Research Fellow in Mathematical Modelling for Sodium ion Batteries

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The Role:

Applications are invited for the position of Research Fellow in the Applied Mathematics Group at the University of Portsmouth. The Research Fellow will work on the Multi-scale Modelling Project funded by the Faraday Institution and in doing so will join a consortium of researchers based at Imperial College London, University College London, and the Universities of Oxford, Southampton, Warwick, Birmingham, Bath and Lancaster. The work will involve close collaboration with this interdisciplinary team of external collaborators as well as with industrial partners.

The main role will be to develop a computational framework within which the group can test and validate models of sodium-ion battery behaviour.

Applicants should have a PhD (or equivalent research experience) in a highly numerate science subject. The main role will be to develop a computational framework within which the group can test and validate models of sodium-ion battery behaviour. As such, proficiency in computer programming (particularly python) is required as well as knowledge of numerical methods for the computational solution of systems of partial differential equations. Familiarity with the electrochemistry of, and existing models for, sodium-ion batteries is also desirable. The applicant should show strong motivation for independent research, and the ability to work with partners from other areas of the sciences. Applicants should be willing to undertake travel to work with these partners.

The Multi-Scale Modelling project brings together world-leading battery experts with a broad set of skills at every level to build the critical bridge between science and engineering, working alongside UK industry to ensure that the work is innovative and delivers high impact. This consortium uniquely blends theoreticians with modellers, mathematicians and experimentalists, ensuring that the models developed are scientifically rigorous, computationally efficient and experimentally validated in parallel, to maintain a high degree of usefulness and accuracy. The first challenge is to develop a novel physics-based model for sodium-ion batteries behaviour, with a particular focus on hard carbon anode material.

This is a fixed term appointment for 12 months.

For internal candidates it may be possible to apply for this role under the Secondment Policy . If you wish to apply as a secondee, you must have approval of your line manager in advance of submitting your application form. Please confirm in your application that your line manager has approved this.

Interviews are anticipated to be held 19 March 2025.

Informal enquiries can be addressed to Dr Smita Sahu email: smita.sahu@port.ac.uk

Discover the advantages of joining our university. We offer a range of attractive benefits and opportunities to enhance your work experience:

• Competitive salary, including incremental progression within your scale.
• Generous pension scheme.
• Generous leave entitlement of 32–35 days a year, plus bank holidays, and an additional Christmas closure.
• Family-friendly policies supporting flexible working.
• Staff discounts and loyalty schemes.
• Staff car parking and discounted public travel.
• Excellent training and evelopment opportunities.
• Staff wellbeing programmes.
• Long service milestones, and recognition awards which may be awarded to staff for exceptional performance.

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