Postdoctoral Position in Battery Safety

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology:
Postdoc Positions:
Physical Science and Engineering Division (postdoc):
Material Science and Engineering (postdoc)
Location

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)

Mar 29, 2026

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with expertise in battery safety, thermal management, and/or computational modeling. This position integrates rigorous experimental characterization with multiscale simulation to understand failure mechanisms and improve safety at the cell, module, and pack levels. The successful candidate will contribute to research on lithium-ion and next-generation batteries, with emphasis on thermal runaway, predictive diagnostics, and mitigation strategies.

Candidates with strong backgrounds in either experimental battery safety or battery-focused simulation are encouraged to apply; applicants bridging both areas are especially welcome.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and perform experimental studies to evaluate the thermal stability, abuse tolerance, and safety limits of lithium-ion and next-generation batteries using ARC, DSC, overcharge, and mechanical abuse testing.
• Develop and validate electrochemical-thermal-mechanical models to simulate battery behavior under normal operation and failure conditions, including thermal runaway initiation and propagation.
• Analyze coupled failure mechanisms involving heat generation, gas evolution, internal shorting, and structural degradation, and connect them to cell- and pack-level safety performance.
• Design model-based and data-driven frameworks for battery management systems, including health monitoring, early fault detection, and safety-oriented control algorithms.
• Investigate thermal management, fire suppression, and propagation-mitigation strategies for safer battery module and pack design.
• Prepare technical reports, manuscripts, and presentations; collaborate closely with interdisciplinary researchers; and mentor graduate students when needed.

Compensation Package:

• Competitive, tax-free salary
• Free on-campus housing
• 22 days of annual vacation
• Additional benefits

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrochemistry, Applied Physics, or a related discipline.

Hands-on experience in battery safety characterization, such as ARC, DSC, nail penetration, overcharge testing, or related abuse/safety evaluation methods.

Expertise in Multiphysics modelling and simulation using tools such such as COMSOL or ANSYS, and/or strong background in electrochemical, thermal, or mechanical modeling of batteries.

Strong coding skills for data analysis, model development, and algorithm implementation.

A strong publication record in high-quality peer-reviewed journals and the ability to conduct independent, rigorous research.

Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary research environment.

About our group:

The Alshareef Group (Functional Nanomaterials and Devices Laboratory) at KAUST focuses on developing advanced functional materials toward energy/electronic devices that deliver reliable performance under demanding, real-world conditions. The group is led by Prof. Husam N. Alshareef (Ibn Alhaytham Distinguished Professor; Dean of the Physical Science and Engineering Division; Chair of CREST), a Highly Cited Researcher in Materials Science and Fellow of MRS, APS, IEEE, NAI, IoP, RSC, and IMMM.

About KAUST:

KAUST is located on the shores of the Red Sea near Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and welcomes exceptional students, researchers, and faculty from around the world. Our university is internationally diverse with over 100 Nationalities living and working on campus. KAUST boasts world-class equipment, research and recreational facilities, and computational resources. It is the leading university in citation per faculty according to the QS Rankings.

Further information can be found st.edu.sa.