Fall 2026 PhD Battery & Sustainability Intern - Physics-Based Battery Modeling

General Motors; Warren (MI); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

General Motors Battery Research & Development seeks a Fall Intern to advance first-principles, physics-based battery models that capture fundamental mechanisms governing battery behavior. You’ll study electrochemical performance, degradation, and improved cell design through Multiphysics modeling across scales.

You will work on coupled electrochemical, thermal, and mechanical models, translate outputs into design guidance, and contribute to multi-scale simulation frameworks while collaborating

Qualifications

• Ph.D. student (expected graduation by 2028) in Physics, Mathematics, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computational Materials Science or closely related field with a focus on electrochemistry or battery modeling.
• Experience developing physics-based finite-element battery modeling and electrode microstructure simulation for battery applications.
• Strong foundation in electrochemistry, solid mechanics, thermodynamics, and transport phenomena.
• Experience developing coupled Multiphysics models (electrochemical, thermal, mechanical) across scales.
• Strong C++ and Python proficiency for scientific computing, modeling, and data analysis.
• Demonstrated research track record including peer-reviewed publications and technical presentations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and validate physics-based methods to battery models across a range of chemistries, cell designs, and formats.
• Develop and implement finite-element methods to complex battery electrode microstructures and process x-ray tomographic understanding of electrode materials.
• Build coupled electrochemical and mechanical models to capture electrochemical and mechanical responses, mass transport, and heat generation in battery electrodes.
• Investigate degradation mechanisms through Multiphysics mechanistic modeling.
• Apply modeling to understand and predict performance, lifetime, and safety under real-world 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 and develop toolkits.
• Lead and contribute to deep technical problem solving with rigorous analysis.
• Publish and present work through peer-reviewed journals and internal reviews.
• Contribute to intellectual property and patents in battery modeling and design.

Skills

C++

Python

Multiphysics

Finite-Element

Electrochemistry

Publications

Education

Ph.D. student (expected graduation by 2028) in Physics, Mathematics, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computational Materials Science or related field

Tools

Open-source tools

High-Performance Computing

DFN/P2D modeling frameworks

Job description

Job Description Hybrid

Hybrid: This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the successful candidate is expected to report to the Research Administration Building at our Global Technical Center in Warren, MI three times per week, at minimum.

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 - validated models to 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 Seeing your models directly influences battery design, safety, and performance in GM EVs Grow within a deep technical environment across expert and research leadership tracks

The Role As a Fall Intern, 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 improved cell design through rigorous Multiphysics modeling across scales.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and validate physics-based methods to battery models across a range of chemistries, cell designs, and formats
• Develop and implement finite-element method to complex battery electrode microstructures and process x-ray tomographic understanding of electrode materials
• Build coupled electrochemical and mechanical models to capture electrochemical and mechanical responses, mass transport, and heat generation in battery electrodes
• Investigate degradation mechanisms (e.g., volume expansion, particle fracture) through Multiphysics 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 and develop simulation toolkits
• 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. student (expected graduation by 2028) in Physics, Mathematics, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computational Materials Science or a closely related field with a focus on electrochemistry or battery modeling
• Experience developing physics-based finite-element battery modeling and electrode microstructure simulation for battery applications
• Strong foundation in electrochemistry, solid mechanics, thermodynamics, and transport phenomena
• Experience developing coupled Multiphysics models (electrochemical, thermal, mechanical) across scales
• Strong C++ and Python proficiency (both 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 battery electrode microstructure modeling using finite-element methods
• Experience with development of open-source tools for Multiphysics battery simulations
• Familiarity with continuum-scale modeling frameworks (e.g., P2D/DFN models or similar, solid mechanics)
• Experience integrating physics-based models into larger simulation environments or design workflows
• Background leveraging high-performance computing for large-scale simulations
• Contributions to externally recognized research collaborations
• Good understanding of battery material/electrochemical properties
• Knowledge of battery electrode tomography measurement techniques such as FIB-SEM and x-ray CT scan and process related microstructure data
• Experience in AI and Data-driven predictive modeling for battery research

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.

We are leading the change to make our world better, safer and more equitable for all through our actions and how we behave. Learn more about: Our Company Our Culture How we hire Our diverse team of employees bring their collective passion for engineering, technology and design to deliver on our vision of a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion. We are looking for adventure-seekers and imaginative thought leaders to help us transform mobility. Explore our global locations We are determined to lead change for the world through technology, ingenuity and harnessing the creativity of our diverse team.

Benefits Overview

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Accommodations

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