The PhD project will focus on the development of innovative electrode materials for non-aqueous aluminium-ion batteries and aims to gain an in-depth understanding of the electrochemistry in AIBs. To this end, a systematic study of the impact of the chemical composition and materials engineering on the reaction mechanisms will be conducted. The obtained findings will be then rationalised into a design strategy for sustainable high-performance cathode materials for AIBs.
The student will use solid-state and solvothermal synthesis methods for the preparation of the electrode materials. In depth analysis of the materials is done via complementary characterisation techniques such as electrochemical cycling, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and more. Further, a computational component can be added.
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Summary
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Benefits
Funding is available for 3.5 years and covers tuition fees, a tax-free stipend and bench fees.
- Stipend: Tax-free stipend of approximately £22,780.00 p.a. with possible inflationary increases after the first year.
- Bench Fees: PGR Research allowance from £1,000 p.a. to maximum £4,500 p.a.
- Tuition fees: UK tuition fees 25/26 £7,500 per year or international tuition fees 25/26 £32,400 per year.
Requirements
- The position is available in the Engineering Department in the Faculty of Natural, Mathematical, and Engineering Sciences (NMES) at King’s College London.
- This position is open for students with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in chemistry, materials science, or relevant subjects.
- The project is mainly experiment-based and therefore a strong knowledge of chemical synthesis processes and notions of characterisation methods (e.g. XRD, SEM) are mandatory.
- Previous experience with battery assembly and characterisation is desirable but not required. The project can be extended to include computational chemistry. Experience with computational chemistry methods is therefore welcome.
- Good English oral and written communication skills are required.
- King's College are interested in students with a strong understanding of materials science, chemistry, chemical engineering, or relevant topics. Lab experience (chemical synthesis) is required. Additional knowledge in electrochemistry, energy storage systems and/or computational chemistry is desired but not a requirement.
- This interdisciplinary project is positioned at the interface between materials science, engineering and sustainability and provides ample opportunities for internal and external collaborations.
Selection Process
The selection process will involve a pre-selection on documents and, if selected, will be followed by an invitation to an interview. If successful at the interview, an offer will be provided in due course.
The start date is February (or July) 2026.
The application deadlines for a Feb-26 start date are 20 October 2025 for Overseas fee status and 20 November 2025 for home fee status.
Application Deadline
October 20, 2025How To Apply
Are you qualified and interested in this opportunity? Kindly go to
King's College London on apply.kcl.ac.uk to apply
- To be considered for the position candidates must apply via King’s Apply online application system.
- Please apply for Engineering Research (MPhil/PhD) and indicate Dr Laura Lander as the supervisor and quote the project title in your application and all correspondence.
- Please ensure to add the following code [MRCLander1] in the Funding section of the application form.
- Please select option 5 ‘I am applying for a funding award or scholarship administered by King’s College London’ and type the code into the ‘Award Scheme Code or Name’ box. Please copy and paste the code exactly.
For more details, visit King's College London Scholarship webpage
