PhD Studentship: Computational Chemistry Driven Design of Improved Thermal Batteries
A 3.5-year industrially sponsored PhD project focused on computational modeling to advance thermal battery material design.
Best for:Best for chemistry, physics, or materials science graduates with an interest in computational modeling and energy storage.
Overview
The University of Birmingham, in partnership with AWE, is offering a 3.5-year PhD studentship focused on the computational design of thermal batteries. The project aims to elucidate the structure-property relationships that govern battery performance, which have remained poorly understood for decades. The successful candidate will utilize state-of-the-art computational chemistry techniques to derive new design principles for next-generation battery materials. The researcher will be based in the School of Chemistry, working within a well-resourced, interdisciplinary environment with access to modern laboratory facilities. This role is ideal for a motivated student interested in applying analytical and creative problem-solving to real-world energy storage challenges.
What you'll do
- Conduct computational chemistry research to understand thermal battery performance mechanisms.
- Develop and apply new design principles for improved battery materials.
- Collaborate with industrial partners at AWE to align research with practical applications.
- Document research findings through technical reports and academic publications.
- Participate in interdisciplinary research group activities and training sessions.
- Present research progress and results to academic and industrial stakeholders.
Requirements
Degree required: Bachelors or Masters degree (2.1 honours or equivalent) in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, or a related discipline.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English proficiency required.
Instruction: English
- Strong analytical and creative thinking skills.
- Proficiency in computer usage for scientific applications.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
- Self-motivation and ability to work independently.
- Must qualify for the UK home fees rate due to funding restrictions.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2027-01-01 · open until filled
Applications must be submitted through the university's online portal. Candidates should provide a cover letter detailing their research interests and suitability, a full CV, and contact information for two academic references.
- CV
- Cover letter
- 2 reference letters
Contact
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