Job Description

We are seeking a full-time Postdoctoral Research Associate in Computational Mechanics for Solid State Batteries. The post holder will be based at the Department of Engineering Science (central Oxford), working under the supervision of Prof. Emilio Martinez-Paneda (Mechanics of Materials Lab). This fixed-term post, initially offered for one year but with the possibility of extension, is funded by the Philip Leverhulme Prize.

We are looking for a researcher interested in running coupled chemo-mechanical finite element simulations to address mechanical challenges that are holding back the commercialisation of all-solid-state batteries. Of particular interest is the development of electro-chemo-mechanical phase field models to predict void evolution and dendrite growth (see, e.g., doi.org/10.1016/j.jmps.2022.104999). You will be expected to collaborate with other battery researchers in the Engineering and Materials Departments. You will also be expected to participate in the research group's activities, submit publications to reputed journals and liaise with academic collaborators and sponsors.

You must have obtained or be close to obtaining a PhD in engineering, mathematics, physics, materials science, or other closely related disciplines. Also, you should have experience in at least one of the following:

Finite element analysis

Multi-physics modelling

Phase field modelling

Battery technology

Computational Mechanics


A strong foundation in computational mechanics/physics/mathematics is more important than prior experience in battery modelling.

The initial appointment will be for one year but there are opportunities for extension based on performance and/or availability of funding.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Prof. Emilio Martinez-Paneda (email: emilio.martinez-paneda@eng.ox.ac.uk)

For more information about working at the Department, see www.eng.ox.ac.uk/about/work-with-us/

Only online applications received before midday on

10 December 2025

can be considered. You will be required to upload a covering letter/supporting statement, including a brief statement of research interests (describing how past experience and future plans fit with the advertised position), CV and the details of two referees as part of your online application.

For those candidates about to finish their PhD degrees, a lower grade offer may be made (Grade 6: 35,681- 41,638 p.a.) with a commensurate reduction in responsibilities (and amendment in job title to Research Assistant) until the PhD is awarded.

The Department holds an Athena Swan Bronze award, highlighting its commitment to promoting women in Science, Engineering and Technology.

Keywords

Computational solid mechanics
Finite element analysis
Solid state batteries
Numerical analysis
Multi-physics modeling