Ph.D. student in Energy Mechanics and Sustainability Program

About the Project

1-2 Ph.D. students (Spring or Fall 2026 entry)

• Research project: (1) Multiphysics modeling and characterization of next-gen batteries; (2) Machine-learning assisted battery manufacturing and prognostics
• With a background in Mechanical Engineering, Solid/Engineering Mechanics, and Material Science and Engineering.
• Excellent GPA/Ranking (GPA should be above 3.5) at a reputable university
• Hardworking, self-motivated, and responsible
• TOEFL test: 100 or IELTS: 6.5

If interested, please send me your CV, transcripts, diploma, language test scores (if any), and representative publications/reports in one PDF file to junxu@udel.edu.

PI and EMSLab

Dr. Jun Xu is currently an Associate Professor (with tenure) in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Delaware (UD). Dr. Jun Xu is also a member of the renowned Center for Fuel Cells and Batteries and the Center for Composite Materials at the University of Delaware. Dr. Xu has rich research experience in multiphysics modeling and characterization of battery safety and durability behaviors. He also has a strong interest and expertise in impact dynamics (solid mechanics). Dr. Xu’s group published about 160 peer-reviewed journal papers (https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=lj388xkAAAAJ&hl=en). Dr. Xu’s research has been sponsored by the federal government and leading industries (Dr. Xu's group has stable industry funding to support Ph.D. students despite current turbulent funding scenarios).

Dr. Xu’s Ph.D. students are fully sponsored and meticulously guided with job recommendations. Graduates from Dr. Xu’s group have been competitive in both academia and industries. Graduates from Dr. Xu's program have excelled in both academia and industry. To date, he has successfully guided eight Ph.D. candidates, with five of them now holding positions as Professors or Associate Professors at reputable universities, two working within a prominent high-tech companies, and another currently serving as a Postdoctoral Fellow within the group, preparing for an academic career.

University of Delaware

The University of Delaware exists to cultivate learning, develop knowledge, and foster the free exchange of ideas. State-assisted yet privately governed, the University has a strong tradition of distinguished scholarship, which is manifested in its research and creative activities, teaching, and service, in line with its commitment to increasing and disseminating scientific, humanistic, artistic, and social knowledge for the benefit of the larger society. Founded in 1743 and chartered by the state in 1833, the University of Delaware today is a land-grant, sea-grant, and space-grant university.

UD is one of the Top 10 oldest universities in the USA and the only one Flagship university in the State of Delaware. UD is listed as a “Public Ivy League” university and classified as “R1” university by Carnegie Foundation. UD has exceptionally strong engineering programs. Chemical Engineering (Top 10), Mechanical Engineering and Energy are among the best. The entire engineering school is ranked 37th place according to 2025 US News Graduate School Ranking.

UD is strategically situated in proximity to major metropolitan areas including Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington D.C., and New York, all while offering the advantages of a suburban environment characterized by a low crime rate. Notably, President Joe Biden is an esteemed alumnus of UD.