Ultra-high energy density and fast charging lithium rechargeable batteries
Funded PhD position at the John Molson School of Business
Last updated: July 15, 2025, 2:47 p.m.
Supervisory details
Supervisor: Thomas Walker
Department: Finance, John Molson School of Business
University: Concordia University, Montreal, Canada
Start date: Flexible (Fall 2025, Winter 2026, Fall 2026))
PhD Fellowship: 35K CAD per year for 4 years
Project overview
Canada and Quebec are driving battery innovation and zero-emission goals through strategic initiatives like Canada’s Critical Minerals Strategy and Quebec’s Battery Strategy. Leveraging Quebec’s rich lithium resources, the project focuses on developing advanced Li-ion and solid-state Li-metal batteries to support off-grid energy and zero-emission buildings. It aims to strengthen Canada’s battery ecosystem, enhance IP, train talent, and create jobs—positioning the country as a leader in clean energy technologies.
Role description
- Conduct detailed cost analysis of lithium-ion and solid-state Li-metal battery components at cell and pack levels.
- Simulate battery performance, lifespan, and cost under various material choices, designs, and manufacturing processes.
- Develop optimization models to evaluate trade-offs between cost and performance. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams in energy systems, finance, and governance.
- Contribute to the development of a cost-simulation framework to support off-grid and zero-emission building applications.
- Generate data-driven recommendations to inform policy, innovation, and commercialization strategies.
- Prepare reports, presentations, and publications to communicate findings to academic, industry, and policy audiences.
Research areas
- Sustainability & Climate Change
- Responsible Investing
- Emerging Risk Management
- Banking
- Fintech
- Corporate Governance
- Securities Litigation & Regulation
- Insider Trading
- Institutional Ownership
- Venture Capital
- Master’s degree in engineering, energy systems, sustainable finance, data science, applied economics, or a closely related field
- Experience with battery technologies (e.g., Li-ion, solid-state, Li-metal) and familiarity with energy storage systems
- Proficiency in cost modeling and simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB, Python, R, or COMSOL)
- Knowledge of life cycle costing (LCC), techno-economic assessment (TEA), or energy systems modeling
- Understanding of manufacturing processes and material cost structures for battery components is an asset
- Strong quantitative analysis and optimization skills
- Ability to integrate technical, economic, and policy considerations in sustainability projects
- Interest in climate policy, responsible investing, and emerging risk management
- Fully PhD positions with a competitive annual stipend, plus additional funding for research and conference travel
- Opportunity to work on a high-impact, interdisciplinary project at the nexus of battery innovation, sustainability, and financial modeling
- Access to state-of-the-art tools and expertise in cost simulation, risk analysis, and clean energy technologies
- Collaboration with industry, government, Indigenous communities, and policy leaders shaping Canada’s battery and energy future
- Structured mentorship from Dr. Thomas Walker and support for publishing, presenting, and professional development
- A dynamic and inclusive research environment at Concordia University in Montreal — a recognized leader in climate and sustainability research
- The chance to influence national strategies in critical minerals, zero-emission technologies, and clean energy policy
Please combine the following documents into a single PDF file.
- Letter of intent strongly aligned with the project and the research domain of the professor
- Academic CV
- Transcripts
- References
- Publications, if any
- Any other documents that might benefit your file
If you are already in Canada, or if you’re a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident, please highlight this in your communications.
Send your PDF file to thomas.walker@concordia.ca with the subject as Batteries_Your Name_PhD.
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.
Questions/contact
For all questions, please contact Alisa Makusheva at alisa.makusheva@concordia.ca.
