Husam N. Alshareef
2 weeks ago
Postdoctoral Position in Battery Safety King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Chemistry
Funding
Available
Country
Saudi Arabia
University
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
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About this position
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher in battery safety within the Alshareef Group in the Physical Science and Engineering Division. The position is centered on understanding and improving the safety of lithium-ion and next-generation batteries, with particular emphasis on thermal runaway, predictive diagnostics, mitigation strategies, and safety performance from the cell level up to modules and packs.
The successful candidate will join a research environment that combines experimental battery safety characterization with multiscale computational modeling. The role includes designing and performing abuse and stability studies using tools and methods such as ARC, DSC, overcharge testing, and mechanical abuse tests; building and validating electrochemical-thermal-mechanical models; and analyzing coupled failure mechanisms including heat generation, gas evolution, internal shorting, and structural degradation. The project also explores data-driven and model-based frameworks for battery management systems, early fault detection, health monitoring, safety-oriented control, thermal management, fire suppression, and propagation-mitigation strategies.
This is a strong fit for researchers with backgrounds in materials science, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, electrochemistry, or applied physics. Applicants should have hands-on battery safety or battery-focused simulation experience, strong coding skills, and a publication record in peer-reviewed journals. Candidates who can bridge experimental and computational approaches are especially encouraged to apply.
The compensation package is attractive and includes a competitive tax-free salary, free on-campus housing, comprehensive health insurance, and 22 days of annual vacation, plus additional benefits. Applications must be submitted via Interfolio; applicants are explicitly instructed not to send CVs by email or LinkedIn. The posting notes that candidates whose research background does not align with the advertised position may be disqualified, and only selected candidates will be contacted.
KAUST is located in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia, near Jeddah, and is described as an internationally diverse university with world-class equipment, research facilities, and computational resources. The project is led by Prof. Husam N. Alshareef, whose group focuses on advanced functional materials for energy and electronic devices operating under demanding real-world conditions.
Funding details
Available
What's required
Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrochemistry, Applied Physics, or a related discipline. Hands-on experience in battery safety characterization such as ARC, DSC, nail penetration, overcharge testing, or related abuse/safety evaluation methods is required. Expertise in multiphysics modelling and simulation using tools such as COMSOL or ANSYS, and/or strong background in electrochemical, thermal, or mechanical modeling of batteries is expected. Strong coding skills for data analysis, model development, and algorithm implementation are required, along with a strong publication record in high-quality peer-reviewed journals, the ability to conduct independent rigorous research, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary research environment.
How to apply
Submit your application through Interfolio at the provided link. Do not send your CV to the professor by email or LinkedIn. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted by email.
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