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- Tasks: Research and develop methods to diagnose battery degradation in electric vehicles.
- Company: Join the Faraday Institution, a leader in battery research and innovation.
- Benefits: Receive a ÂŁ20,780 stipend, travel budget, and extensive training programme.
- Other info: Become part of a vibrant research community with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Contribute to sustainable energy solutions and shape the future of electric vehicles.
- Qualifications: Master’s degree in science, mathematics, or engineering; exceptional candidates without a master’s may apply.
The predicted salary is between 20780 - 20780 ÂŁ per year.
Funding amount: 4 year Scholarship – Minimum tax‑free stipend at the current Faraday Institution rate is £20,780 for 2025/2026, matching the standard UKRI rate. Funding is available to home students only. For eligibility, check here.
The project: Second‑life battery energy storage offers a major long‑term opportunity for the UK, supporting renewable electricity integration and reducing pressure on critical mineral supply. In 2030, end‑of‑first‑life electric vehicle batteries will exceed 110 GWh worldwide, annually. If deployed effectively, these systems could meet a 60 % share of global storage demand (183 GWh demand is predicted for 2030) at low cost and with low carbon impact. Realising this opportunity requires reliable methods to assess a battery pack’s degraded state without dismantling it, because second‑life markets cannot support cell‑level diagnostics or full historical visibility of operating conditions.
Responsibilities:
- Reconstructing thermal and electrical loading conditions from imperfect EV BMS data, which is typically limited to low sampling rates and sparse temperature measurements.
- Develop methods to integrate thermal/electrical loading conditions with existing modelling frameworks such as PyBaMM.
- Identify coupling between first‑life operating conditions and plausible degradation pathways.
- Combining modelling and experiments to identify degradation mechanisms that are present in a pack and how they influence safety and performance.
- Defining state‑of‑health diagnostic methods to identify problematic degradation pathways.
Benefits:
The successful applicant will become a member of the 2026 Faraday Institution PhD cohort, receiving a stipend of £20,780 per year for four years. They will benefit from a generous travel budget and a comprehensive Faraday Institution training programme, valued at £20,000. They will also become affiliated with Faraday’s Multi‑scale Modelling project, be offered opportunities to build transferable and industry‑ready skills, and gain access to the wider battery community.
Candidate requirements:
Applicants must hold or achieve a minimum of a merit at master’s degree level (or international equivalent) in a science, mathematics or engineering discipline. Applicants without a master’s qualification may be considered on an exceptional basis. Acceptance will also depend on evidence of readiness to pursue a research degree.
English language requirement:
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.
Contact:
For questions about the research topic, please contact Alastair Hales (a.hales@bristol.ac.uk).
PhD Studentship: Diagnosing Degradation in Electric Vehicle Battery Packs for Second-Life Energ[...] in Bristol employer: University of Bristol
Contact Detail:
University of Bristol Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land PhD Studentship: Diagnosing Degradation in Electric Vehicle Battery Packs for Second-Life Energ[...] in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current PhD students or faculty in your field. They can provide insights and might even know about unadvertised opportunities. Plus, it’s a great way to get your name out there!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to your research interests. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for the subject! When you get the chance to discuss your ideas, let your enthusiasm shine through. It can make a huge difference in how you're perceived by the selection committee.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate candidates like you!
We think you need these skills to ace PhD Studentship: Diagnosing Degradation in Electric Vehicle Battery Packs for Second-Life Energ[...] in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the project. We want to see your passion for diagnosing degradation in electric vehicle battery packs, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Your Qualifications: Clearly outline your academic achievements, especially if you have a master’s degree or relevant experience in science, mathematics, or engineering. We’re looking for evidence that you’re ready to tackle this research challenge head-on.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon unless it’s necessary. Remember, we want to understand your ideas without getting lost in complex language!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can consider you for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Bristol
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of battery technology and degradation mechanisms. Brush up on relevant research papers and current trends in electric vehicle batteries, especially those related to second-life applications. This will show your passion and understanding of the field.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to discuss your technical skills, particularly in modelling frameworks like PyBaMM. Be ready to explain how your previous projects or studies relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use specific examples to demonstrate your problem-solving abilities.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Come prepared with insightful questions about the project and the team. This could include inquiries about the integration of thermal and electrical loading conditions or the training programme offered. It shows you’re genuinely interested and have done your homework.
✨Be Yourself
While it’s important to be professional, don’t forget to let your personality shine through. The interviewers want to see if you’ll fit into their team culture. Be honest about your experiences and what you hope to achieve during your PhD journey.