We are seeking a full-time Postdoctoral Research Associate in Computational Mechanics for Solid State Batteries. The post holder will be based at the Department of Engineering Science (central Oxford), working under the supervision of Profs. Emilio Martinez-Paneda (Mechanics of Materials Lab) and Laurence Brassart, and work closely with Prof Mauro Pasta and other colleagues at the Department of Materials. This fixed-term post, initially offered for one year but with the possibility of extension, is funded by the Faraday project SOLBAT (Next Generation Solid State Batteries; https://www.solbat-faraday.org/).

 

We are looking for a researcher interested in running coupled chemo-mechanical finite element simulations to tackle mechanics challenges holding back the commercialisation of all-solid-state batteries. You will be expected to work closely with experimentalists at the Department of Materials and engage in activities related to the wider project and the Faraday Institution. There is some flexibility in regard to the finite element tools to employ, with a preference for COMSOL. You will also be expected to participate in the research group's activities, submit publications to reputed journals and liaise with academic collaborators and sponsors. 

 

You must have obtained or be close to obtaining a PhD in engineering, mathematics, physics, materials science, or other closely related disciplines. Also, you should have experience in at least one of the following: • Finite element analysis • Multi-physics modelling • COMSOL • Fracture Mechanics • Battery technology • Computational Mechanics The initial appointment will be for one year but there are opportunities for extension based on availability of funding. 

 

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Prof. Emilio Martinez-Paneda (email: emilio.martinez-paneda@eng.ox.ac.uk) For more information about working at the Department, seewww.eng.ox.ac.uk/about/work-with-us/ Only online applications received before midday on 24 January 2025 can be considered. 

 

You will be required to upload a covering letter/supporting statement, including a brief statement of research interests (describing how past experience and future plans fit with the advertised position), CV and the details of two referees as part of your online application. 

 

For those candidates about to finish their PhD degrees, a lower grade offer may be made (Grade 6: £32,332- £38,205 p.a.) with a commensurate reduction in responsibilities (and amendment in job title to Research Assistant) until the PhD is awarded. 

 

The Department holds an Athena Swan Bronze award, highlighting its commitment to promoting women in Science, Engineering and Technology. 

 

Keywords Computational solid mechanics,  Finite element analysis,  Solid state batteries,  Numerical analysis, Multi-physics modeling