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Ultra-High Energy Density And Fast Charging Lithium Rechargeable Batteries

Funded PhD position in Chemical and Materials Engineering

Last updated: July 30, 2025, 10:43 a.m.

Supervisory details

SupervisorMichel Laurent Trudeau
Department: Chemical and Materials Engineering, Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science
University: Concordia University, Montreal, Canada 
Start date: As soon as possible (Fall 2025) (with possibilities up to 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.

Project description

Theme 1: Advanced li-ion batteries

  • Evaluate battery performance through cycling tests, rate capability, cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT).
  • Assess safety and thermal behavior of NMC-based pouch cells, including gas emission analysis under varied temperature conditions in environmental chambers.
  • Characterize materials and interfaces using thermal and safety analysis tools such as TGA-DSC, ARC, DEMS, and MCC to evaluate cell degradation and fire risks.
  • Fabricate coin and pouch cells using fast-charging anodes, cathodes, and electrolytes; conduct iterative testing to optimize performance and scalability.
  • Collaborate with industry to design and build cell-to-pack battery modules for EVs, integrating thermal management, digital modeling, and structural optimization.

Theme 2: Solid-state li metal batteries

  • Develop solid-state batteries using coated cathodes (LFP, NMC, LNMO) and assess interfacial stability with solid state electrolytes (SSEs).
  • Conduct electrochemical analysis on anodes and SSEs to evaluate Li-ion transport, dendrite suppression, and behavior under variable current loads and temperature conditions.
  • Perform advanced characterization of materials and interphases using ex-situ and in-situ tools (XRD, XPS, Raman, SEM, TEM, synchrotron, etc.) via collaborations with national facilities.
  • Analyze interfacial evolution during cycling and correlate structural changes with battery performance and safety indicators.  

Requirements

  • Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Electrochemistry, Nanotechnology, or a related discipline 
  • Experience with electrochemical testing techniques, such as CV, EIS, GITT, and galvanostatic cycling Knowledge of thermal and safety analysis methods (e.g., TGA-DSC, ARC, MCC, DEMS) 
  • Hands-on experience with coin cell or pouch cell fabrication and testing in controlled environments Familiarity with solid-state electrolytes and lithium metal batteries, including interfacial challenges and performance evaluation 
  • Proficiency in materials characterization tools, such as SEM, TEM, XRD, XPS, and Raman spectroscopy Experience working with nanomaterials or interfacial coatings for energy storage applications 
  • Strong organizational and collaboration skills for working on multidisciplinary, industry-facing research projects Excellent communication skills and a demonstrated ability to work independently and in team settings 
  • Asset: Familiarity with gas emission analysis, battery modeling, or glovebox/environmental chamber operation 

  • Fully funded PhD positions with a competitive annual stipend, along with additional funding for research- related travel, conferences, and industry collaboration.
  • Hands-on experience in battery fabrication, advanced characterization, and safety evaluation using cutting- edge tools and facilities, including national laboratories.
  • Collaboration with leading researchers and industry partners on real-world battery technologies for electric vehicles, grid storage, and clean energy applications.
  • Access to state-of-the-art equipment for material synthesis, electrochemical testing, and multi-scale characterization (SEM, TEM, XRD, XPS, Raman, etc.).
  • Structured mentorship from a cross-disciplinary research team and opportunities to publish in top journals and present at international conferences.
  • A vibrant research ecosystem at Concordia University in Montreal—recognized globally for its innovation in sustainability, energy research, and materials science.

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 
  • Names and contact information of 3 referees 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. 

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. 

Questions/contact

For all questions, please contact Alisa Makusheva at alisa.makusheva@concordia.ca.

Get in touch with the Volt-Age team

volt-age@concordia.ca

Volt-Age is funded by the Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF).

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