job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?: Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?: No
Offer Description
We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with expertise in battery safety, thermal management, and/or computational modeling. This position integrates rigorous experimental characterization with multiscale simulation to understand failure mechanisms and improve safety at the cell, module, and pack levels. The successful candidate will contribute to research on lithium-ion and next-generation batteries, with emphasis on thermal runaway, predictive diagnostics, and mitigation strategies. Candidates with strong backgrounds in either experimental battery safety or battery-focused simulation are encouraged to apply; applicants bridging both areas are especially welcome.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design and perform experimental studies to evaluate the thermal stability, abuse tolerance, and safety limits of lithium-ion and next-generation batteries using ARC, DSC, overcharge, and mechanical abuse testing.
- Develop and validate electrochemical-thermal-mechanical models to simulate battery behavior under normal operation and failure conditions, including thermal runaway initiation and propagation.
- Analyze coupled failure mechanisms involving heat generation, gas evolution, internal shorting, and structural degradation, and connect them to cell- and pack-level safety performance.
- Design model-based and data-driven frameworks for battery management systems, including health monitoring, early fault detection, and safety-oriented control algorithms.
- Investigate thermal management, fire suppression, and propagation-mitigation strategies for safer battery module and pack design.
- Prepare technical reports, manuscripts, and presentations; collaborate closely with interdisciplinary researchers; and mentor graduate students when needed.
Where to apply
Website: https://apply.interfolio.com/183997
Requirements
Research Field: Engineering » Materials engineering — Education Level: PhD or equivalent
Research Field: Engineering » Chemical engineering — Education Level: PhD or equivalent
Research Field: Engineering » Mechanical engineering — Education Level: PhD or equivalent
Research Field: Chemistry » Other — Education Level: PhD or equivalent
Research Field: Physics » Applied physics — Education Level: PhD or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrochemistry, Applied Physics, or a related discipline.
- Hands-on experience in battery safety characterization, such as ARC, DSC, nail penetration, overcharge testing, or related abuse/safety evaluation methods.
- Expertise in multiphysics modelling and simulation using tools such as COMSOL or ANSYS, and/or strong background in electrochemical, thermal, or mechanical modeling of batteries.
- Strong coding skills for data analysis, model development, and algorithm implementation.
- A strong publication record in high-quality peer-reviewed journals and the ability to conduct independent, rigorous research.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary research environment.
Languages
ENGLISH — Level: Good
Additional Information
Benefits
- Competitive, tax-free salary
- Free on-campus housing
- Comprehensive health insurance
- 22 days of annual vacation
- Additional benefits
Selection process
- Applications must be submitted through Interfolio (https://apply.interfolio.com/183329)
- Please do not send your CV to the Professor through e-mail or LinkedIn account.
- Candidates whose research background does not align with the advertised position will be disqualified from current and future consideration.
ONLY SELECTED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED BY E-MAIL.
Work Location(s)
Number of offers available: 1
Company/Institute: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
Country: Saudi Arabia
State/Province: Makkah
City: Thuwal
Postal Code: 23955
Contact
State/Province: Saudi Arabia
City: Thuwal, Makkah
Website: https://pse.kaust.edu.sa
Street: KAUST Campus
Postal Code: 23955-6900
