Postdoctoral Position in Energy Sciences

Lund University

Institution: Lund University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Energy Sciences
Location: Lund, Skåne län, Sweden
Employment Type: Full-time, temporary, 2-year fixed-term
Start Date: By agreement
Reference Number: PA2026/762
Application Deadline: April 12, 2026

Overview

Lund University invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher position in thermal runaway modeling of battery systems, as part of the COMPEL initiative (“COMPetence for the ELectrification of the transport system”), a strategic program to strengthen Sweden’s research and education in battery technology and electrification.

The position is hosted at the Division of Heat Transfer in the Department of Energy Sciences and involves high-fidelity reacting flow simulations to predict thermal runaway at the cell, module, and system levels. Collaboration is expected with Scania Industrial Battery Systems and other COMPEL partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop thermal runaway models, primarily using OpenFOAM.
• Conduct research in battery modeling and related projects.
• Analyze and publish results in scientific journals.
• Collaborate with the research team and industry partners.
• Participate in teaching, including supervision of degree projects and doctoral students (≤20% of working hours).
• Assist in securing external research funding.

Qualifications

Required:

• PhD (or equivalent) within a relevant subject area, preferably obtained within 3 years.
• Strong oral and written English skills.
• Experience in programming and/or energy system modeling.
• Innovative, autonomous, structured, and cooperative mindset.

Preferred:

• Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling experience, preferably in OpenFOAM.
• Experience with reactive flows and battery modeling.
• Knowledge of thermal runaway mechanisms.
• Teaching experience.

Assessment Criteria

• Ability to develop and conduct high-quality research.
• Teaching skills and ability to contribute to departmental educational activities.
• Complementary experience strengthening ongoing departmental research.

About Lund University

• Founded in 1666, consistently ranked among the world’s top universities.
• Approximately 47,000 students and 8,800 staff across Lund, Helsingborg, and Malmö.
• Faculty of Engineering (LTH) educates ~12,000 students and publishes ~2,000 scientific findings annually.
• COMPEL is a collaboration between Lund University, Chalmers University of Technology, and Uppsala University, with strong industry partnerships.

Application Instructions

Applicants should submit via the university’s recruitment system:

• CV
• Personal letter describing interest and qualifications
• Degree certificate (or equivalent)
• Optional: transcripts, letters of recommendation, or other supporting documents

Contact Persons:

• Martin Andersson: +46 46 222 24908, martin.andersson@energy.lth.se
• Christer Fureby: +46 46 222 24813, christer.fureby@energy.lth.se

Union Representatives:

• SACO: kansli@saco-s.lu.se
• SEKO: sekocivil@seko.lu.se
• OFR/ST: st@st.lu.se

This position offers a unique opportunity to advance research in battery safety and electrification, combining simulation modeling, reactive flow physics, and industrial collaboration.