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

Overview

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. 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. 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.

Responsibilities

• 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 , 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 Kroll on the phone number or E-Mail