PhD Battery Modeling Intern - Multiphysics & EV Systems

generalmotors; Warren (MI); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

General Motors Battery Research & Development in Warren, MI is seeking a Fall Intern to develop physics-based battery models and validate them across chemistries and formats. The role emphasizes first-principles, Multiphysics modeling, and bridging fundamental science with vehicle applications.

You will work with electrochemistry and materials science experts, publish findings, contribute to design decisions, and gain exposure to high-performance computing and x-ray tomography data.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. student expected to graduate by 2028 in a relevant field.
• Experience developing physics-based finite-element battery modeling and electrode microstructure simulation.
• Strong foundation in electrochemistry, mechanics, thermodynamics and transport phenomena.
• Experience developing coupled Multiphysics models across scales.
• Strong C++ and Python proficiency for scientific computing, modeling and data analysis.
• Demonstrated research with peer-reviewed publications and technical presentations.
• Ability to communicate complex technical findings to specialized and cross-functional audiences.
• Proven ability to influence technical direction through expertise and analysis.
• Commitment to advancing battery science and modeling.

Responsibilities

• 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 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 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.

Skills

Physics-based modeling

Finite-element modeling

Multiphysics coupling

C++

Python

Electrochemistry

Thermodynamics

Data analysis

Publications/presentations

Communication

Education

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

Tools

Open-source tools for Multiphysics battery simulations

P2D/DFN models

High-performance computing

Job description

General Motors Battery Research & Development in Warren, MI is seeking a Fall Intern to develop physics-based battery models and validate them across chemistries and formats. The role emphasizes first-principles, Multiphysics modeling, and bridging fundamental science with vehicle applications.

You will work with electrochemistry and materials science experts, publish findings, contribute to design decisions, and gain exposure to high-performance computing and x-ray tomography data.