About the role
Are you a researcher driven to understand and predict the fundamental mechanisms limiting lithium-ion battery performance?
We are recruiting a Research Associate in Lithium-Ion Battery Modelling to work on the Faraday Institution’s Multi-Scale Modelling project, developing advanced models of cathode degradation, electrolyte decomposition and safety-critical processes. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to internationally leading research shaping the future of energy storage.
What you would be doing
In this role, you will develop and apply continuum-level electrochemical models to better understand and predict degradation in lithium-ion batteries, with a particular focus on high-nickel cathode materials. Your work will investigate the coupled mechanisms of cathode degradation, electrolyte decomposition and the safety implications arising from these interacting processes.
You will use and extend PyBaMM, which is an open-source Python-based battery modelling framework (https://pybamm.org/), contributing new physics and degradation sub-models to advance its predictive capability. You will collaborate closely with researchers across Imperial, the wider Multi-Scale Modelling project and more broadly across Faraday Institution projects, working as part of a highly interdisciplinary team to translate fundamental insight into robust, safety-aware battery models.
What we are looking for
We’re seeking a motivated and collaborative researcher with experience aligned to continuum battery modelling and degradation science. The points below give an overview of the profile we’re looking for:
- A PhD in engineering, mathematics, physics, materials science, electrochemistry or other closely related disciplines.
- Experience in lithium-ion batteries, battery modelling or electrochemical systems, with an understanding of degradation mechanisms (e.g. cathode ageing, electrolyte decomposition or safety-related phenomena).
- Demonstrated ability to develop, implement and analyse physics-based or continuum-level models.
- Strong numerical and computational skills (e.g. Python or similar scientific programming languages).
- Experience with collaborative coding practices, such as version control, code review, documentation and working within shared codebases (ideally open-source).
- Ability to work effectively within interdisciplinary and multi-institution research teams.
- Strong analytical thinking skills, with the ability to communicate complex technical ideas clearly in writing and discussion.
- A proactive and independent approach to research, balanced with a willingness to contribute to shared project goals.
We also welcome applications from strong computational or mathematical modellers from related fields who can demonstrate clear transferrable skills and a genuine interest in applying their expertise to battery degradation and safety.
Application deadline: 23 Mar 2026
For more information and to apply visit https://www.imperial.ac.uk/jobs/search-jobs/description/index.php?nPostingId=17228&nPostingTargetId=27098&id=PMMFK026203F3VBQB8NLOV4CQ&LG=UK&languageSelect=UK&mask=ext
