Senior Researcher, Physics-Based Battery Modeler

General Motors•Warren, MI

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

At General Motors, our product teams are redefining mobility. Through a human-centered design process, we create vehicles and experiences that are designed not just to be seen, but to be felt. We’re turning today’s impossible into tomorrow’s standard - from breakthrough hardware and battery systems to intuitive design, intelligent software, and next-generation safety and entertainment features. Every day, our products move millions of people as we aim to make driving safer, smarter, and more connected, shaping the future of transportation on a global scale. Why GM Battery Research & Development? At GM, your work won’t sit on a shelf – you’ll see it power real vehicles on the road. You’ll move ideas from first principles → validated models → vehicle impact, working at the intersection of fundamental physics, advanced simulation, and real-world EV systems. Our Research team offers the opportunity to: Work alongside leading experts in electrochemistry, materials science, and Multiphysics modeling Solve fundamental battery science problems across transport phenomena, kinetics, and degradation Leverage advanced experimental data, high-fidelity instrumentation, and high-performance computing Develop and apply state-of-the-art physics-based models grounded in first principles Be supported to publish and present original research in leading journals and conferences Collaborate with tier 1 research universities, national labs, suppliers, and federally funded research programs See your models directly influence battery design, safety, and performance in GM EVs Grow within a deeply technical environment across expert and research leadership tracks The Role As a Senior Researcher, you will develop and advance first-principles, physics-based battery models that capture the underlying mechanisms governing battery behavior. Your work will focus on understanding and predicting electrochemical performance, degradation, and safety through rigorous Multiphysics modeling across scales.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Physics, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related field with a focus on electrochemistry or battery modeling
Deep expertise in physics-based battery modeling, including electrochemical and transport processes
Strong foundation in electrochemistry, thermodynamics, and transport phenomena
Experience developing coupled Multiphysics models (electrochemical, thermal, mechanical) across scales
Strong Python, COMSOL, and MatLab proficiency (required) for scientific computing, modeling, and data analysis
Strong analytical and quantitative problem-solving skills grounded in physical principles
Demonstrated research track record including peer-reviewed publications and technical presentations
Ability to clearly communicate complex technical findings to both specialized and cross-functional audiences
Proven ability to influence technical direction through expertise and analysis
Commitment to advancing the state of the art in battery science and modeling

Nice To Haves

Experience with mechanistic degradation modeling and lifetime prediction
Familiarity with continuum-scale modeling frameworks (e.g., P2D/DFN/MSMR-type models or similar)
Experience integrating physics-based models into larger simulation environments or design workflows
Deep knowledge of battery cell/material property databases
Background leveraging high-performance computing for large-scale simulations
Contributions to patents or externally recognized research collaborations
Experimental experience with measurements of battery material/electrochemical properties
SEM-based techniques used to characterize the crystallographic structure, orientation, and microstructure of particle microstructures

Responsibilities

Develop and validate ROM and full order physics-based battery models across a range of chemistries, cell designs, and formats
Build coupled Multiphysics models capturing electrochemical kinetics, mass transport, heat generation, and mechanical effects
Investigate degradation mechanisms (e.g., SEI growth, lithium plating, particle fracture) through mechanistic modeling
Apply modeling to understand and predict performance, lifetime, and safety behavior under real-world operating conditions
Translate model outputs into actionable guidance for cell design, materials selection, and system-level decisions
Integrate models into multi-scale and system-level simulation frameworks
Lead and contribute to deep technical problem solving, grounded in physical intuition and rigorous analysis
Influence technical direction through scientifically grounded arguments and modeling insight
Publish and present your work through peer-reviewed journals, conferences, and internal reviews
Contribute to intellectual property and patents in battery modeling and design