Doctoral Researcher (f/m/d): Data-Driven Quality Assessment of Battery Cells Using Tomographic Imaging

<3 weeks left

Part-time

Research and Instruction

The Department of Sustainable Systems Engineering (INATECH), is filling a position as Doctoral Researcher (f/m/d): Data-Driven Quality Assessment of Battery Cells Using Tomographic Imaging

Application deadline: 28. February 2026
Publication date: 26. January 2026
Start-date: At the earliest possible date.
Scope of work: Part-time position (70 %)
Id no.: 00004815

Description

The Junior Research Group Battery Data Science offers a PhD position in the field of data-driven quality assessment of lithium-ion battery cells. The focus lies on tomographic techniques, including Scanning Acoustic Microscopy (SAM) and Computed Tomography (CT), for non-destructive defect detection in battery cells. Laboratory work will be conducted at the "Center for Electrical Energy Storage" at Fraunhofer ISE in Freiburg.

Who We Are

The Battery Data Science Junior Research Group is an independent and interdisciplinary team at INATECH (Institute for Sustainable Systems Engineering) at the University of Freiburg. Our mission is to bridge battery research and data science to develop advanced, application-oriented methods for non-destructive quality assessment of battery cells.

Our research focuses on innovative approaches including ultrasound tomography (SAM), cell expansion characterization, and the digitalization of R&D processes. The group is supported by an industrial advisory board.

Your Tasks

Design and execution of experiments for systematic defect characterization in battery cells
Conducting high-resolution SAM measurements and CT scans of battery cell samples
Data acquisition, processing, and interpretation of multimodal imaging data
Contributing to the development of automated defect detection methods
Collaboration with partners from industry and academia
Presentation of research results at international conferences and publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals

Requirements

A master's degree (or equivalent) in Physics, Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, Computational Engineering or a related field
Practical experience in a research laboratory environment
Experience with measurement techniques and experimental setups
Willingness to work hands-on in the laboratory as well as on data analysis tasks
A strong interest in interdisciplinary research and a creative, proactive, and team-oriented mindset
Ability to plan work independently, set priorities, and manage time effectively
High proficiency in English and German, both written and spoken
Basic or advanced Programming skills (e.g., Python)
Basic knowledge of scientific writing
Experience with lithium-ion batteries or strong motivation to develop expertise in this field is advantageous
Knowledge of imaging techniques (e.g., ultrasound, CT, or related methods) is a plus
Experience with data analysis, machine learning, or artificial intelligence is desirable

What We Offer

We offer you the opportunity to engage in highly interdisciplinary research at the intersection of battery technology and data science. You will work in a dynamic team with access to state-of-the-art infrastructure, bridging fundamental research and application-oriented development. The position provides an excellent environment to translate scientific results into practical solutions.

The position is limited to three years (70% FTE). The salary will be determined in accordance with E13 TV-L.

Application

Please send your application in English including supporting documents citing the reference number 00004815, by 28. February 2026 at the latest. Please send your application to the following address in written or electronic form:

University of Freiburg
Institute for Sustainable Systems Engineering – INATECH
NADINE – Junior Research Group Battery Data Science
Dr. Moritz Kroll
Emmy-Noether-Straße 2
79110 Freiburg

For further information, please contact Herr Dr. Moritz Krolll on the phone number +49 761 4588-2554 or E-Mail moritz.kroll@mail.inatech.uni-freiburg.de.

Apply now

Full-time positions may generally be split up into two or more part-time positions, provided that there are no formal or legal barriers. Candidates are selected in accordance with the provisions of the AGG (Allgemeines Gleichbehandlungsgesetz - German General Equal Treatment Act).
Applicants with disabilities (Schwerbehinderte Menschen) will be given preferential consideration in case of equal qualification.
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