Akshay Rao

A fully-funded PhD position is available at the University of Cambridge for research in AI-accelerated discovery of energy materials, with a focus on grid-scale energy storage. The project is interdisciplinary, combining advanced machine learning with experimental datasets at the Cavendish Laboratory. The student will develop computational approaches to understand battery degradation, efficiency, and lifespan. Supervision is provided by Akshay Rao (Physics), James Fergusson (Physics), and Miles Cranmer (DAMTP), with collaboration from the Chemistry department and the spinout company illumion. The position is ideal for candidates with strong backgrounds in physics, chemistry, materials science, applied mathematics, or related fields. The studentship is fully funded for four years, starting October 2025, and covers tuition and stipend. The application deadline is May 10, 2025. Interested candidates should review the flyer for full details and submit their application to the University of Cambridge. The opportunity is part of the broader AI-for-Science community in Cambridge, offering a collaborative and innovative research environment.