IMDEA Materials Institute is a public research organization founded in 2007 by Madrid’s regional government to carry out research of excellence in Material Science and Engineering by attracting talent from all over the world to work in an international and multidisciplinary environment. IMDEA Materials has grown rapidly since its foundation and currently includes more than 120 researchers from 22 nationalities and has become one of the leading research centers in materials in Europe which has received the María de Maeztu seal of excellence from the Spanish government. The research activities have been focused on the areas of materials for transport, energy, and health care and the Institute has state-of-the-art facilities for processing, characterization and simulation of advanced materials.

More information can be found at our webpage.

This PhD position aims at developing computational models to simulate the multiphysics phenomena within battery electrodes, to advance the design of the next generation of batteries. This research focuses on developing and implementing models and numerical methods to uncover the fundamental electro-chemo-mechanical processes that occur in battery electrodes, enabling analysis of microstructural effects on battery performance and their impact on electrode degradation. The numerical methods involved are Finite Elements models or FFT based spectral solvers.

The research will be complemented with experimental electrode characterization.

The thesis is enclosed in the MADBAT project, a strategic industrial research initiative funded by the Comunidad de Madrid. The project aims to develop competitive European technology for batteries to secure the supply chain and support the EU’s Energy transition strategy, with a focus on strategic and critical raw materials. The goal of this project is the development of advanced active materials for the next generation of Li-ion batteries, together with the optimization of manufacturing processes and cell performance. The project covers activities ranging from laboratory-scale testing to prototype upscaling, fostering sustainable materials and processes.

• Candidates should hold a BSc or MSc in Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or a related discipline, with excellent academic credentials and a commitment to developing an academic career in an international, multidisciplinary environment.
• A strong background and interest in numerical modeling of multiphysics problems (Finite element (FE) method, Fast-Fourier transform (FFT) solvers, etc.) as well as programming skills will be valuable (e.g., Python, C++, Fortran, Matlab) are required.
• Prior experience in the development of computational modeling tools (PDE or ODE solvers) or in the use of commercial FE software (Comsol, Fenics, Abaqus, Ansys, etc.) will be valuable
• A background in electrochemistry is desired.

Starting date: open until filled.

Full time contract, including social security coverage.

Applications are processed upon reception. The position might be closed once ten working days have passed since publication, so we encourage early application.

The working language of the Institute is English. Full command of the English language is required in all positions.

Applications are processed upon reception. The position might be closed once ten working days have passed since publication, so we encourage early application.

The working language of the Institute is English. Full command of the English language is required in all positions.