Postdoctoral Research Associate in Battery Modelling

We invite applications for a Postdoctoral Research Assistant to undertake
research in battery modeling within the Nextrode Project of the Faraday
Institution, to work with Professor Jon Chapman at the Mathematical Institute,
University of Oxford. This is a 15-month fixed term position, until 30
September 2026, though it may be extended if additional funding is
forthcoming. The successful candidate will be expected to be in post by 1st
July 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter.





The postholder will work on developing and implementing models of structured
electrodes, in which the local composition (active material, binder, etc) and
overall microstructure is controlled to vary spatially within the electrodes.
These models will then be used to find a design that maximises the overall
performance balance (energy, power, lifetime, cost, etc) of the electrode and
the battery. The open source software PyBaMM, along with the optimisation
suite PyBOP, have been developed as part of the companion Faraday Multiscale
Modelling Project. The postholder will be expected to familiarise themselves
with PyBaMM and PyBOP, in order to implement any models developed into that
framework, and to take advantage of these tools to produce optimal designs.





Applicants should have skills in modelling, familiarity with partial
differential equations, and be familiar with python. They will have, or be
close to completing, a PhD in mathematics or a related discipline, and possess
sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline of theoretical mechanics,
mathematical modelling, and numerical simulations of PDE to work within
established research programmes in battery modelling. Preference will be given
to applicants with prior experience of optimisation, PyBaMM and/or
electrochemistry.





We proudly hold a departmental Athena SWAN Silver Award and an institutional
Race Equality Charter Bronze Award, which guide our progress towards advancing
racial and gender equality. As part of our strategic aim to improve staff
equality and diversity, we would particularly welcome applications from women
and BAME candidates, who are currently under-represented in positions of this
type within the department.





Please direct informal enquiries to the Recruitment Coordinator (email:
recruitment@maths.ox.ac.uk), quoting vacancy reference **178846**.





Applicants will be selected for interview purely based on their ability to
satisfy the selection criteria as outlined in full in the job description. You
will be required to upload a statement setting out how you meet the selection
criteria, a curriculum vitae including full list of publications, a statement
of research interests, and the contact details of two referees as part of your
online application. **(NOTE: Applicants are responsible for contacting two of
their referees and making sure that their letters are sent to**
**references@maths.ox.ac.uk** ** by the closing date).**





Only applications received before **12.00 noon** UK time on **Wednesday, 30th
April 2025** can be considered.