PhD Studentship: Under pressure: predictive modelling of battery ageing across the scales University of Warwick
Lithium-ion batteries are essential for electric vehicles and achieving net-zero targets, but they degrade over time, reducing performance and safety. A key issue is gas generation, which causes internal pressure build-up and can lead to cell failure. However, existing models struggle to capture this complex, multiscale phenomenon efficiently.
This PhD research project aims to develop a novel, physics-informed surrogate model using Bayesian machine learning to predict gas generation and pressure evolution. The approach will combine physical insight with data-driven techniques and uncertainty quantification, offering fast, reliable predictions and contributing to safer, longer-lasting batteries.
The project is hosted by HetSys (Centre for Doctoral Training in Modelling of Heterogeneous Systems) at the University of Warwick, an interdisciplinary PhD program that brings together science, engineering, and mathematics to apply computational and mathematical techniques to problems of global significance. The PhD research will be supervised by Dr. Lukasz Figiel.
Eligibility Criteria
Open to UK students (funding specific to UK applicants).
Applicants should hold or expect to obtain a strong undergraduate degree or Master’s degree in Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Materials Science, or a related quantitative discipline.
Required expertise/skills
Strong background and interest in modelling, simulation, and data science.
Proficiency or familiarity with physics-informed modelling, Bayesian machine learning, multiscale predictive modeling, or computational techniques.
Analytical thinking, data analysis, and uncertainty quantification skills.
Capacity for interdisciplinary research combining concepts across physics, engineering, computer science, and mathematics.
Excellent communication and collaborative skills to work within a research team.
Salary details Fully funded PhD Studentship for UK applicants, covering full University tuition fees, a research training budget, and a tax-free stipend to cover living costs (standard UKRI rate of £21,805 per annum for 2026/2027, equivalent to the national living wage).
Application Deadline 28th August 2026