The University of Portsmouth is a global employer of choice where exceptional people create, share and apply knowledge that makes a difference.
Experience the pride of being part of a select group – one of only four universities in the south-east of England to achieve a prestigious Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework. Additionally, we proudly rank among the top 140 universities globally in the Times Higher Young University World Rankings.
Ambition, Responsibility and Openness drive our every endeavour. Join our esteemed institution with a proven track record of success, and where dedication to excellence is key. We want people to make their mark in a professional community that truly values people, innovation, and achievement.
The Role:
Applications are invited for the position of Research Fellow in the Applied Mathematics Group at the University of Portsmouth in the School of Mathematics and Physics. 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 role will focus on developing advanced physics-based continuum models for sodium-ion batteries, with particular emphasis on hard carbon anodes and phase-changing layered oxide cathodes. The successful candidate will create a computational framework that bridges atomistic insights and cell-scale behaviour, enabling improved understanding of multi-mechanism sodium storage, phase transitions, and dynamic electrochemical response. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of next-generation modelling tools that will accelerate the design and optimisation of sodium-ion battery technologies.
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 position is working on-site only, so we are unable to support hybrid working for this appointment.
This appointment is a fixed-term contract until 31 March 2030
If you have any queries regarding this position, please contact Dr Smita Sahu at
[email protected]
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 development opportunities.
- Staff wellbeing programmes.
- Recreation facilities, including discounted gym membership, food on campus schemes, use of the Library and staff social activities.
- Discounted learning.
- Start-up business mentoring from expert entrepreneurs via our Entrepreneurs in Residence programme.
- The perks don’t stop there - click ‘apply’ for further information on My Reward and Benefits
UKVI Statement
Prior to submitting your application, kindly ensure that you can either demonstrate or acquire the necessary right to work in the UK. If you currently do not possess the right to work in the UK, please be aware that our offer of employment is conditional upon you obtaining it.
ED&I Statement:
We are committed to upholding the University’s values of being ambitious, open and responsible, in an inclusive working environment that promotes dignity and respect.
Please note that this vacancy may be closed earlier than advertised, so early applications are advised.
