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

NEU

Forschung und Lehre

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

Bewerbungsfrist: 28. Februar 2026

Beschreibung

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.

Bewerbung

Please send your application in English including supporting documents citing the reference number 00004815, by 28. Februar 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 .