PhD Nigel Groome Studentship: Battery degradation modelling and SOX estimation for EV applications
Pursue a focused research project and develop your expertise through independent enquiry into the advertised studentship topic.
Key facts
- Duration
- Full time: 3 years
- Starts
- January 2027
- Level
- PhDs and postgraduate research
- Funding status
- Funded
- Location
- Headington
- School
- School of Architecture
- Application deadline
23 October 2026
Overview
Accurate battery degradation modelling and estimation of electrochemical states are essential for improving electric vehicle performance, safety, and lifetime. This PhD, in collaboration with Jaguar Land Rover, will develop physics-informed, state-based estimatiion algorithms for Lithium-ion battery systems.
The project will integrate electrochemical degradation models with advanced estimation methods, including Kalman filtering and observer-based techniques, to enable real-time prediction of internal states and ageing mechanisms. Emphasis will be placed on balancing model fidelity, computational efficiency, and robustness under varying operating conditions.
The outcomes will support next-generation BMS with improved diagnostics, prognostics, and control for automotive applications. This project will investigate the coupling between battery degradation phenomena and state estimation frameworks suitable for real-time automotive deployment.
Additional Details
The research will involve developing reduced-order electrochemical models that capture ageing effects such as capacity fade and resistance growth, and embedding them within state observers and filtering algorithms. Data-driven and hybrid modelling approaches will be explored to enhance adaptability to real-world operating conditions.
The candidate will validate algorithms using experimental or industrial datasets and implement them in MATLAB/Simulink for integration within automotive BMS architectures. Close collaboration with Jaguar Land Rover will ensure industrial relevance with a focus on scalable, implementable solutions for production vehicle platforms.
The studentship requires you to undertake the equivalent of up to 6 hrs of teaching per week on average, during semester time, and to include preparation and marking (no more than 20 hrs / week), and to participate in a teaching skills course. Teaching, preparation and skills courses would all be without further remuneration.
Home / International applicants
The stipend is at the UKRI rate (currently £21,805 for the academic year 2026/27)
University fees at the home rate and bench fees will be met by the University for the 3 years. Visa and associated costs are not funded.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
| Qualification | Typical offer |
|---|---|
| IELTS | IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills. For more information, please see our English language requirements. |
Essential Criteria
- A Master's degree (or equivalent) in Electrical Engineering, Control Engineering, Mechatronics or Robotics, or a related discipline with a strong focus on dynamic systems
- Strong background in state-space modelling, estimation theory, and control systems
- Good understanding of Lithium-ion battery systems, BMS, and battery models, including equivalent circuit and electrochemical models.
- Proven ability to develop and implement state estimation algorithms, such as Kalman filters and observers, for real-time applications.
- Proficiency in MATLAB and Simulink for modelling, simulation, and validation using experimental or real-world data.
- Strong analytical, independent research, and communication skills, with motivation to publish in leading journals and conferences.
If you are an international student, you are eligible to apply but will need to pay the difference between International and Home fees for the course fees throughout the programme. You will need to evidence your ability to pay course fees during the application process, on your electronic application: we will discuss this with you when relevant.
Fees and funding
Fees
The studentship will cover university fees at the home rate. International and EU students without Settled Status will need to cover the difference between home and international fees.
How and when to pay
Tuition fee instalments for the semester are due by the Monday of week 1 of each semester. Students are not liable for full fees for that semester if they leave before week 4. If the leaving date is after week 4, full fees for the semester are payable.
- For information on payment methods please see our Make a Payment page.
- For information about refunds please visit our Refund policy page.
How to apply
Please contact tde-tdestudentships@brookes.ac.uk before applying or if you have any queries.
Apply directly via our application portal, making sure to select the MPhil/PhD in Architecture as your chosen course and using the name of the studentship as your title.
Please be sure to include the following in your application:
- Contact information for two referees, or full reference letters
- Copies of your previous degree certificates and transcripts
- A scan of your passport
- Evidence of English language proficiency in line with University requirements (international applicants only)
- A CV and cover letter
- Evidence of your ability to cover the fee difference (international and EU applicants only)
Director of Studies: Professor Shahab Resalati
Supervisors: Dr Aydin Azizi
External Advisers: Mr Burak Celen and Dr Farhad Salek
Project Contact: Shahab Resalati (sresalati@brookes.ac.uk)
Part-time MPhil/PhD study will be considered in exceptional circumstances (Home fee status applicants only).
Our courses are reviewed regularly as part of our quality assurance framework, so module availability and course structures may vary from what is listed here. On rare occasions, we may also need to make updates to our course programmes after publication; for full details, please visit our changes to programmes page (opens in a new tab)