PhD Studentship: Magnetic Field Enhancement to Battery Performance

Research Studentship in Magnetic Field Enhancement to Battery Performance

4-year D.Phil. studentship 

Project: DPhil Studentship, co-funded by Faraday Institution and Gaussion Ltd

Supervisors: Prof Paul Shearing

The application of magnetic fields in electrochemical devices (magneto-electrochemistry) has been shown to fundamentally alter and enhance the transport of ion species and thereby profoundly influence their operation. By controlling these phenomena, it is possible to enhance the rate performance and extend operational lifetime.

Gaussion (co-funder) are a UK SME, built on fundamental research supported by The Faraday Institution (co-funder), whose patented MagLiB™ technology has been shown to enhance fast-charging, battery formation and lifetime extension, through the homogenistation of ion concentration within liquid electrolytes.

In spite of a growing body of academic literature, there remain significant gaps in our fundamental understanding of magnetic field influence on battery performance; academic literature has lagged commercialisation, and currently disseminated studies only scratch the surface on this complex, multi-physical phenomena.

This studentship project will seek to improve understanding of the underpinning mechanisms and exploit its influence in incumbent Li-ion (LIB) materials, as well as to extend this to emerging battery chemistries, for example to suppress polysulfide shuttling in LiS batteries, and to suppress dendrite growth in solid state batteries.

Eligibility

This studentship is co-funded by The Faraday Institution and Gaussion Ltd. The studentship is open to Home students (full award – home fees plus stipend).

Award Value

Course fees are covered at the level set for Home students c. £10,470 p.a. The stipend (tax-free maintenance grant) is the UKRI Minimum Stipend c. £21,805 p.a. for the first year, and at least this amount for a further three years. 

Candidate Requirements

Prospective candidates will be judged according to how well they meet the following criteria:

• A first class or strong upper second-class undergraduate honours degree in Engineering, Physics or Mathematics
• Excellent English written and spoken communication skills
• Evidence of experimental research skills

The following skills are desirable but not essential:

• Familiarity with modelling tools including Matlab
• Published academic work

Application Procedure

Informal enquiries are encouraged and should be addressed to Prof Paul Shearing c/o Charlotte Brooks charlotte.brooks@eng.ox.ac.uk

Candidates must submit a graduate application form and are expected to meet the graduate admissions criteria. To apply please visit the appropriate course page on the following University website: Courses open for studentships | Oxford University

Please quote 26ENGCH_PS3 all correspondence and in your graduate application.

Application deadline: noon on 3 July 2026

Start date: October 2026

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