Senior Researcher, Physics-Based Battery Modeler

Job description

Job Description Senior Researcher, Physics-Based Battery Modeler 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. What You’ll Do 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 Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications) 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 What will give you a competitive edge (Preferred Qualifications) 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 GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a government form, and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (e.g., H1-B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc). This role is categorized as onsite. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location on a full-time basis. This job may be eligible for relocation benefits. About GM Our vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all. Why Join Us We believe we all must make a choice every day – individually and collectively – to drive meaningful change through our words, our deeds and our culture. Every day, we want every employee to feel they belong to one General Motors team. Benefits Overview From day one, we're looking out for your well-being–at work and at home–so you can focus on realizing your ambitions. Learn how GM supports a rewarding career that rewards you personally by visiting Total Rewards resources . Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.) General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of unlawful discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that providing an inclusive workplace creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers. All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, disability, pregnancy or maternity status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran or protected veteran, or any other similarly protected status in accordance with federal, state and local laws. We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities. Applicants in the recruitment process may be required, where applicable, to successfully complete a role-related assessment(s) and/or a pre-employment screening prior to beginning employment. To learn more, visit How we Hire . Accommodations General Motors offers opportunities to all job seekers including individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, email us or call us at 1-800-865-7580. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.