PhD Studentship: AI-Enhanced Battery State of Health Estimation Using Ring Probabilistic Logic Neural Networks Oxford Brookes University in United Kingdom

[£20,780 per annum bursary. University fees covered at the home rate; international/EU students without Settled Status must pay the difference. Bench fees included. Visa and associated costs not covered.]

This fully funded PhD studentship at Oxford Brookes University offers an exciting opportunity to advance battery State of Health (SOH) estimation using cutting-edge artificial intelligence. The project, supervised by Professor Shahab Resalati and Dr Aydin Azizi, focuses on developing and experimentally validating a novel AI framework: the Ring Probabilistic Logic Neural Network (RPLNN). This approach fuses probabilistic logic with neural computation to improve the robustness, interpretability, and data efficiency of SOH predictions for lithium-ion batteries, which are critical in electric vehicles and energy storage systems.

Current SOH models often struggle to balance accuracy, generalisability, and computational efficiency across diverse operating conditions. The RPLNN model addresses these challenges by constraining information flow through a ring-based structure governed by probabilistic logic rules, enhancing interpretability and resistance to data drift. The project will utilize lithium-ion cell data supplied by Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), providing a strong industrial link and real-world relevance.

The studentship is open to home, EU, and international students. It provides a bursary of £20,780 per annum, covers university fees at the home rate, and includes bench fees. International and EU students without Settled Status must pay the difference between home and international fees, and visa costs are not covered. The position is full-time for three years, with a start date in September 2026. The application deadline is 20th February 2026, and interviews will be held online (date TBC).

Applicants should hold a first or upper second-class honours degree from a UK Higher Education Institution or an equivalent qualification. International/EU candidates must provide a valid IELTS Academic test certificate (or equivalent) with an overall minimum score of 6.0 and no score below 5.5, issued within the last 2 years. The application should include a cover letter, CV, details of two referees (at least one academic), a research proposal, degree certificates and transcripts, a passport scan, and evidence of English language qualification if required.

To apply, use the Oxford Brookes University portal via the provided link. For further information or queries, contact Professor Shahab Resalati at [email protected] or the studentships team at [email protected].