Job Description

Applied Mathematics & Theoretical Physics Location: Highfield Campus
Salary: \xc2\xa334,980 to \xc2\xa342,978
Full Time Fixed Term (until 30/09/2025)
Closing Date: Monday 02 October 2023
Reference: 2448123PJ

Research Fellow in Mathematical Modelling of Lithium-Ion Battery Manufacture

School of Mathematical Sciences

The School of Mathematical Sciences is offering a fixed term position until 30th September 2025 in applications for a Faraday Institution funded post to work with Prof. Giles Richardson in the Applied Mathematics Group in Mathematical Sciences. The project is to develop mathematical models of lithium-ion battery manufacture as part of NEXTRODE, a large multi-institutional grant, which is held in collaboration with a wider group of scientists and engineers who are investigating the process from an experimental perspective.

The lithium-ion battery industry is a multi-billion-dollar industry that is expanding rapidly to meet the needs of the growing electric vehicle and energy storage markets. Nevertheless, the battery manufacturing process is still far from being fully understood and most batteries manufactured

today are far from optimal, both in terms of performance and lifetime. The overall goal of NEXTRODE is to build upon recent developments in enhanced lab scale manufacturing, that have shown significant improvements in cell performance and lifetime, and take these to a commercial scale.

The post holder will join a leading sustainable energy modelling group with notable successes, including the commercial Li-ion battery simulation software DandeLiion and the widely used open-source perovskite solar cell simulation software IonMonger. They will focus on developing continuum models for the various processes that occur during battery manufacture. The work will be conducted in close collaboration with experimental colleagues and industrial partners at the UK Battery Industrial Centre (UKBIC), and their data will be used to validate the models. These models will then be used to explore ways in which the manufacturing processes can be optimised, both in terms of improved battery performance/lifetime and reduced manufacturing cost.

You should have a good track record of research in applied mathematical modelling with expertise in at least one of the areas: numerical methods, continuum mechanics (fluid and/or solid mechanics) and partial differential equations. You should either have a PhD* in applied mathematics, physics or a related area. You should have experience in solving problems, organising research, pursuing new research areas, and be able to demonstrate a high-quality research track record. This interdisciplinary research program requires you to be able to work in a team, collaborate across multiple disciplines and have strong written, verbal, and presentational skills.

Salary will be within the range \xc2\xa334,980 - \xc2\xa342,978 per annum, depending on qualifications and experience. This post is available from 1st October 2023, or as soon as possible thereafter, and will be offered on a fixed-term contract until 30th September 2025.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Prof. Giles Richardson, email: G.Richardson@soton.ac.uk.

What we can offer you

Committed to supporting our teaching and research community we are open to a flexible working approach. With an understanding that there is a need to be on campus for some duties, we are open to a hybrid approach. We give full consideration to applicants that wish to work flexibly including part-time and those who have taken a career break. Proud to be a founding signatory of the Athena Swan gender equality charter we hold a School Silver award.

As well as additional benefits that will make your life easier, such as a generous holiday allowance and additional university closure days. We will support your long-term future too, with access to the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS), subsidised health and fitness facilities and a range of discounts.

As a university, we aim to create an inclusive environment that attracts, supports, and retains the best students and staff from diverse backgrounds and experiences across the world. We are proactive in fostering a culture of inclusion, respect, and equality of opportunity. We believe that we can only truly meet our objectives if we are reflective of society, so we are passionate about creating a working environment in which you are free to bring your whole self to work.

For applicants interested in a Part Time role, please note: this role is unlikely to support a Certificate of Sponsorship with a part time salary amount (a Certificate of Sponsorship is required to obtain a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK).

*Applications for Research Fellow positions will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification. The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon successful completion of the PhD. Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.

University of Southampton