Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- 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[...] 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[...]
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current PhD students or faculty in your field. They can provide insider info about the application process and might even give you a heads-up on opportunities before they’re advertised.
✨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 discussing your interest in battery technology and renewable energy, let your enthusiasm shine through. It’s not just about qualifications; it’s about your drive to contribute to the field.
✨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, you’ll find all the latest opportunities and updates there.
We think you need these skills to ace PhD Studentship: Diagnosing Degradation in Electric Vehicle Battery Packs for Second-Life Energ[...]
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 battery technology and how you can contribute to the second-life energy storage field.
Showcase Your Academic Achievements: Don’t forget to mention your academic qualifications, especially if you’ve got a strong background in science, mathematics, or engineering. We’re looking for candidates who have excelled in their studies, so let us know about any relevant projects or research you've done!
Demonstrate Research Readiness: We need to see that you’re ready to dive into research. Include any previous research experience or projects that showcase your ability to tackle complex problems. This will help us understand your potential as a PhD candidate.
Apply Through Our Website: Make it easy for us to find your application by applying directly through our website. It streamlines the process and ensures we get all the information we need to 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 and methodologies, especially those related to thermal and electrical loading conditions. This will show your passion and preparedness for the role.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience with modelling frameworks like PyBaMM. Prepare examples of how you've tackled similar challenges in the past, particularly in integrating data or developing diagnostic methods. This will help demonstrate your practical skills and problem-solving abilities.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the project and the Faraday Institution’s goals. Inquire about the team dynamics, training opportunities, and how your role fits into the bigger picture. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
✨Practice Makes Perfect
Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your responses. Focus on articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing complex topics. The more comfortable you are, the better you’ll perform during the actual interview.