group "Electric Mobility and Drives" and the Postdoc will be positioned in the section for Mechatronics.
Your role
You will:
- Develop and implement model-based and data-driven (AI) optimization algorithms for battery charging
- Integrate physics-informed models and data-driven tools to design health-aware charging protocols
- Conduct and analyse laboratory experiments to validate the developed methods
- Collaboration with the rest of the team across projects on modelling, optimization, and
electrochemistry is required - Contribute to high-impact publications and knowledge dissemination in flagship forums
Your profile
The ideal candidate holds a PhD in Electrical Engineering, Electrochemistry, Energy Systems, or a closely related field, preferably with a focus on batteries, control, or optimization.
Preferred qualifications include:
- Expertise in multi-domain and multi-objective optimization and AI-based control
- Strong analytical and modeling skills, with the ability to bridge theory and experimental data
- Experience with computational tools such as MATLAB, Python, and multiphysics simulation platforms (e.g., COMSOL, Ansys)
- Motivation to engage in both modeling and hands-on experimental work
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and a commitment to publishing in leading scientific venues
- A stimulating research environment with access to world-class labs and computational facilities
- Close supervision and collaboration within a dynamic, visible (ERC-funded), and international battery research team
- Opportunities for career development, including mentoring and support for developing independent research ideas
- Engagement in projects at the forefront of green energy transition and advanced battery technology
Qualification requirements
Appointment as postdoc requires academic qualifications at PhD level.
Who we are
AAU Energy is a dynamic and internationally oriented research department at Aalborg University, dedicated to developing clean and sustainable energy systems. Our research spans electrical, thermal, and mechatronic energy technologies, and we work closely with industry and academic partners to address real-world energy challenges. The department is located in both Aalborg and Esbjerg, and this position is based at the Aalborg campus. We offer advanced laboratory and workshop facilities, and a collaborative environment that supports innovation, knowledge sharing, and professional development.
Learn more about AAU Energy at www.energy.aau.dk.
How to apply
Your application must include the following:
- Application, stating reasons for applying, qualifications in relation to the position, and intentions and visions for the position
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Diplomas (master's degree diploma and PhD diploma)
- List of publications, with an indication of the attached publications that you wish to be taken into account in the assessment. You may attach a maximum of ten publications.
- Documentation of teaching qualifications. Depending on which faculty you are applying for employment, please see guidelines for teaching portfolio at The Faculty of Engineering and Science. If this is not enclosed, the applicant must enclose the reasons for this .
- Dissemination qualifications, including participation on committees or boards, participation in organisations etc.
- Additional qualifications in relation to the position
- References/recommendations
You can read more about the requirements for your application here.
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.
Do you have any questions?
If you have any questions about the position, you are more than welcome to contact us.
For professional information, please contact Associate Professor Farshid Naseri, fna@energy.aau.dk
Other questions, please contact HR AAU Energy: hr@energy.aau.dk.
Further information
Read more about our recruitment process here
The appointment process at Aalborg University involves a shortlisting process. You can read more about the shortlisting and appointment process here.
The hiring process at Aalborg University may include a risk assessment as a tool to identify potential risks associated with new hires, ensuring the safety, compliance, and integrity of the workplace.
Salary and terms of employment
The employment is in accordance with the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities (the Appointment Order) and the Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities (in Danish) and protocol on certain terms of employment of academic staff at universities (in Danish).
Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with the collective agreement between the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations and the state (AC collective agreement) (only in Danish) and protocol on certain terms of employment of academic staff at universities (only in Danish).
Aalborg University - Knowledge for the world
Aalborg University is an international workplace with more than 3,700 employees. We offer real-world-oriented education and create world-class research results through collaboration between researchers, students, and public and private companies. This is how we achieve insights, new solutions to societal problems, and knowledge that changes the world. Our main campus is in Aalborg, but we also have campuses in Esbjerg and Copenhagen.