Senior Researcher, Physics-Based Battery Modeler

Job DescriptionSenior Researcher, Physics-Based Battery ModelerAt 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 modelingSolve fundamental battery science problems across transport phenomena, kinetics, and degradationLeverage advanced experimental data, high-fidelity instrumentation, and high-performance computingDevelop and apply state-of-the-art physics-based models grounded in first principlesBe supported to publish and present original research in leading journals and conferencesCollaborate with tier 1 research universities, national labs, suppliers, and federally funded research programsSee your models directly influence battery design, safety, and performance in GM EVsGrow within a deeply technical environment across expert and research leadership tracksThe RoleAs 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 DoDevelop and validate ROM and full order physics-based battery models across a range of chemistries, cell designs, and formatsBuild coupled Multiphysics models capturing electrochemical kinetics, mass transport, heat generation, and mechanical effectsInvestigate degradation mechanisms (e.g., SEI growth, lithium plating, particle fracture) through mechanistic modelingApply modeling to understand and predict performance, lifetime, and safety behavior under real-world operating conditionsTranslate model outputs into actionable guidance for cell design, materials selection, and system-level decisionsIntegrate models into multi-scale and system-level simulation frameworksLead and contribute to deep technical problem solving, grounded in physical intuition and rigorous analysisInfluence technical direction through scientifically grounded arguments and modeling insightPublish and present your work through peer-reviewed journals, conferences, and internal reviewsContribute to intellectual property and patents in battery modeling and designYour 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 modelingDeep expertise in physics-based battery modeling, including electrochemical and transport processesStrong foundation in electrochemistry, thermodynamics, and transport phenomenaExperience developing coupled Multiphysics models (electrochemical, thermal, mechanical) across scalesStrong Python, COMSOL, and MatLab proficiency (required) for scientific computing, modeling, and data analysisStrong analytical and quantitative problem-solving skills grounded in physical principlesDemonstrated research track record including peer-reviewed publications and technical presentationsAbility to clearly communicate complex technical findings to both specialized and cross-functional audiencesProven ability to influence technical direction through expertise and analysisCommitment to advancing the state of the art in battery science and modelingWhat will give you a competitive edge (Preferred Qualifications)Experience with mechanistic degradation modeling and lifetime predictionFamiliarity 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 workflowsDeep knowledge of battery cell/material property databasesBackground leveraging high-performance computing for large-scale simulationsContributions to patents or externally recognized research collaborationsExperimental experience with measurements of battery material/electrochemical propertiesSEM-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 GMOur 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 M