Research Fellow

Applications are invited 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 and sodium-ion battery operation as part of the Multiscale Modelling Project, a large multi-institutional grant, which is held in collaboration with a wider group of scientists and engineers who are investigating the process from both theoretical and experimental perspective.

The lithium-ion battery industry is a multi-billion dollar industry that is expanding rapidly in order to meet the needs of the growing electric vehicle and energy storage markets. However, the operation of batteries in real devices remains incompletely understood. This is particularly true for systems based on phase-change energy storage materials, where the material undergoes a phase transition during lithium insertion, as well as for sodium-ion batteries. The goal of our part of the project is to (i) develop models for lithium storage in phase-change materials (such as lithium-iron-phosphate), (ii) develop efficient solution methods for these models, (iii) integrate these models into models of the full cell simulations and (iv) develop models for sodium-ion batteries.

The successful candidate will join a leading sustainable energy modelling group with notable achievements, including the commercial Li-ion battery simulation software DandeLiion and the widely used open-source perovskite solar cell simulation software IonMonger. The role will focus on developing continuum models describing the processes that occur during battery operation. The work will be conducted in close collaboration with experimental partners across the UK, whose data will be used to validate the models. These models will ultimately be incorporated into software packages widely used within the battery research and industrial communities.

Applicants should have a strong track record of research in mathematical modelling with expertise in at least one of the areas: numerical methods, continuum mechanics and partial differential equations. Candidates should either have, or be close to obtaining, a PhD in applied mathematics, physics, engineering or a related area. You should have experience of 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 £36,636 - £44,746 per annum, depending on qualifications and experience. This post is available from June 1st 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter, and will be offered on a fixed-term contract until March 31st 2030.

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

Further details:

• Job Description and Person Specification

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