Description

Senior Researcher, Physics-Based Battery Modeler

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 → 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 hybrid. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location at least 3 times a week {or other frequency dictated by their manager}.

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.

Total Rewards | 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

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